From Solitary to Seminary: Ivan Ramirez on Freedom, Calling, and Preaching with Scars (Part 2) | PT 123

What happens when freedom finds you before a courtroom does?

In Part 2 of this gripping conversation, Pastor Ivan Ramirez shares how he left gang life, survived trial, and discovered God’s call through unlikely mentors, a Moody dorm room, and a courtroom bench. From early ministry mistakes to a doctoral degree, Ivan’s story is one of grace that keeps showing up.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• The unexpected grace that led Ivan out of the gang—and into ministry

• Navigating life after jail: roommates, youth ministry, and cereal-fueled discipleship

• Why academic struggle didn’t disqualify his calling

• How pastoring a small church taught him who the gospel is really for

⏱️ Timestamps:
02:30 — Choosing Jesus over gang life… again 06:15 — Transferred to the Christian wing 10:00 — Released from jail and taken in by a youth pastor 13:00 — From GED to Moody Bible Institute 17:30 — Facing trial while attending Bible college 21:00 — Not guilty verdict—and the cost for others 25:00 — Struggling academically but thriving spiritually 28:00 — Learning to pastor without making “little Ivans”

💡 Takeaway:
You don’t need polish to be called. Ivan’s story reminds us that the gospel forms pastors not just through pulpits, but through scars, failures, and second chances. Freedom doesn’t always come in the ways we expect—but it always comes with grace.