Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope and Redemption Duane “Dog” Chapman. Thomas Nelson, 2024.
Many Christians attribute making it through rough seasons of life and having faith in God to their mothers’ prayers. Duane “Dog” Chapman, also known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter” from his reality TV show, is one of them.
In Chapman’s book “Nine Lives and Counting,” he shares his high moments of fame and the low times that brought him to Christ.
Through it all, his mother believed in God — and what God would do in him.
“Mom reminded me of the words spoken over me as a child and that I would one day preach the gospel. She told me I was OK on my own. I was a leader. I was strong, and God expected me to hear His voice and answer His call,” Chapman said.
Low points, finding his ‘bark again’
Being reminded of this didn’t immediately bring Chapman to God. He had to get to his lowest low before finally looking up. He began to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” and decided to get clean.
As he says in “Nine Lives and Counting” about his drug rehabilitation, Chapman decided that it was time for “Dog to find his bark again.”
This newfound faith in God didn’t stop the bad events from coming. Chapman struggled more with his faith before he finally completely surrendered.
‘Forgiven man’
In the last chapter, Chapman says, “I am no theologian. I am not a pastor or even a preacher, but I am a forgiven man!
“Once you confess sin and ask God to forgive you, it’s over. Done. Not guilty. This Dog’s been pardoned!
“This chapter is called ‘Dog’s Invitation’ but it’s really God’s invitation. How will you answer? I hope you’ll say, ‘Remember me,’ so you can begin your new life too.”
Chapman and his wife, Francie, operate Light up the Darkness ministry.
Share with others: