Third time’s the charm, so the saying goes. In Nick’s case, however, it took only two times at the Good News Men’s Shelter for his path to be set straight.  Since returning to Good News about one year ago, Nick has both found new life in Jesus Christ and a purpose going forward. He calls Good News a “gift.”

“Before I came here I didn’t know the Lord because I never really went to church,” said the 30-year-old. “I was working with my dad” — they renovated and flipped houses — “and there were a couple of guys at Colonial Hills Baptist Church that I knew who used to work for my dad.”

That connection to a church of like faith on Indianapolis’ northeast side turned out to be pivotal in Nick’s conversion this past summer.  After a message at Colonial Hills one Sunday, he gave his life to Christ. That decision was followed by his recent baptism.

“To me, the most important thing is to have a really close relationship with the Lord,” Nick said. “That’s who you really need, because without Him you would be pretty much going solo. You wouldn’t know what to do, you wouldn’t know where to go. The Lord can show you the way. He’s the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

Before accepting Jesus as his Savior, Nick’s way was self-destructive, his truth was a lie and his life was headed in the wrong direction.  In his early adult years Nick struggled with behavioral issues and ultimately wound up in jail. What should have been a short incarceration awaiting a court date turned into a year behind bars due to scheduling delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. When he was finally released in mid-2021 his father brought him to Good News.

Nick’s first stay at Good News lasted about a year before he left.  After several unsuccessful months of trying to make it on his own, he returned in October 2022. This time, everything finally began to fall into place.  Not only is Nick’s spiritual life now in order, but also his attitude and actions are reflective of a child of God.

Nick gets to apply his remodeling skills by working on Good News-owned homes. He also assists with clearing away trash and debris around the ministry grounds.

As for the future, “I want to farm. I want to learn agriculture,” Nick said, explaining that he once helped care for animals at a small livestock farm in Michigan. “I want to get out in the field. I’ve had a passion for farming for over 10 years, and the passion just gets stronger and stronger.”

For now, Nick can focus on his walk with the Lord. He shares the Gospel message with everyone he meets and wants to help others come to know Jesus just as he did.

“Jesus died on the cross for our sins,” Nick said. “He decided to take our sin upon Himself. When I first heard this I was thinking, man, I never realized how much (of our sins) He had on Him, and that made me want to be closer to Him because He did something huge for me. “It took a while but it finally clicked for me.”  Thankfully for Nick, the second time was the charm.