Jenny Reese Clark is a living testimony of what true faith in Jesus Christ can bring. As a multiple felon of various drug charges including Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamines, Jenny is no stranger to breaking the rules or suffering their consequences.
In April of 2010, Jenny’s life hit an all-time low as she turned her back on the home burning behind her. As a result of a chemical interaction, the clandestine laboratory that she brought secretly into her sister’s home, exploded. As she took off shoeless, she ran as far as she could to escape the consequences. With her sister’s pet dead inside, and her relationships destroyed through her own betrayals, Jenny woke up as a Jane Doe on a ventilator in an ICU 24 hours later knowing there was no way to come back from such destruction.
Growing up in a home that offered her as much encouragement as anyone could ask for, the path she chose didn't equal the opportunity given to her. On March 7th 1999, Jenny was in a serious car accident that left her with plates, screws, and in a wheelchair for months. It was then she discovered the benefits opiates could offer her, and within a few short years she unintentionally claimed the title of full-blown drug addict.
It wasn’t until Jenny went to prison on a 15 year sentence and lost every relationship, possession, and privilege she ever had that she began to honestly understand her true need and dependency upon the Lord. She returned to her roots and picked up her biblical studies where they left off, this time clinging to every word knowing it meant her life or death.
After completing her first Christian fiction novel only a year and a half after her release, in her own words, she shares why she chooses to exploit her past weaknesses before the world.
“I’m not proud of how I’ve obtained the authority to write or speak on the subjects I do, but my incarceration and faith go hand in hand. Until I was still, I couldn't see past myself; once I surrendered my selfish ways, the haze lifted and life began. Lessons learned with lifelong consequences is what inspires me to share these stories that carry both warning and hope.
In Field of Influence you will see this passion unfold. It’s an extremely insightful look into the forbidden realm of drug addiction. As a former manufacturer and abuser of drugs, I relate well to my character and the struggles he faces, but I also identify with his victory and redemption. This Marine’s story will not only shed light on the unknown, but help guide those searching for answers in how to overcome tragedy. My goal is to reach out, pick up, brush, and send off.”
Today, Jenny is recognized by the Alabama Department of Mental Health as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and has since received a Pardon from the State of Alabama. As the wife of a US Army Chaplain, she continues to reach out through the ASAP (Army Substance Abuse Program) and her own military ministry known as The Spencer Project. While she actively engages in open conversation with public audiences through various social media platforms, she also enjoys discipleship opportunities at Fort Sill’s PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel). In her spare time, Jenny serves as an advisory board member for Op Deployed, a registered 501(c)(3), who’s goal is to enhance the mission success and effectiveness of military personnel by acting as a force multiplier to the United States Chaplain Corps. By sending care packages to servicemen and servicewomen throughout the world, Op Deployed helps care for the emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of our America’s troops.
To hear Jenny speak of God's compassion, watch her on an episode of The 700 Club, or visit her YouTube channel for more testimonies and podcast options.
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV)