CLARKS GREEN - Mary Yuhas stood by her brother, Eugene McGuire, for the 35 years he spent in prison after receiving a life sentence when he was 17.
On Sunday, Mrs. Yuhas stood by Mr. McGuire in the second pew of the Clarks Green Assembly of God as he spoke about his time in prison, his release and how his life was transformed by both experiences.
"It's still surreal that he's even out and free," Mrs. Yuhas said, brushing away tears. "I'm so proud that he kept himself so strong. If he could go through what he went through and still have faith, that says it all."
On Sunday, Mr. McGuire, 52, spoke to those assembled about finding faith while imprisoned, a message he hopes will encourage others.
"I feel this is what the Lord called me to do," he said. "It brings hope to people. That is worth everything."
Mr. McGuire was sentenced to life for second-degree murder after a plan to rob the Marine Room tavern at Lake Winola on June 17, 1977, ended with his cousin, Robert Lobman, 24 at the time, of New Jersey, murdering the bartender and owner, Isabelle Nagy.
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling that said a juvenile offender could not be sentenced to life in prison without parole for a nonhomicide crime set him free. In April, after 34 years, nine months and 15 days, Mr. McGuire's sentence was vacated.
As he shared the circumstances that sent him to jail, he described a feeling of disbelief. "How does a kid get into this situation?" he recalled asking himself. "I still didn't understand the consequences of my actions and behavior."
Once in jail, he said, it was a fight for survival until a prison ministry changed his path. It was his faith that caused him to get away from drugs and other negative affiliations in prison and, instead, to begin a fellowship with other prisoners who shared his beliefs.
"I've known bondage through sin, and I've known bondage through prison," Mr. McGuire said, adding that he now represents other prisoners who have experienced a similar transformation. "I feel like such an ambassador."
Since his release, he has begun sharing his story and his faith with others in Texas, where he now resides. He has also begun acclimating to life outside prison.
"I got my driver's license three weeks ago," Mr. McGuire said, proudly removing it from his wallet.
His message of inspiration brought tears to many sitting in the pews, including assembly secretary Louise Cator, 62.
"His words, even though they weren't highly charismatic or boisterous, they were powerful because of the truth that's in them," she said. "Gene is the real thing."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter