Michael “Bull” Roberts grew up in an abusive home. The brutality he endured as a child formed who he became as an adult—a gangster and full-time criminal . He was one of the toughest, most dangerous and unforgiving felons in the country. Now he’s a different man, one committed to God and improving his community.
 
From ages two to 14, Michael suffered incomprehensible physical beatings and sexual abuse at the hands of his father. “My father was a harsh, angry man, who had money and power,” says Michael. “His lies, humiliation and daily assaults left me physically, mentally and emotionally damaged. I picked up his language of violence, and destructive behaviour became my means of communication.”
 
At age eight Michael plotted the murder of his parents. He didn’t follow through on his plans, but was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode. At age 10, he snorted gas, smoked hash and marijuana, and abused liquor stolen from his fathers’ cabinets. “These made me hallucinate and numb the pain of the beatings,” says Michael.
 
Before long, Michael became a raging bull, looking for any opportunity to release his anger. After breaking a teacher’s jaw, he was placed in foster care. Then, after witnessing his foster father’s murder, he hit the streets. The 15-year-old soon became a full-blown drug and alcohol addict with a long list of trafficking and assault charges.
 
At age 16, when some friends overdosed, Michael was held in a cell, facing murder charges should the three victims die. He was also charged with 31 counts of drug trafficking and 13 assaults. While his friends survived, Michael was tried as an adult and found criminally insane. He’s lost count of how much time he’s spent in prisons and mental institutions.
 
When Michael could no longer meet his basic needs for food, shelter and safety he turned to The Salvation Army. “They knew I was an addict, convict and deemed criminally insane. Yet, The Salvation Army treated me with respect, gave me food and a roof over my head, and made me feel welcome,” says Michael. “Look at me,” he continues with a chuckle, “I can’t even get help at a hospital.” (80% of Michael’s body is covered with tattoos. Many cover scars from violent attacks.)

Throughout his life Michael sought out situations that gave him power over the powerless. When he joined a gang, Michael says he found a family. Members noticed his survival skills and ability to fight. He rose quickly through the ranks to become leader. He participated in organized crime for the purpose of obtaining financial benefit and found steady streams of new victims. “I was married to a gun, and a sociopath with no remorse or guilt for my actions,” says Michael.

In the summer of 2009 Michael was severely beaten and left for dead. After discharge from hospital he booked himself into a hotel room while he healed. But, Michael’s six-foot four inch, 460-pound body was so broken he couldn’t even get to the bathroom. In extreme pain he fell to the floor and spent hours there. “This was my breaking point,” says Michael. “I couldn’t fight anymore.”

Completely empty inside, he called out to God. “I just wanted to feel love,” says Michael. “I cried for hours on that floor.

“God came into the room that day. I was forgiven. I told Him I’d give my life to Him. I’d let Him run it His way.”
Michael, now 35, writes a Christian newsletter that reaches more than 700 inmates  across North America, China and Sri Lanka. He talks to schools and church groups. He meets with young men who are close to being in trouble with the law or have already been charged. “I hope to direct them on the right path,” says Michael.

His two-time award-winning autobiography The Tender Heart of a Beast, released in 2009, is evidence that miracles still happen. It’s a story of hope, and that tomorrow can be different.

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