What if the very things the world counts out — a prison cell, a giveaway book, a child written off — became the exact places where God shows up most powerfully? Pat Clark has spent a lifetime watching that happen. And the stories he's collected will leave you in awe of what God can do with a fully surrendered life.

In this powerful follow-up conversation (to the episode published in April 2024) with Pat Clark — founder of Open Gates Scotland and a former prisoner whose life was transformed by Christ in 1983. (Also Beth’s husband’s “Uncle Pat”). What started as a quick catch-up turned into a soul-stirring update from one of the most quietly impactful ministry leaders in the UK. From Glasgow to Atlanta to Tanzania, Pat shares the latest miracles unfolding through his work, the book he refuses to sell, and a bold new vision to restore Glasgow's original motto: "Let Glasgow flourish with the preaching of Your Word and the praising of Your name."

What You'll Learn

Why Pat sends his book My Father's Genes to every prison in Britain — and the jaw-dropping moment a young inmate found his father written into its pages
How a single "God-incidence" reconnected Pat with the sister of a childhood hero from his juvenile detention days
Why Pat exclusively hires people with criminal records, and how that hiring philosophy built one of Scotland's most successful re-offending prevention programs
How profits from Open Gates fund clean-water wells across Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa
The simple daily practice — a cup of coffee and a handwritten letter to the Lord — that has deepened his faith over 43 years
What it looks like to stand firm with the government, trust God's provision, and refuse to be governed by fear

About the Guest

Pat Clark is the founder of Open Gates, a Scotland-based charity providing employment, mentorship, gospel hope, and community to ex-offenders, the homeless, and those battling addiction. A former prisoner whose life was radically transformed in 1983, Pat is the author of My Father's Genes and has personally visited prisons across the UK, Ireland, and the United States. At 77, he continues to lead, write, mentor, and dream — including a fresh vision to return Glasgow to its spiritual heritage.

Website: opengates.scot
Book: My Father's Genes (distributed free to prison libraries across Britain, Ireland, and Atlanta)

If this episode stirred something in you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that no story is too broken, no past too far gone, and no city too lost for the grace of God. Subscribe to the Never Perfect Faith Podcast wherever you listen, leave a review to help more listeners find these conversations, and visit www.neverperfect.org for more stories of growth, resilience, and faith.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices