Kevin’s life has been defined by two deaths. The first was his mother’s passing, which sent him into a downward spiral. But the second, his close friend at the Good News Men’s Shelter, made Kevin realize it was time he, like his friend, accept God’s gift of salvation.

“It’s not been a good experience, my life in general,” said Kevin, 56. “But I’m very thankful that Good News has been here for me.” In fact, Good News has been here twice for Kevin when he was in need. The first time came after his mother’s death.

It was 2016 and Kevin was living with his mother in her Indianapolis home. One day as she came through the front door she suddenly collapsed. Kevin called 911 and performed CPR, but neither he nor emergency personnel could save her. She was gone and Kevin fell apart emotionally.

“I relived that day for probably a good year when I would go to bed at night,” he said. “It would replay over and over in my mind. It did a number on me.” Kevin drank to numb his pain. The drinking became heavier and heavier, to the point that he lost his job, then his apartment and he had to move in with his sister. When Kevin’s alcohol problem worsened she asked him to move out, pointing him to Good News where he checked into the Men’s Shelter.

For a time Kevin was doing well. He worked in our Small Parts Assembly building and stayed sober. But a few months later, family in Florida asked if he could move there to help with his elderly stepmother. Kevin agreed and headed south but soon fell back into his old ways. The drinking problem resurfaced and he was again asked to leave. By January 2023 Kevin was back in Indianapolis and returned to Good News.

Kevin was assigned kitchen duty, a natural fit for him because he loves to cook and bake. He worked alongside Mark, a fellow shelter resident and longtime kitchen assistant. When Mark fell seriously ill this past March many people were in prayer for his salvation.  With guidance from his counselor, Mark came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and was born again just one day before he died. This had a profound effect on Kevin.

“It really made me stop and think, ‘Kevin, you’re 56 years old, and what are you doing?’” he said. Four days after Mark passed away, Kevin was meeting with his counselor and knew he needed the Lord. He prayed right there and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Today Kevin is taking steps to grow in his faith. He regularly reads his Bible, attends church and intends to be baptized soon. He’s also healing emotionally. “I don’t feel so burdened anymore. My heart is not heavy like it was and I have a more peaceful outlook on things. It’s been amazing.” Please keep Kevin in your prayers as he continues to follow God’s leading in his life.