Gregory L. Smith Stops Robbery for 10-Minute Prayer With Clerk. But Still Steals Her Stuff.

• I personally think this guy deserves a second chance! He was only doing it to support his child. A parent would do anything  for their children to survive.

• Obviously he was distressed after taking her things - he was going through a period of serious internal turmoil. He turned himself in and her stuff was returned, so his conscience is in fine working order. I'm happy that she took a chance and talked with him about Jesus. It just goes to show what happens when we take advantage of the opportunities that God presents us with.

• I AGREE WITH L. Hill! INSTEAD OF SEEING THE POSITIVES OF WHAT GOD CAN DO, THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO PRINT THIS SARCASTIC REPORT.

• I'm not condoling what Greg Smith had done but give the guy a break, I was watching him on Oprah yesterday and he is absolutely sorry for what he had done and I felt it for him because he is trying to get by in life and he had no where else to turn to and was running out of options. I really do hope that Oprah will give him a good lawyer to help him sort out his case and get less of a sentence. He generally sounds like a good guy. It was God that came into that room when he was doing that robbery he was speaking through that poor victim Greg felt her pain and was very sorry. I wish Greg the best of luck in the near future and his family may god bless them all my heart goes out to you....x

• Dear all, Yesterday viewers here in South Africa saw the Oprah show on which Greg and his family appeared. I would like also in my own small way, to make a contribution to them - be it in the form of support or whatever. Unfortunately I don't have a spare couple of thousand Rand lying around. But, I would like to appeal to anyone who knows his mailing address or that of his family. In the interview with Oprah, Sherrie said she was on the internet - that would suggest that she has access to email. Anyone that can help me out?

• Lezli, I pray your sister Angela, you and your entire family are forever blessed for the rest of your days. Does anyone know the status of Gregory's legal matters and how his family is doing?

• To God be the glory for how this turned out. All praises, honor and glory should go to God. He used Angela (God bless her) to reach this your man. Thank God for Angela and God bless Greg. Remember, we are are sinners and come short of the Glory of God. None are perfect and he who is without sin can cast for first stone. God has a plan for this your man and Angela was used for His glory.

• Lezli, We do love your sister too, because she displayed such strong love for our Lord Jesus she doesn't need our help as much as Greg and his family does. I thank God for Angela and pray that I could be as strong as her in the same situation. She had faith in the goodness of people so strong that she broke the bad path that Greg was taking and we pray he will stay on the right path from here but he does need our help. What can we do for Angela? She has got more than we can possibly give her - an abundance of wisdom, amazing faith, grace, love and forgiveness. We all just want to be like her! I pray she is blessed in all her days and I hope to meet her one day in heaven! God Bless, Carolyn (Australia)

• Isn't it amazing how most of you feel "so sorry" for this man that robbed MY SISTER? Yes!.. Maybe he was in a bad spot, but to potentially threaten someone's life? Come on!... What about her??????? A formerly disabled woman who almost lost her life for the second time in her life because she holds a job in a bad city. I know she would not ask anyone of anything because that's just the way she is - but for all of you to defend Gregory Smith is beyond me. He was an idiot! We are all having hard times, but it doesn't mean to go rob the first place you come across. DO UNTO OTHERS AS "YOU" WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU! I'm glad she has God in her life and has the faith that can move mountains and can go on from day to day even though she's in the same situation most of us are today. She's truly a very strong woman and I love her very much!!!! Why don't some of you people say some good things about the woman that prayed for a sinner that was about to throw his life away? Why don't some of you acknowledge that she may have been dead if she had not prayed. Give credit where credit is due!

• I'm reminded of a quote I read. Blaise Pascal said, "The heart has reason that reason knows not of." From what I can tell of this young, desparate, loving father, is that his MIND said "THIS IS WRONG!" His HEART said, "WHAT SHALL BE MY CHILDRENS BREAD?" Which is right and which is wrong? Disregard the law and feed my child, or Disregard my child and keep the law?

• I believe if he had other options he would of chosen to persue them. Not that what he did was justified. It certainly was not but it just goes to show that if you push people into a corner who knows what will happen its a spur of the moment choice that seems logical becuase of the circumstances and stress. A lot of people make bad choices becuase of stress and it does not mean that they are bad people. They are in hard times. This is the time we are in where a lot of people are looking for jobs and unemployment runs out and your only option which should be your first option is God. THIS MAN'S PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE THAT HE HAS TO WORK FOR THE GOVERMENT DOING SOMETHING WHERE HE GETS PAID AND SO DOES THE GOVERMENT. Also I agree L. Hill the guy who wrote on this story has issues maybe he should loose his job so someone who has a heart can present this story for what it is. Lets see where he ends up with out money.

• I sent the below letter to Greg, hope it gets to him. I did not read any of the other posts because I was worried that negative people may have commented. To those of you that have messages of love and hope, thank you. Greg: I am a 33 year old white girl who was moved to tears when I heard your story. I saw you on Oprah and I wanted to give you a big hug just like the rest of America. We all make mistakes when we are desparte, but only a few of us actually learn from our mistakes. I believe that God was speaking to you because he knew you were better than that…I believe you are better than that too, I can see it in your eyes. You are a loving person who was trying to help your family. As Angela Montez said, you know you did something wrong, take your punishment, and sour higher than you ever have before. You will be better, you are better for not following through. I hope you don't listen to the people that are going to be negative, they are not worth your time. Focus on you and being the best you that you can be. I will pray for you, I will pray for your family. I hope you use this life experience to better yourself, it's so hard to find the good in bad, but when you do, that's when you become great! I am truly wishing you the best, you deserve it. Live and learn, that's all we can do.

• This was the most touching story I have heard. I pray for him.. We all make bad decisions in life, only a few people show remorse. He's learned his mistake! This isn't his fault, but his reaction to this recession. California offers treatment programs for Drug Offenders, Alcohol Programs for DUI drivers, Batterer Programs for Domestic Violence Cases and these defendants get off with a slap on the wrist.........I pray to GOD that Indianapolis has a fair and just Criminal System!! Please post update of his criminal defense.....

• I am with the majority here... I am praying for this young man and his family. Thanking God for the victim and how she allowed God to use her during this horrible situation but mostly how in all of this GOD gets the glory. The writer of the story above is someone we should pray for as well. It is obvious he has never felt desperate or known anyone that has been and lets pray he doesn't since he is casting stones. However, back to Greg Smith. As a community this is were we all need to come together to help not just a young man but a person that served this country for 4 years. He has come upon hard times and needs guidance. He needs a strong, God fearing male figure in his life. One that will talk to him about being a man. He is a kid at 23 or 24 years old. He and is fiance have a 2 year old daughter. There is a chance for this young family to make it. Let's help them. Wouldn't it be awesome to see their story written that they hit hard times but over came them. That they endured...Not that they screwed up and had no chance to make it and that a young girl was raised without a father or that a young mother had to raise a child alone again or that a young father spent years in prison... They can write their story different. They can make it. Sometimes it just take a village to surround them and guide them. A village to help keep them on the right path. Life is not easy . Especially when done alone. But if you have a support system life becomes doable... He needs a do over and I think we should give it to him to get it right. I am praying for Greg Smith daily and praying the right people come into his life. YOu can see this young man has a heart lets not kill it by putting him in prison....

• Pamela Gregory's attorney info is a follows: Jack Crawford 1050 North College Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-262-1052 Thank you and God Bless you all.

• I'd like to make contributions to this young man's legal defense. Can anyone assist with his Attorney's info. I believe that with our help and belief in Mr. Smith's well being, once released from prison he will make great contributions to society

• I dont understand some people. How is it that when people mess up we're ready to crucify them, remember the story in the bible with the promiscuous woman jesus said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" we need to learn to forgive eachother. And to those that have something negative to say about this guy, THEY MUST BE JESUS CHRIST because they have NEVER SINNED. Sometimes in life we all have hard times maybe if we learn to help each other people wouldnt feel so desperate. Please watch video by "Monk and Neagel" titled 'The twenty-first time' God bless us so we may bless others. Let's ALL start doing our parts.

• Taty said: Wow god is good! I have been a single mom for 3 and a half years since my daughter's father passed away due to a car accident the day before she was born. I've worked several odd end jobs just to get by. 8.00 an hr is too much for government assistance and not enough to pay the rent.Public transporatation in the freezing cold with a child to tend to. In short I understand struggle, hurt, pain and feeling worthless after putting myself through college with an associates in Medical Assisting and RN prerequisite courses. And still cannot find a job in my field. I guess I have mixed emotions I feel empathetic and sad for Greg and his family. But I don't think this is something that happens overnight this is a process. To think as he did there were several issues in his household I'm sure that needed and still needs to be addressed in order for the healing process to consume and stick. True we all fall short of the glory of God. But let us think of life. That same resurrecting power that moved on him to act as he did upon the sound of Ms.Angies voice{Purely the spirit of God} .We want that to not only see it as an awesome experience that God will use you wherever you are if you are willing to. But let's start a new thing in our communities to encourage our men and women. Not, just in the church's but outside of church. And not just youth. We have many programs for our youth which is great, but what about a twenties group, a mom's group, a dad's group, a thirties group a helping hand to lean on full of people that love the lord and want to help all people and not just church people.I understand! Posted 10/27/2009 at 06:12:01 PM

• Wow god is good! I have been a single mom for 3 and a half years since my daughter's father passed away due to a car accident the day before she was born. I've worked several odd end jobs just to get by. 8.00 an hr is too much for government assistance and not enough to pay the rent.Public transporatation in the freezing cold with a child to tend to.In short I understand struggle, hurt pain feeling worthless after putting myself through college with an assiciates in Medical Assisting and RN prerequitite courses. And still cannot find a job in my field. I guess I have mixed emotions I feel empathetic and sad for Greg and his family. But I don't think this is something that happens overnight this is a process. To think as he did there were several issues in his household I'm sure that needed and still needs to be addressed in order for the healing process to consume and stick. True we all fall short of the glory of God. But let us think of life. That same resurecting power that moved him to act as he did upon the sound of Ms.Angies voice{Purely the spirit of God} .We want that to not only see it as an awesome experience that God will use you wherever you are if you are willing to. But let's start a new thing in our communities to encourage our men and women. Not, just in the church's but outside of church. And not just youth. We have many programs for our youth which is great but what about a twenties group, a thirties group a helping hand to lean on full of people that love the lord and want to help al people and not just church people.

• If you guys are really serious about sending money to the family send me an email. The fiance of Greg Smith is my niece and I can get you the correct mailing information for her. The family appreciates all the kind words and prayers that you are sending out. The money that is being sent to the jail for Greg is appreciated but that wont help her feed the baby at home. God bless you all. My email is mhart@indy.rr.com

• i dont know if you guys know but as reported on oprah, this guy served this country for 4 years in iraq.And this is how we repay him.

• A number of us truly want to help Greg and his family. And,if there are any victims that are in need, they too should be helped. In doing so, we want to make sure we are not enabling any bad habits. If Greg & his family are open to getting family counseling and the victims also felt they too could use counseling, let's see how we can ensure the donations are being utilized for the better of everyone involved. Perhaps we can get together and setup a fund and elect a few people to oversee this particular project. While in church this past Sunday, I thought about and prayed about Greg and his victims. The message was centered around EPHESIANS 2. "It is by Grace we have been saved"..."There is a time in everyone's life that they're unresponsive to God...and there is a need for regeneration. What is out of line in your life that's causing anxiety...visit people society has locked up and thrown away the key...visit the incarcerated...My Pastor's name is Bill Hybels...I'm not sure if he knows about Greg's situation or not but I do know that God knows. And, God spoke through Pastor Hybel's this past Sunday. Greg is not a bad person. He nade a mistake. He needs some help. If we can pull together to open the doors of our heart to help this youngman and his victims, I believe we will become alive to being regenerated. Greg did have court this morning. He is still incarcerated. MARION COUNTY JAIL 2 His ID# is: P00669449, CellBlock 4R 730 E. Washington Street 46202 Visiting hours are Tuesdays thru Fridays from 1pm-5pm Saturdays from 8am-12pm Appointments must be made in advance by calling (317-266-0017) LET'S SEE HOW WE CAN PULL TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS YOUNGMAN'S LIFE, HIS FAMILY'S LIFE AND HIS VICTIMS...AFTER ALL GREG HAS SERVED HIS COUNTRY NOW THE TIME HAS COME FOR HIS COUNTRY TO SERVE HIM...

• God bless whoever provided the help information! I think many people want to reach out to this young man and his family. YAY! Let's see what story follows down the road after a flood of people reach out...

• First, I have seen several reports from reputable sources and not one mentioned Mr. Smith stealing anything. Second, I definitely feel for Mr. Smith and can empathize with him. I moved to another country with my military spouse and have been unable to find employment. The last three months have been difficult. Luckily, our money situation is tight but we are making it. Thank God! But unemployment has been stress on me mentally. I am someone who has had a job for the last 20 years. I started working when I was 15. I am a college graduate. I should have a job but I don't. Unemployment alone is depressing (to me). If you added not having a job for over a year, not having a enough money to provide housing, food, etc for my family, well, you would probably find me in a mental hospital. In my opinion, jobs do not only provide money for the items that we need and must have. Jobs also add to our identity and self-esteem. For me, a job provided me with some self-worth, pride and accomplishments. My mental adjustment to unemployment is getting better. I have been praying and reminding myself that unemployment doesn't make me a loser. I pray that Mr. Smith can see that he is not a loser. There are many people from laborers to high executives that are dealing with the stress of unemployment. Unemployment doesn't make you less of a person. It's a phase in life and with time will get better. On another note, Pete... do you actually make money as a writer? Were you born without a sensitive gene? And how do you get pray to overcome his "loserness" from hardships? By the way, "loserness" is not a word. Keep writing articles like this and you too might be out of a job.

• Here is some info. for Mr. Smith for those who wish to help him & his family/daughter. Jail ID#-20066 Booking#-0950629 Full Record for Marion County Jail 2 (CCA) Address: 730 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone(s): (317) 266-0882 (317) 266-0017 (Visitation) Web Site: http://www.indygov.org Operating Agency: Marion County Jail Hours: Daily 24 hours Description: [46204] Provides a jail facility for incarcerated persons in Marion County. On Busline: No Area Served: Marion County -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This information is maintained by Connect2Help. Please contact them with questions, updates or corrections at Connect2Help 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 317-926-4357.

• This is false reporting and I am disenchanted by the language used in this article. Please make this correction: Greg Smith did not carry out the robbery; he did not "steal her stuff".

• The writer of this article demonstrates a magnificent case of psychopathic reaction, incapable of empathy for others' misery (or the weaker ones) struggling to live and repentant. I hope the author himself will recognize his misinterpretations and repent in a future article. As for M. Smith, I am also sending a contribution to this repentant young man in need; and a message of support to the office worker for her good actions. Thank you for the address Andrea.

• My Mistake, I mean "Ms. Montez"

• First I would like to say I am so grateful for Angela Valdez. She is a Christian Woman, that exercised her Faith in God when she needed Him most. I have often said to others that if we believe the Word of God, when it says "At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee shall Bow and Every Tongue confess" We need to put it into action when faced with adversity. Just Imagine being pursued by evil, and stopping in your in your tracks, facing the Enemy (Satan) and Saying "In the Name of Jesus". Well I saw it in the Actions of Ms Valdez. May God Bless her and Mr. Smith, as they journey in this life together knowing that the common bond between them both is their Belief in the Almighty. "If God be for us, who can be against us" God Bless them Both, and God Bless the Human Race. Love to All Lady G

• Ok this is very frusterating. I just spoke to someone at the county jail at 317 327 1700 and she said Gregory's mailing address was: Gregory Smith Gallary #669449 730 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

• Correction to info. posted about by ZoeGirl...I just called to double check info posted about for Gregory's location and this what I found...I repeated messages muliple times to ensure accuracy. He is located at Marion County Jail 2 (two) 730 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 In order to write him it must be in this order: Gregory Smith Jail ID 200669449 Cell Housing # (which I cannot locate on recordings) Marion County Jail 2 (two) 730 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 He has a 50k bond and has two court dates You can send money order that can be deposited to his commisary (store in jail?) fund and his name, ID etc. must be on money order. There are visitation hours and other information on the number 1-317-327-1574 Gregory...you are in our hearts and prayers...hang in there Brother...this to shall pass.

• Yes, this article definitely lacks the compassion element for sure. I think we all need second chances when we realize our mistakes and change the bad direction we were heading. . . he does have a heart of lion, like Eric said above. He just needs someone to talk to. What is prison going to do for him?? It seems like he has already stepped on the road to rehabilitation. Can some pardon be given here? Can some other consequence be given besides prison? Is he elligible for parole sooner? Can some encouragement be given to his heart?

• does any ine know which indiana prison he went to/ how to contact him to help his family and daughter. if you know please post it so i can help too. thanks

• This is a very touching story. I hope that Mr. Gregory will be allowed to resume his life. Ms. Angela is an angel who touched his soul, a blessing which I feel will forever alter the path of his life in a profound way. His story is that of many people right now. In an instant he took the high road and listened to the divine message which was conveyed through Ms. Angela. He is a powerful and tender man who has the ability to reach others who are struggling in life. It is interesting how life present blessings in many ways. I wish him all the luck and I do pray that he will given the opportunity to spread his gift so others will be inspired to make the right choice.

• It is great to read of the power of God, faith and the human spirit. Even if it is VERY POORLY written. The only one in this story that needs to "overcome his loserness" is the writer.

• God has power than anyone in earth ... Jesus has gave him already for his chance ~ BLESS HIM ~

• I went to tech school with this guy in the air force!!! thats Crazy!

• The writer of this story is a disgrace. I hate that I wasted my time reading this article.

• I'm in tears. I am praying for this man and know that God is using him already is a great and mighty way. In this time when the world has seemed to forget what it means to feel conviction, this man felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and truly surrendered his heart. Although, he is now facing time in prison, God will still use him. I noticed quite of few of you were trying to track him down to send a donation..I want to do the same thing. I contacted Marion County Jail where he is presently detained: Here is his contact information should you want to send him a letter directly (I don't know what they will do once we send him a donation, but I wouldn't recommend sending cash as I believe the department will open all mail first. I think it's an awesome opportunity for us all to share our faith and to remind Gregory Smith that we have a great God who does answer prayer when we turn from our sins and turn to him. For updated information: 1-317-327-1574 As of October 23rd, 2009 Gregory L. Smith Jail ID: 200669449 Booking ID: 0950629 Cell Block 4R Marion County Jail 40 S. Alabama Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Please pray for him as his court date is Oct 27th. Saved by Grace, Julia

• I am happy to read the responses to this story here... and it's really a shame that Mr. Kotz didn't see fit to refrain from the personal insults he lobbed at Gregory Smith. I don't have any kids myself, nor do I look too kindly on people who take what rightfully belongs to others, let alone by force or violence. That said we are all humans and subject to human frailty. The thief on the cross next to Jesus found compassion in Christ, and so too will Gregory Smith. We all make mistakes and clearly he knew that he'd made one as well. He will pay his debt to society for having broken the law, but I pray that at trial the prosecutor and judge will be guided by the hand of providence is extending to him whatever leniency that the law may allow.

• For me personally this is a calling from my God allmighty to reach out to our neighbor and love them. Lets remember this and know that we MUST be prepared for the time of HIS arrival and realize HE will arrive when least expected.Also to know that the hungry and homeless in this country will be first in line to enter HIS Holy Kingdom. We as a Nation MUST reach out to help not only this young man but millions more to show the power of HIS love.Lets not just talk about helping this young man, let's DO IT!The power of this story overwhelms me with the acknowledgement of HIS Holy Spirit to bless my day. May God bless Angela Montes and her family as she passed the test!Will we?

• "JESUS SAVES". Or maybe uses American Express-but robbery? Naaaaah. Give the poor guy a break. He returned the cash.

• No body cared that at one point he was in the service, he was willing to give his life for the rest of the world and in return he gets all the hatred society has to offer. People always focus on the negative and are quick to criticize others for their mistakes without looking at our own imperfections. All of us have survival mechanisms and if we were in his shoes who is to say that we would not respond in the same way. The Christian community should be gathering outside the courthouse and advocating for his release. Someone needs to show this guy the true power of God. P.S. Erik am in Germany but if you locate his family let us all know I am sure we can all send our love even if it from a thousand miles away.

• This was one of the all time great opportunities for a writer (even an objective unbiased professional)to highlight the many honorable elements of a truly remarkable human interest story. The writer should be ashamed of his impotent and immeasurable dis-service to the power of faith, bravery, the majestic, and yet, common decency, inherent in this rare and redemptive humane story. This was an extraorindary event which deserved so much more compassion and respect than it received. The two principles certainly deserved more and, so did everyone reading this. "kindness is the greatest wisdom"...

• Hey Eric Karich..'if you find this guy , let me know I want to send his fiance and daughter a donation too!!! I wonder if we sent it to their local TV station they'd forward it... hmmmm

• The writer of this story has discredited himself beyond words. Sure there is no accepting a person robbing for any reason, but that does not mean there is not a powerful human element to this story. All of us with children can sympathize. I have a feeling this young man and his family will be well taken care of now by God's grace. As for this writer, I think "loser" might be more self-referential.

• How can you say that he didn't feel bad, because he took her cell phone and 20 dollars. Do you know how much money was in that place? He probably took it and maybe felt ashamed to tell her after all that, because he needed it. I don't know if you've ever been arrested but I've had a cop throw me against a brick wall so hard my whole body was bruised for days, and I am a 110 pound white woman. He mistreated me the whole way to the station, and you don't get a phone call anymore. He probably used the phone to call his love ones with the little time he had left and let them know what had happened and make arrangements. Everyone is so cynical. We all know that this country is so corrupt. We watch the Kardashian sisters spend money they got from their father getting a murderer off, and we don't blink and eye, but this thing happened, this young man turned himself in.He could have stole money and bailed, but he listed to this woman and I think we owe him positive responses for the faith he had. God forgive you for judging him.

• The author of this article must not have children, because if he/she did they'd certainly have a lot more compassion! I have a 14 month old daughter and I can tell you I would do ANYTHING to make sure she was taken care of. Thank God I am blessed with a good job and so is my husband, because if push comes to shove I'd go to great extreme lengths to take care of my child. Sorry, but my kid comes before those people's paychecks.

• This is a beautiful story and I do feel for him. He was obviously desperate. I too would like to track him down and send in a donation.

• I am going to track this guy down and send him a donation. He is clearly a good guy and needs some help. What kind of loser is the author of this story? How can you possibly think his conduct makes him a loser? He has the heart of a lion, he just needs a little help in a really tough spot.

• That is when a human been deserve a second chance.The lady at the store,his mother and Gregory Smith himself deserve a lot of credit. His mother is telling us that she is a very honest person so him althought the crime he just committed

• The only goodness here is God! He stepped into the middle of this situation. Hopefully, this young man will see his life turn around because of this encounter.

• I think they should let this guy go! Economic times are unbearable for alot of people in our society and, as a result, they are doing things they would never do otherwise. Think about it, if you had a small child at home, no job, no money, and (soon to be) no home. Wouldn't you do ANYTHING you had to to provide for your child? You can say "no, not me. I would never do that". But, when you have lost everything and you're as low as you could go,you will do whatever it takes to provide for your children.

• Wow. Is this your best effort? This is actually a great story, for which you don't seem to have much appreciation. Your choice of language is the worst that I have read/heard on this story. Sorry I wasted my time.

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