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Book Cover for: 27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Time in Angola Prison, Ronald Olivier

27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Time in Angola Prison

Ronald Olivier

Discover hope as you see redemption even in the darkest circumstances. Ronald Olivier shares his dramatic and powerful story of how a young man sentenced to life without parole miraculously found faith, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.

As a teenager Ronald Olivier ran wild in the streets of New Orleans, selling drugs, stealing cars, and finally killing someone on Christmas Day 1991. Ron was sentenced to life in prison without parole and was incarcerated for nearly three decades. Finally, after being locked up for 27 summers at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary--known as Angola--Ron was miraculously released in 2018.

But what led to this amazing transformation and newfound freedom?

27 Summers recounts Ron's journey of redemption and how even through the agony of solitary confinement and multiple transfers into increasingly dangerous prison environments, Ron kept seeking God for healing and hope. Remarkably, he became the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary. Today, Ron loves to combat hopelessness, wherever he finds it, by saying, "Don't tell me what God can't do!"

As you read 27 Summers you will:

  • Gain a new perspective on overcoming adversity: Learn new insights about faith and patience from a man who spent almost three decades in a cruel and violent environment.
  • Explore the power of faith in dark times: Discover how faith can be a guiding light, offering hope and strength when you need it most.
  • Understand the true meaning of forgiveness: Be encouraged to find grace and forgiveness to overcome the pain of your past.
  • Find the hope you need for trying times: Take heart and be inspired as you witness the reality that God can redeem and restore anyone.

In 27 Summers you will find hope, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. Ron's inspiring story brilliantly displays God's power to transform individuals, families, and communities, reminding us that there truly is nothing God can't do.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson
  • Publish Date: Nov 7th, 2023
  • Pages: 224
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.90in - 5.80in - 0.80in - 0.70lb
  • EAN: 9781400239122
  • Categories: Christian Living - InspirationalChristian Living - Social IssuesChristian Living - Spiritual Growth

About the Author

Olivier, Ronald: -

Ronald Olivier served twenty-seven summers in the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola. He was released in 2018, and became a client of the Louisiana Parole Project. In 2020, less than two years after leaving Angola, Ronald was hired as the director of chaplaincy at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. In 2023 Ronald returned to the Louisiana Parole Project as a client advocate, using his experience to guide other formerly incarcerated people toward successful careers and lives. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his wife and son.

Borlase, Craig: -

Craig Borlase is a New York Times bestselling writer, specializing in crafting dramatic, engaging memoirs. Recent work includes Finding Gobi -- the international and New York Times bestselling account of an ultra-marathon runner's chance encounter with a stray dog in the Mongolian desert, now translated into twenty-one languages -- and My Name Is Tani -- the story of an eight year old chess prodigy living in a homeless shelter in NYC. Films of both books are currently in development, with Tani... acquired by Paramount Pictures/Trevor Noah and Gobi... acquired by Sony/Tencent. Craig has collaborated with a wide range of authors on more than fifty books, from a global entertainment icon to a former Muslim woman who was one week away from becoming a suicide bomber. Previous work has taken him to Iraq, Jordan, China, Haiti, India, Sweden, Cuba, Uganda, Australia and all over the United States. Website: https: //www.craigborlase.com/

Praise for this book

27 Summers is an incredible journey into the power of redemption. Ronald Olivier's story takes us on a rollercoaster from his wild youth in the streets of New Orleans to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where he finds salvation and solace through faith in God. This book is an inspiring tale that shows how even in our darkest moments, we can find hope, peace, and freedom if we choose to turn to God. Ronald is a great example to others that anyone seeking God and redemption can find his way out of the pits of hell-- from a life of crime and prison-- and into a life of helping others. 27 Summers is a must- read.--Commissioner Burl Cain, Mississippi Department of Corrections
Gritty, terrifying yet truly uplifting!--Bear Grylls, adventurer and author of Never Give Up and Mud, Sweat, and Tears
I first met Ronald Olivier in prison. An experience I thought I would never take part in. Since meeting Ronald and learning about his story, I've wanted nothing more than for the world to hear it and meet the man who inspired me. 27 Summers will change your perspective on life, faith, and love. Ronald did that for me. His story will do the same for you. I can't wait for you to read about Ronald and learn what I learned: that change is not only possible but also probable when you encounter Jesus. Thank you Slim, for sharing your story with the world. We need it.--Sam Acho, author, speaker, and ESPN analyst
This inspiring, powerful, and important memoir is so timely as we continue to reckon with decades of over- incarceration and excessive punishment. Ron Olivier makes redemption accessible to us all.--Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy
This inviting, encouraging, and inspiring book is the read you've been wait-ing for! Ronald Olivier's journey of flaws and failures led to a life of faith and unusual triumph. 27 Summers beckons you to step behind prison walls with Ronnie and experience freedom born of God's grace and mercy, proof that He never counts anyone out.--Dr. Leslie Draper III, board certified senior clinical chaplain and mayor of Simmesport, Louisiana
This is one of the most compelling comeback stories you will ever read. It will hold your attention on every page-- and ultimately lead you to your knees in wonder, love, and praise. Hugely recommended!--Matt Redman, GRAMMY Award- winning worship leader and songwriter and author
Ronnie Slim is a living testimony to God's redemptive power. In the depths of one of America's most notorious prisons, he discovered unimaginable healing, hope, and God's purpose for his life. 27 Summers tells the story of God's abounding love, proving that even in the darkest of circumstances, He is with us and provides a way out.--Len Vanden Bos, chaplain for the Buffalo Bills