Introduction & Early Life
The Upbringing: Following an introduction by host Preston Cameron [01:18], James shares that he grew up in a loving home in Ozark, Missouri. His parents separated when he was five years old due to his father’s functional alcoholism [03:00].
Abuse & Sanctuary: After his mother remarried, his stepfather became highly abusive and controlling. During this turbulent time, attending church and church camps became James’s only safe haven [16:48].
Mental Health & Addiction Struggles
The Breakdown: Around the age of 15, after he and his mother finally escaped the abusive household, James suffered a severe mental breakdown that led to state care and suicide attempts [22:29].
A 20-Year Battle: Seeking acceptance from peers, he tried IV meth [25:42]. This single choice triggered a massive two-decade struggle with drug addiction, resulting in him spending nearly 20 years in and out of the Missouri prison system for addiction-related crimes [08:26].
The Turning Point
A Breakthrough in Jail: At age 40, while incarcerated in the Stone County jail, a visiting pastor prayed over him. James experienced a profound emotional release, waking up as if from a cloud to find his Bible covered in tears [33:00].
The Wilderness: The very next day, he read Deuteronomy 8, connecting deeply with the passage about the Israelites spending 40 years in the wilderness and realizing God had been preserving him the whole time [35:07].
Relapse & True Recovery
Stumbling: James discusses his ongoing struggle with sanctification. He initially entered the Hope Homes discipleship program but left early to care for his autistic son, which eventually led to a relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns [41:29].
Fellowship: Realizing the critical need for Christian fellowship, James returned to the program. He dedicated himself to the process and eventually became a house leader [44:04].
Ministry in the Workplace
A New Calling: Today, James works for a company that actively hires felons and individuals in recovery [44:46].
Loose Discipleship: Having worked his way up to an inventory foreman, he views his job as a ministry. He practices “loose discipleship” to mentor and guide his coworkers who are walking the same difficult path he once did [47:05].
Preaching: Stepping far outside his comfort zone, James also writes sermons and guest preaches at smaller churches to provide relief for long-term pastors [47:51].
Conclusion
Final Word: James closes the episode by emphasizing that God is never finished with us as long as we remain teachable and obedient. He then leads the hosts in a final prayer [56:07].
Video Link: James Hensley’s Story “417 Testimonies of Jesus Christ” Episode 10 With Host Preston & Dennis
