How God Turned A Hopeless Addict Into A Minister of Hope

This is the story of Louis B. Harrell Jr. At age eleven, Louis discovered a dark secret: His family wasn’t what it appeared to be. Everything he believed – and even his identity – was now suspect. Louis went from one failed identity to another, eventually leading to a devastating crack cocaine addiction and life as a hopeless addict on the dark streets of New Orleans.

But his story doesn’t end in the darkness. God’s grace and love rescued Louis and transformed his identity from a hopeless addict to a new one: a minister of hope and light. God redeemed Louis’s horrific experiences and used them as building blocks to help rebuild the walls of the lives of other men and families also torn apart by addiction.

Through the founding of the Men of Nehemiah program, God continues to use Louis' life to transform the lives of addicts and their families. This is a story of hope and redemption. It is the story of a Light that overcomes the darkness.

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Praise for A Light in the Darkness

  • A Light in the Darkness is so powerful that I believe it will be in bookshelves beside leather-bound issues of C. S. Lewis’ deepest theology tomes; it will also be in crack houses and amid the refuse under bridges. I have no doubt God will use it to transform lives…and I don’t just mean addicts’ lives.

    David Alvey, CEO, Aardvark Communications

  • In many ways, we all move through this journey of life seeking to be a star. In A Light in the Darkness, Louis B. Harrell Jr. captures the heart of a servant who elevates to genuine God-fearing leadership through battles none of us would choose, but with victories only God can deliver. This book is a valuable narrative of an imperfect and impactful leader who is inspiring people daily to pick up their mat and walk. I recommend this book to any leaders who are willing to genuinely confront their missteps for the chance at following in His steps.

    Eddie Garcia, Chief of the Dallas Police Department

  • We see them every day. We’ve traditionally called them “homeless,” but they’re also hopeless—especially the ones ensnared by drugs. I admit that I look at them and wonder (as they do), “What hope is there for you?” Then I encounter a true-life story like Louis Harrell’s. And I’m reminded that when no hope is left, there is still God: The God who sees, who cares, who pursues, loves, and forgives. The God of all hope. Really, the only God of hope. If you’re desperately looking for that hope—whether for yourself or someone you care about—read Louis’ story. It’s a shaft of light in the dark prison of hopelessness. Indeed, it’s a light that leads to life-giving freedom in the One who loves us beyond life itself.

    Bill Hendricks, Executive Director for Christian Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary

  • A Light in the Darkness is a great, hopeful redemption story. As Louis says, “Hurt people hurt people,” continuing the cycle of pain. His story tells how redemption breaks that cycle. It’s a story that has made the City of Dallas and those experiencing life’s pain better.

    Michael Scott Rawlings, Mayor of Dallas, Texas, 2011–2019

  • A Light in the Darkness is a beautiful story of how God redeems our brokenness for His glory. I was captivated by Louis’ journey and how God took what the enemy meant for destruction and used it for the good of countless men who would come to the Men of Nehemiah program. I have witnessed firsthand what God has done through members of my church as they have been a part of one of the most incredible ministries I have ever seen. I thank God for my friend Louis Harrell, whom God chose to rewrite the stories of so many men who have moved from the darkness to the light.

    Ron Holton, Lead Pastor, Rockpointe Church

  • A true story of a man who not only survived a devastating and destructive addiction, but, through God’s grace, is thriving—and leading others in doing the same. Louis shares his personal story of climbing out of the darkness of addiction and learning to live in the light. Powerful truth. Brutal honesty. And certainly, an inspiring story.

    Michal Powell, Community Leader

  • This book, like every conversation I have with Louis, draws me closer to Jesus. His story is a prophetic witness to the fact that God redeems all that He allows. In the case of Louis, God allowed him to descend into the depths of addiction and then ascend further “downward” into life in the kingdom of God. Louis is a man who actually lives out the good life that Jesus describes in the Beatitudes. Follow his amazing story and you, too, will be inspired to pull others out of darkness and into the glorious light of Jesus.

    Dr. Jeff Warren, Senior Pastor, Park Cities Baptist Church

  • Louis’ journey is desperately heartbreaking, yet fearlessly hopeful. I first met Louis when he brought the Men of Nehemiah to sing at our church. Hearing the stories of these men and experiencing how they used this program to turn away from their addiction was powerful—and so was their singing. Over the years, I have gotten to know Louis as he's shared his struggles and celebrated his successes. Transparency is the basis of A Light in the Darkness. It is both illuminating and inspiring, bringing context, clarity, and compassion to a unique ministry born out of deep pain.

    Rev. Paul Rasmussen, Highland Park United Methodist Church

A Rich History

The Men of Nehemiah was originally established in New Orleans by the father of Louis Harrell, Jr. in an effort to save his son from the grips of addiction. This video captures the early days of Men of Nehemiah before it was planted in Dallas in 2010.