Bert’s Story

Bert is a man on a mission—one shaped by pain, transformation, and redemption.

Growing up, Bert endured relentless abuse and quickly became a product of his environment. At a young age, he turned to drugs, sex, money, violence, and gangs in an attempt to escape the pain and numb the hurt. As a teenager, his pursuit of street credibility and a hardened “thuggish” persona pulled him deeper into darkness, leading to countless criminal acts.

Eventually, those choices caught up with him, and Bert was sentenced to prison. Many believed his story would end there—but God had other plans.

During his 18 years of incarceration, Bert encountered a prison ministry that changed everything. Through it, he experienced the love of the Father and a radical transformation of his heart that would redefine the course of his life.

Since his release, Bert has beaten the odds. He has successfully completed parole, remained sober, stayed faithful to God, become a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Rachel, and a loving father to their children. He has established himself as a contributing member of both society and the Church, serving in various leadership and outreach roles, including:

Program Director at Dads With A Purpose, a three-quarter sober living home

Street Outreach Pastor at The ARK Church and Bethany Full Gospel Church

Student Mentor at King Elementary and its After-School Enrichment Programs

Community Partner with DMPD in at-risk youth initiatives

Active member of Help DSM, an alliance of pastors, Christian leaders, and nonprofit organizations committed to citywide transformation

Alongside his wife, Rachel, Bert is also the Co-Founder and Owner of PawSitive Poop & Scoop LLC, a faith-based business rooted in integrity, service, and stewardship.

Out of his personal testimony and God-given calling, Bert founded Thugging To Loving (TTL)—a ministry dedicated to reaching at-risk youth, the homeless, individuals struggling with addiction, gang members, formerly incarcerated men, and anyone who feels forgotten or hopeless. Because of his lived experience, Bert has the rare ability to meet people exactly where they are and connect with them authentically.

Together, Bert and Rachel bring love, hope, and encouragement to the broken, reminding them that no past is wasted and that every life has purpose in Christ.

Thugging To Loving exists so that people can experience restoration, joy, belonging, and discover God’s purpose for their lives.

We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with Thugging To Loving as we work to bring hope where it is needed most and help restore lives through the power of Jesus Christ.