Barry Monda grew up in a middle-class family and excelled in sports until he lost a full football scholarship during his second year at Austin Peay State University. After flunking out at 19, he took a job in construction, which led him down a troubling path. By the age of 23, he was caught in a cycle of smoking crack and cycling through rehab, spiritual growth centers, halfway houses, and jails for the next two decades.

In 2003, a miraculous transformation occurred, and he has been standing strong ever since. Now, he dedicates his life to giving hope to others struggling with addiction, serving as a minister in the body of Christ, and a published author.