Jamar has seen much of the U.S. and, at 25, lived in five different states, but not by choice. Born into a blended family where he and seven siblings shared the same father but different mothers, Jamar was dragged from one temporary living arrangement to another by a father who seemed unable to put down permanent roots. The frequent moves and instability unsettled Jamar and he often became impatient and angry.

Jamar had heard about Jesus from an older brother who was a Christian, but the Bible and its message of grace and forgiveness didn’t register with him. By the time he entered high school Jamar was living in New Orleans with his father and searching for meaning in life. After graduating in 2019 he enrolled in computer science courses at a local college and met believers who encouraged him to study the Scriptures. He tried reading it, but the words still didn’t make sense.

In 2022 Jamar traveled to Indianapolis to visit a sister, and that’s when his emotional struggles reached a fever pitch. Her boyfriend was causing trouble that brought Jamar’s frustrations to the surface. His sister, concerned he might resort to violence, took Jamar to a hospital specializing in mental health. He was treated with a series of medications and a week later referred to a shelter. On the list of recommendations was Good News.

In October 2022 Jamar checked into our Men’s Shelter. That same month, after attending counseling sessions, chapel services and Bible studies, the Scriptures came alive to Jamar. One evening he asked a counselor to lead him to Christ!

Since that night, Jamar has been a different man. His anger is under control, he’s learned to get along with even the most difficult people and he’s growing in his knowledge of God. Jamar has worked hard and today serves as Assistant Evening Supervisor, where he processes new check-ins to our shelter.

Jamar said he tries to live in accordance with his favorite Bible passage: Colossians 3:23-24: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

“This has been a good experience for me,” Jamar said. “I’ve come to terms with some of the more difficult things I’ve struggled with, so I’m thankful that there is a place like this.” After years of searching, Jamar has finally found both salvation and stability—and he couldn’t be more grateful.