From Wrong To Strong

From Darkness To Light &

Our Mission and Vision

To share powerful testimonies of redemption, healing and hope from individuals impacted by crime, violence and trauma - amplifying voices from Chicago's toughest streets and from across the country, to the nations. Including former gang members, drug dealers, those who were imprisoned, as well as from law enforcement officials, police officers and military veterans. Centered on faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God's grace.

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." - Matthew 4:16

From Wrong To Strong Podcast

Real-life testimonials from individuals who have overcome much adversity and are helping others do the same.

"The Battles Within" - Jimmy Sutherland Jr.

"He Will Make Even His Enemies To Be At Peace With Him" - Daniel Rivera

"From Infamy To Freedom" - David Ayala

"From Pilsen, To Prison, I've Risen" - Dionne Garcia

Change is Possible

We share inspiring stories of hope and redemption from individuals overcoming adversity in Chicago and beyond, highlighting their journeys from darkness to light and from wrong to strong.

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Meet the host: Omar Calvillo

Omar Calvillo was raised on the southwest side of Chicago in the historic Pilsen neighborhood. In his early years, he became entangled in gang activity and drug addiction, which ultimately led to a three-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, on October 26, 2004, Omar experienced a radical, life-changing transformation through the Gospel and the power of Jesus Christ.

Since February 2005, Omar has been joyfully married to his wife, Ann, and together they are raising three children. He currently hosts this podcast that shares powerful testimonies of hope and redemption, all with the purpose of pointing listeners to Christ.

Omar serves as a member of the elder team at New Life Community Church in Cicero and is actively involved in ministering to incarcerated men through a Bible study group at Cook County Jail, in partnership with the Koinonia House ministry. Most recently, he was ordained as a chaplain through Christian Chaplains & Coaching.

With a clear vision and passion for sharing the message that transformed his own life, Omar is committed to reaching and impacting many others through the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ.

How It All Began...

In late August of 2022, I received a call from JC Almanza, founder of Wrong to Strong. He told me that while he was in prayer, he clearly felt the LORD prompting him to reach out—he believed God was calling me to start a podcast.

I was caught off guard. I told him honestly, “I don’t know the first thing about starting a podcast. And besides… who would I even interview?”

Without hesitation, he responded, “Start with the guys who come to your house for the Workout & The Word ministry.”

That simple answer planted a seed. It wasn’t about having a perfect plan—it was about being obedient to the call, starting right where I was, with the people already in my life.

Prayer

Faith & Obedience

The path ahead was unfamiliar, and the task felt far beyond my abilities. But what I did have was unwavering faith—in God, and in the power of His Word. One scripture in particular ignited something deep within me and became the foundation of this journey: Hebrews 11:8—
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.”

Like Abraham, I stepped forward without a clear map—only the assurance that God was guiding my steps. That faith turned uncertainty into courage, and hesitation into action. It became clear that I didn’t need to have it all figured out—I just needed to trust the One who did.