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A faith community helps Doug Bitterman rebuild his life after years in prison.
After 26 years in prison, Doug Bitterman made a phone call to The Salvation Army in Hilo, Hawaii, in July 2022, hoping it could help him rebuild his life. Recently released, he’d been staying with his daughter and looking for a fresh start. He’d learned about The Salvation Army while incarcerated and was hopeful when he discovered a corps in his hometown.
He reached Hilo Temple Corps Officer Captain Sam LeMar.
“I called Captain Sam because I was kind of wearing out my welcome with my daughter,” Bitterman said. “And so I told him, ‘Captain Sam, I’m homeless. I need a job. I need a place to stay.’ He just kept saying, ‘Come to church. Come to church.’ And that’s what I did.”
That Sunday at church, Bitterman recognized townspeople he hadn’t seen in 30 or 40 years. He said that was the start of everything.
“I like the fellowship, the camaraderie—that’s my family, my home church,” he said.
The experience was new to Bitterman, who at age 70 had never had a home church. He said he came to know Jesus by accident while he was incarcerated.
“I was never a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “I was running amok.”
In 1996, after committing a violent crime, Bitterman was sentenced to life in prison with a 40-year minimum. During his time in custody, he began attending chapel services—at first just for the chance to get out of his cell.
“Anytime there was a call for religious services, I raised my hand,” he said. “Then I hear about Jesus, and I’m thinking, maybe this Jesus can get me out of prison. That’s what got me interested. And then the more I went, the more I listened, the more I started reading the Bible and studying. It’s like the Lord got a hold of me.”
“I knew God had forgiven me for my crime…Even if I spent the rest of my life in prison, I still had a purpose. This is my ministry—I’m going to walk with the Lord.”
Doug Bitterman
Over time, his perspective shifted. “I knew God had forgiven me for my crime,” he said. “Even if I spent the rest of my life in prison, I still had a purpose. This is my ministry—I’m going to walk with the Lord.”
As he worked to reopen his case, his faith deepened. “I was like a sponge soaking up every Christian thing I could,” he said.
While in prison, Bitterman came across The War Cry, The Salvation Army’s national magazine. “I never knew anything about The Salvation Army,” he said. “I started reading about how they help people all over the world. It really impressed me.”
After surviving the pandemic in prison, Bitterman’s case was reviewed and he was granted parole.
“When they said, ‘We recommend parole,’ all I could say was, ‘Thank you, Jesus,’” he said. He called it a miracle, and after 26 years behind bars, walked free—grateful for the chance to start again.
He made the call to the Hilo Temple Corps and began rebuilding his life. Within months, he earned his driver’s license and was hired as a shuttle driver for Hertz Rent-a-Car. Now 73, he drives 75 miles each way to work.
“I play Christian music on my bus and talk to people about Jesus,” he said. “That’s my ministry now.”
He continues to worship at The Salvation Army, influencing others with his dedication.
“He has become a shining example of faith and perseverance in our congregation,” LeMar said. “He took the steps to put his life in order, found steady work, and has lived with integrity ever since.”
Bitterman encourages others to try The Salvation Army.
“I’ve been there for three years now. You can make it your home base. It’s a great place for fellowship and helping people,” he said, mentioning the opportunity to ring the bell during the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
He even had the chance to give his testimony at The Salvation Army’s Camp Homelani on O‘ahu’s North Shore. “That’s part of my family, too,” he said.
Bitterman has advice for anyone facing a seemingly insurmountable problem.
“Give it all to the Lord—Proverbs 3, 4 and 5,” he said. “Let him direct your path.”
He reflected on turning 73 this year.
“That’s another miracle that Jesus is working in my life,” Bitterman said. “He allows me to do what I do. I’m carrying suitcases—70 pounds—and hauling them up on shelves, and I give God all the glory. It’s been so awesome.”
LeMar said Bitterman’s faith and persistence continue to inspire others. “Doug’s journey is a testament to God’s grace, and we are truly blessed and proud to call him a beloved member of our church ohana.”
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