The Story: Six challenging steps
Billy's Journey to Jesus
Step 1.
A Troubled Beginning
Billy Kidd grew up in Michigan in a well-to-do suburban family, but his father’s frequent absences and his mother’s struggles with depression and alcoholism created a turbulent home life. Embarrassed and rebellious, his life turned to constant trouble, landing him in juvenile detention. At 17, Billy was convicted of his first adult felony charges. He wound up on a cell block with men he calls “the worst of the worst.” – He remembers, “They became my mentors in crime.” Prison became a place of belonging. “Everyone I knew was [behind bars],” he says. “I would come out to the free world to wreak havoc, run deals, and get sent back.”
Age1
First Adult Felony Charges
Step 2.
The Prison Cycle
After years spent revolving in and out of the Michigan Department of Corrections, Billy had a body’s worth of tattoos and a rap sheet long enough to wallpaper a room. Prison became a place of belonging for Billy, where he found mentorship among hardened criminals. Unable to resist the temptations of the streets despite occasional exposure to faith...God wasn’t finished with him yet.
Step 3.
A Turning Point in Solitude
In November 1998, while in segregation for his role in a violent prison gang, Billy experienced a spiritual awakening. Alone with a Bible, he reflected on his life’s destruction, sought forgiveness, and committed to change, marking a pivotal shift in his journey. “I recognized the evil in my life,” he says. “I thought, If I died right now, people would be happy.” Billy felt God was giving him one more chance to get his life right. He begged for forgiveness and decided to make the most of this last shot.
Step 4.
Rehabilitation Through Faith
After his awakening, Billy stayed true to his newfound faith, engaging in prison church activities, joining Bible studies, and counseling other inmates. Though initially denied parole, he embraced his role in transforming prison culture until his surprise release. Two years after sharing his faith in Christ with other criminals, he was granted parole - God opened the prison gates and set him free.
Step 5.
Rebuilding a new life both physically and spiritually
Released from prison in 2000 at the age of 42, and now transformed by Christ, Billy never looked back. After spending 25 years in prison, Billy faced serious reintegration challenges but found support through a mentor. God opened doors. He secured a roofing job, and began to rebuild his life. Miracles followed...He became a husband and family man. Together, Billy and his wife now have ten children. Even with all that responsibility, Billy began volunteering with Prison Fellowship Michigan. He is also the Prison Ministry Leader at his church.
Step 6.
Update to 2025: Legacy and Impact in 2025
By 2025, Billy Kidd’s life story has had an enduring impact on many lives. He has become a beacon of hope and redemption. His positive outlook on life is felt by all who meet him. As a husband, father of ten children, and grandfather of 12, he is thrilled to see his family making positive choices. He leads the prison ministry team at his church and continues to grow in his faith. Billy has embraced technology, using social media and online platforms to share resources and connect with those in need. Despite the passage of time, Billy’s faith remains unwavering, and his focus is to live for the Lord Jesus Christ. He continues to volunteer with Prison Fellowship in the Detroit area. He regularly visits prisons to offer hope and guidance, proving that even the most wayward souls can find purpose and make an everlasting difference.
Billy's Latest
Billy has become a team member with Emedia Design Group, a Christ-centered business, focused on providing marketing and advertising solutions for small businesses. For over 45 years, Emedia Design Group continues to publish the Christian Pages business directory, both in-print and online, connecting Christian business owners with Christian consumers. This directory has become Billy’s passion.
