He is a changed man.
Preston Perry’s transformation from the turbulent streets of Chicago to becoming a passionate advocate for Christ is a testament to resilience and spiritual growth. As a spoken-word poet, performing artist, and husband to author Jackie Hill Perry, Perry’s journey was shaped by early exposure to violence and trauma on the South Side of Chicago. Witnessing the murder of family and friends led him to question the presence of a just God in a world marred by suffering.
Despite this, Perry’s faith began to take shape after he encountered the Gospel at a house church at the age of 16. The message of a loving yet just God, who opposes evil, helped him understand the seriousness of his own actions and his need for repentance. Although initially resistant to giving up his previous lifestyle of crime and vice, the tragic death of a friend served as a wake-up call that spurred a profound spiritual awakening.
Perry’s spiritual growth was greatly influenced by Gary, a mentor who provided him with practical, life-on-life discipleship. Unlike traditional sermons, Gary’s approach involved integrating Perry into his daily life, offering a tangible example of Christian living. This personal and immersive form of discipleship demonstrated to Perry that Christianity is about heart transformation rather than mere behavioral changes.
In his book, How to Tell the Truth: The Story of How God Saved Me to Win Hearts — Not Just Arguments, Perry advocates for a compassionate approach to evangelism that focuses on understanding and connecting with individuals rather than treating them as mere projects. He emphasizes the importance of asking insightful questions to genuinely engage with others and the value of planting seeds of faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will bring about the increase. Perry believes that effective evangelism involves obedience to God’s guidance, with each believer using their unique gifts to share the Gospel in their own way.