From Neighbourhood Dealer to Hope Dealer: Luke Wilson’s Journey
Luke Wilson’s life has been anything but ordinary. Once a young man who rejected God and lashed out at believers, he now credits prison chaplains with turning his life around—setting him on a path to hope, salvation, and fulfilment.
A Childhood Shadowed by Self-Hate
Growing up, Luke was loved by his parents—but he hated himself. By primary school, he had already started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol. By the age of ten, he had turned to harder drugs. By twelve, he was dealing them.
“I hated the world, I hated myself, I was lost and confused and had no hope. I was a failure in every sense of the word,” Luke recalled.
“I was expelled from every school, battling addiction, full of anger and full of hate.”
From Anger to Violence
Luke’s anger soon turned violent. He embraced gang life and dealt in firearms. By 20, he was imprisoned for offences including drugs, assault, and arson. Over 18 years, he cycled in and out of four Queensland correctional centres.
It was on remand for another violent crime that Luke first felt God’s presence.
“Every hair on my body sat up. I had a warm sensation in my heart and a tear in my eye. I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. All my pain and all my hate left my body.”
Finding Guidance in Prison
During his final stint, Luke sought out the chaplains he had once shunned. He immersed himself in the Bible and Bible studies, reading constantly in his cell.
“It was beautiful to seek out the chaplains to get wisdom, to receive understanding, to be loved, to get nurtured, to chat about something that’s greater than me,” Luke said.
“The chaplains are respected in prison. They don’t judge anyone. I appreciate everything they have done for me.”
A Life Transformed
God is now at the centre of Luke’s life. He wears a wedding ring engraved with Jesus’ name, symbolising his devotion:
“I am married to Him; He pulled me out of the darkness and into the light.”
Today, Luke works with Hope Ministries International and Emmanuel City Mission, supporting vulnerable people and spreading hope.
“My motivation is to transform lives like my life was transformed,” he says.
Why Prison Chaplains Matter
Luke is a strong advocate for prison chaplains, who he says are crucial in guiding people through dark times.
“These chaplains speak life into people like me, who are so hardened towards God and don’t want a relationship with Him,” he said.
“Without them, many will go by the wayside. They are the shepherds who direct us and lead us.”
You can help support Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy’s volunteer chaplains by donating to the Carinity Chaplains Appeal, ensuring they continue making a lasting impact in Queensland correctional centres.