By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

What would you do if a simple text from a former classmate suddenly connected you with a state governor, a billionaire philanthropist, and a new curriculum for every public school in Florida? That was the reality for Eric Schwalbach, a former Marine, teacher, and now founder of Coaches for Convicts with Christ.

From a Fatherless Childhood to a Life of Service

Schwalbach learned early that bitterness only chains us. He described his upbringing: “He took the car and took off and left us… not basically in the snow. He never picked me up from daycare.” A strong Christian mother prayed covenants over his life, leading to an early conversion. Yet Schwalbach admits he didn”t truly surrender until “four or five years ago,” a moment he says unlocked “the blessings of watching God move.” This surrender reshaped his identity from a “strong Christian” living in two worlds to a man wholly devoted to God’s purpose.

After years of teaching, he watched “kids in the cemetery and penitentiary” slip away. “The Bible says the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few,” he recalled, prompting a prayer for more workers. That prayer became the catalyst for his ministry, “Coaches for Convicts with Christ,” which brings faith‑based mentorship to incarcerated men.

Forgiveness on Film: A Prison Outreach

Schwalbach first introduced the movie “Forgiving the Nightmare”—produced by Mike Sowersby—to inmates, emphasizing that forgiveness is “the key to healing.” He explained, “We have to let go of that hate and that bitterness so it was a blessing to be able to share that movie with inmates.” The screening sparked a deeper desire to reach those behind bars with more than just a film.

When a former student, Jordan, invited him to a brewery performance, Schwalbach saw another opportunity. He wanted to launch “Worship on the Water” events that would bring Christian music and the series “The Chosen” into prisons. Even though the DVDs cost $80 each and Florida has 87 prisons—a $6,400 expense for a teacher with limited funds—he trusted that “God does and he’ll provide.” His faith‑driven persistence eventually led to partnerships that made the vision possible.

Connecting with Power: From Billionaire to Governor

Prayer led Schwalbach to a billionaire named David Siegel, owner of Westgate Resorts. Siegel, according to Schwalbach, “will pay for it, the governor will come up with the policy.” Two weeks later, a text from former Representative Eric Fressen—who had served time for tax issues—alerted him that he was meeting Richard Corcoran, newly appointed Florida Secretary of Education. Schwalbach called Corcoran’s chief of staff, Alex Kelly, and spent an hour outlining the need for a comprehensive mental‑health and substance‑use curriculum.

The result? Florida’s education system now requires mental‑health and substance‑use instruction each year from sixth through twelfth grade, replacing the limited DARE program. Schwalbach described the process as “God flexes” that made the policy change “as clear as the bell.” This achievement illustrates how a personal testimony can translate into statewide reform.

Faith in Action: The Bigger Vision

Schwalbach’s story underscores a core belief of the “Get on The Ark” series: “God is doing extraordinary and miraculous things in ordinary people’s lives.” By sharing his own surrender, he encourages others to “get out of his way and tell him to lead us.” His ministry now plans a Jacksonville event with Mark, featuring the same forgiveness film, and continues to expand “Worship on the Water” across Florida’s prisons and schools.

In a culture often focused on statistics and policy alone, Schwalbach offers a reminder that “the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few”—and that each willing worker can be a conduit for divine change.

What This Means for Communities Nationwide

While Florida leads with a new curriculum, the model presents a template for other states grappling with youth addiction and mental‑health crises. Faith‑based organizations can partner with policymakers, leveraging personal stories to shape legislation that addresses root causes rather than symptoms.

Schwalbach’s journey—from a fatherless boy to a prison mentor, from a teacher battling alcoholism to a catalyst for state policy—illustrates the potential of individual surrender to spark collective transformation. As more communities look for holistic solutions, his example may inspire similar collaborations across the nation.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.