Thanksgiving Replay: From Gang Life to Pastor Dad

Gabriel Neves grew up with an alcoholic, abusive stepdad, ran with gangs, and hit rock bottom facing a life sentence in prison—until Jesus met him in a jail cell and rewrote his story. In this episode of Dudes Without Dads, he shares how God broke addiction, healed father wounds, restored his relationship with his dad, and turned him into a husband, father, and pastor.

What You’ll Learn:

• How growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father shaped Gabriel’s view of manhood and identity.
• The moment gang life, drugs, and violence led him to a near life sentence in prison.
• How a simple, persistent gospel witness (and a Bible in jail) sparked a radical heart transformation.
• The difference between condemnation and conviction—and how to hear God’s voice over shame.
• How God restored his relationship with the man who once terrorized his home.
• Practical advice for dads who never had a dad and feel terrified of repeating the cycle.
• Why healing from father wounds is possible through Jesus, community, and honest repentance.