Let me begin by echoing the Apostle Paul’s confession in Romans 7:18: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” That verse captures me perfectly—my struggles, my imperfections, my humanity. If I have true faith, it’s not because of anything I’ve done but because of God’s sovereign mercy and grace. Like the old hymn so beautifully puts it, “Nothing in my hands I bring; simply to the cross I cling.” Life hasn’t been an easy journey, but I thank my Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ that His grace is sufficient for every trial and affliction I’ve faced. As Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” My childhood was marked by instability. My parents, for reasons I’ve come to understand but never fully reconcile, were neither willing nor able to care for me. My great-grandmother Lois stepped in and provided the foundation I desperately needed during those tender years. When her health could no longer sustain her role, my uncle and aunt took me under their wings. This was during the turbulent 1960s—rock 'n' roll blaring from radios, the Vietnam War on every television set, and a country struggling to find its identity. From there, life took me to Mary Graham Hall, a temporary children’s shelter in French Camp, California, and later to a foster home. It was in that foster home that I attended Linden High School. By the time I graduated high school, I had attended eight different schools—a whirlwind of change that taught me how to adapt quickly and survive. After high school, I joined the Marine Corps Reserve, not realizing just how tough it would be. But by God’s grace, I made it through. Returning home to Stockton, I graduated from San Joaquin Delta College and later attended the University of the Pacific, where I majored in Communications. I discovered a love for drama and public speaking, honing my skills on the speech team and later with Toastmasters. The first 38 years of my life were marked by constant reinvention. I worked more than 30 jobs—everything from selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door-to-door during college to Amway, used cars, and even my own homemade chocolate chip cookies at flea markets. I worked as a counselor in group homes and juvenile detention centers, cleaned carpets, and sold Fuller Brush products. I owned and operated two businesses—a chimney cleaning service and a junk removal company. During the cold, rainy Northern California winters, when the junk removal business slowed down, I found myself returning to counseling work in group homes. Each job brought its own set of challenges, but it also taught me resilience and adaptability. In 1994, I stood at a crossroads: Should I finish my bachelor’s degree at a Christian Bible college or pursue my dream of acting? Ultimately, my passion for the arts won out, and in 1996, I moved to Hollywood. Within a year, I joined the Screen Actors Guild, landed an agent, and began building my acting resume. I worked on a student film, an independent movie (The Preacher and the Skinhead), and did extra work in films like My Best Friend’s Wedding, Austin Powers, Mad City, The Bachelor, and others. But acting slowly moved to the back burner as I launched a new and improved junk removal service. Over time, the Lord gave me convictions against continuing in the industry, leading me to reevaluate my priorities. After years of wandering from God, I experienced a profound season of self-examination. Through His mercy, He drew me back to Himself and reignited in me a passion for street preaching. This calling has become the heartbeat of my life—a gift I don’t take lightly. Today, I continue to minister and share God’s truth as revealed in His Word. My journey is far from over, and I’m still learning every day. If you’re curious, you can find my videos on YouTube under “Brother Carlton” (formerly “LAstreetpreacher”). It’s my prayer that my story, though imperfect, will inspire others to seek the transformative grace of Jesus Christ.