Joanne Horst
Join us on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. in the Robson Ranch clubhouse. As a three-year-old growing up in Aransas Pass, Texas, Rudy didn’t know he was poor—only that when his bike broke, there was no money to fix it, and when his father beat him, there was no one to protect him. Soon after, his father went to prison. By age four, Rudy was working in a fish factory alongside his grandmother, escaping a childhood filled with fear, addiction, and abuse. From an early age, he searched for belonging and purpose.
Those early wounds led to devastating choices. Rudy was eventually indicted on charges including home invasion, drug possession, and murder. While in prison, seeking protection and identity, he helped start the Mexican Mafia and became addicted to drugs inside prison walls. Labeled “very dangerous—a killer,” he spent months in solitary confinement. Isolation and addiction left him broken, angry, and detached from the world.
After his first release from prison, Rudy longed for connection—with his family and with something greater than himself. He had never known parental love. All three father figures in his life were incarcerated. In Rudy’s words, “God had to soften my heart first. He started small—one job, then a better job—until He got my attention. Even after everything I had done, He showed me that He loved me.”
Change did not come overnight. Like a child learning to walk, Rudy struggled with anger, unforgiveness, and temptation. He returned to prison, but this time, God met him there, showing him he was not alone and that his life still had purpose.
Inside prison, Rudy began to grow spiritually, and others noticed. Gang members asked him to share his story, saying, “I want what you have.” He became a life coach, helping inmates leave gangs and prepare for life beyond prison. He launched a prison blog that reached more than 800,000 inmates and conducted church services seven days a week.
One of those impacted was Spencer Sale, son of a Robson Ranch resident, who entered prison angry at God. Spencer will also share how meeting Rudy introduced him to the Jesus he thought he already knew.
While incarcerated, Rudy earned a master’s degree in Christian education. His transformation has led hundreds of inmates, guards, and prison staff—and his own family—to a new life in Christ.
Rudy was released in December of 2025, despite sentences totaling 90 years. A miracle? You decide.
Join us on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Robson Ranch clubhouse to hear a powerful message of forgiveness, healing, and hope—and to discover how God redeems even the most broken stories.
About Women Sharing Hope: Women Sharing Hope is a Christ-centered community where friendships flourish, faith deepens, and God’s love is shared freely. We meet regularly on the first Friday of every month. Contact us for more information at 817-707-7707 or email womensharinghopeclub@gmail.com. Or go to our website at womensharinghope.net.