On this episode of Divine Intervention, we welcome Chester Gayles, who miraculously survived being shot 9 times. A native of Long Island, New York, Chester spent the first 10 years of his life on the Poospatuck Indian Reservation in Mastic, New York. He started wrestling in 6th grade, becoming a high school phenomenon, and went undefeated until 12th grade.
At 18 he got into trouble with his brother, and was charged with armed robbery in the 1st degree. He was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison. As a result, Chester got involved in the criminal lifestyle, and spent the next 15 years in and out of prison.
At the age of 43, Chester was in a flop house/drug den when, in what is believed to be a gang initiation rite, he was shot 9 times and left for dead. As he was lying face down, bleeding out, he began to speak to God and prepare for the end. God spoke back and miraculously, Chester survived.
As a result of this traumatic experience and miraculous survival, Chester experienced a spiritual renewal. It was obvious that God had a purpose for him, and required him to find it. Chester started going back to church, committed his life to Jesus, and began searching for God’s will and purpose for his life.
He also attended Phoenix House, an in-patient drug rehab program on Long Island, New York, for 15 months. After completing the program and getting sober, he worked as a counselor for a year at Phoenix house, counseling others with addictions and helping them to recover.
Today, Chester is sober, a born-again Christian, and the co-host of the new TV talk show "The Felon & The Fed" with Retired IRS Special Agent Michael Vilardi on Cablevision on Long Island, New York. Gayles and Vilardi discuss hot topic issues of the day ranging from gun control to immigration, to faith and politics.
Click the links below to listen to this inspiring story of the Lord's redeeming power in Chester's life, and how the He miraculously spared Chester from a violent death!
Chester Gayles
Download DI # 161 Chester Gayles FULL SHOW
