Kevin West - Angel in Aisle 3: A Mysterious Vagrant, a Convicted Bank Executive, and the Unlikely Friendship That Saved Both Their Lives

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Praise for

I made a mistake in opening Angel in Aisle 3 . While waiting for a phone call that didnt come, I decided to read only the first chapter. Its now five hours later and Ive wasted most of my working day reading this book... Or did I waste it? The inspirational story of two men from completely different walks of life who changed each others lives kept me turning pages. It reads like an extended parable with snippets of wisdom sprinkled throughout the chapters. After I turned the last page, one thought hit me: I wish I had known Don.

Cecil Murphey , author or coauthor of more than 130 books, including Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story , and 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper

God works in mysterious ways, and Kevins story is evidence of this. God wants to do more than change us cosmeticallyHe transforms us from the inside out. An amazing, honest, raw tale of mercy in the midst of lifes big struggles.

Chris Fabry , host of the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio and author of more than 70 books, including nonfiction, film novelizations, and novels for children and young adult

Being a filmmaker who has come across many stories, I was mesmerized by this soul-baring account of Kevin and Don. Within a few pages I was swept into a journey I never could have anticipated. This true story is a message of hope for all who read it. Ive known Kevin for many years, and have long been thoroughly impressed by his ability to combine wonderfully creative storytelling with important and inspirational themes.

Rick Bieber , writer, director, or producer of over 30 feature films and television/cable movies, including The 5th Quarter, Crazy, Flatliners, Made in America , and Radio Flyer

Kevin Wests inspirational book will bless the Body of Christ in many ways. His journey from the corporate world to prison to the pastorate is not only heart-rending but very instructional for every follower of Christ. All of us need help toward our destiny and assignments in the Kingdom. In this page-turner, you will be blessed and amazed as you meet Kevins helpers!

Jim Hodges , founder, president, and apostolic team leader of the Federation of Ministers and Churches International in Duncanville, Texas

Pastor Kevin West is an artesian well of wisdom. His insight and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit coupled with his measured but powerful presence encourages bold and visionary leadership.

Steve Williams , Mayor of the City of Huntington, West Virginia

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Copyright 2015 by Kevin West and John Frederick Edwards

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First Howard Books hardcover edition November 2015

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Designed by Davina Mock-Maniscalco

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-4767-9400-6

ISBN 978-1-4767-9401-3 (ebook)

To Leesa, my precious wife and best friend.

And to my daughters, Lauren, Lindsey, and Lakyn; my son, Kaiden; my granddaughters, Braylie and Aubree; and my son-in-law, Bradleythe joys of my life.

H E SAID HIS NAME WAS Don and that he needed some groceries. And he called me son.

Son, he said, can I get a little credit until the first of the month? Maybe twenty dollars for some lunchmeat and milk? He was an elderly manseventy or so. His stained khakis were too short and were secured by a frayed leather belt. He wore brown shoes held together with knotted laces. The left sleeve of his soiled shirt was torn, and a button was missing from the front. He had a long, matted beard and greasy gray hair. And he reeked with body odor.

Sure, I said. Twenty dollars is fine.

How could I know that this untidy man before me would change my life forever? When I described him to some friends in my Bible study group, they didnt believe me. Rather than come out and blatantly accuse me of conjuring him up, they simply implied that I was exaggerating. Surely, in their minds, my mounting stress had created this mysterious stranger. Maybe hes an angel, one friend said. Wherever Don came from, I knew he was real and not a figment of my imagination. And what he taught me in the coming weeks and months preserved my family and completely transformed my life.

At first glance most people would likely have written him off as a homeless panhandler. They wouldnt have looked past his ragged beard and unkempt gray hair as he limped slowly toward them on his bad leg. But from the first day I talked with him, I knew there was much more to this man than what met the eye. What I didnt realize at the time was that God was drawing me into an extraordinary friendship. This unusual stranger came into my life during my darkest period. I was facing imprisonment, my marriage was at the breaking point, and my faith was in shambles.

Late one night in January 1997, only two months before I met Don, I was working at my computer in our home in Ashland, Kentucky, when I was surprised by my wife, Leesa, standing in the doorway. With one arm around our older daughter, Lauren, and holding Lindsey on her hip, she stood silently studying me.

What is it? I asked. My words came out too sharply and startled her.

We just came down to give you a good-night kiss.

I waited for her to bring the girls closer but she didnt move. My harsh tone had changed her mood.

Kev, she said, we dont even know who you are anymore. She then turned and left the room with our daughters.

Her words cut right through me. I stood and started to follow her but stopped myself. What could I say? I knew she was right. She didnt know who I was because I didnt even know.

I was in deep trouble, the kind of trouble she could never imagine. I had drifted far from my faith. My pursuit of success had driven me to illegal practices at the bank where I was vice president. I had been administering loans to unqualified partners in a land development business, and I was now facing the possibility of getting caught. I didnt know what I was going to do. All the loans I had misappropriated were up for renewal, and I knew I could no longer continue in this mire that I had created.