From a violent street gang to a life devoted to sharing Jesus Christ, E.Z. Zwayne’s remarkable testimony proves that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Dr. Dobson and Dr. Meg Meeker welcome Emeal “E.Z.” Zwayne, president of Living Waters Publications, for an extraordinary conversation about childhood rebellion, gang violence, salvation and the transforming power of the Gospel. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Zwayne shares how a young boy growing up amid Lebanon’s civil war eventually became a member of the notorious Crips gang in America—and how one night at a Greg Laurie evangelistic crusade changed everything. A Life Nearly Lost Before It Began Born in Lebanon in 1975, E.Z. reveals that his mother considered ending her pregnancy before a physician refused to authorize the procedure. Years later, his mother shared the story with him during a deeply meaningful conversation about their relationship. As Lebanon descended into civil war, his family endured shortages, violence and uncertainty before immigrating to the United States when E.Z. was approximately four years old. The transition was difficult. His parents struggled with English, while E.Z. faced an unfamiliar culture and school environment. His behavior soon became increasingly rebellious. From a Strong-Willed Child to the Crips Gang Dr. Dobson and Dr. Meeker explore E.Z.’s troubled childhood, including fighting, stealing, vandalism and persistent defiance. By high school, his behavior had escalated dramatically. Although elected freshman class president, he was eventually expelled after repeated misconduct and serious threats. At his next school, E.Z. developed friendships that led him into the Crips street gang. He recounts being violently beaten during his initiation and becoming immersed in a culture of crime, anger and destructive choices. Despite outward popularity and a promising opportunity in the music industry, he describes feeling increasingly empty and hopeless. At one point, his despair became so overwhelming that he attempted to harm himself. August 15, 1991: The Night Everything Changed A childhood friend invited E.Z. to attend a Harvest Crusade featuring evangelist Greg Laurie at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California. E.Z. arrived angry and skeptical. Yet as he listened to worship music and heard the Gospel proclaimed, he began to recognize his need for forgiveness. For the first time, he understood that salvation could not be earned through good behavior or religious performance. It was a gift of God’s grace through…
