Serving to Others
PSALM 34:19 reminds us that though an individual may have many troubles, the Lord will deliver them from all. This stands true for Jesse, a soldier at The Salvation Army Fountain Square Corps. For 27 years, Jesse battled drug addiction, allowing it to consume his life. On March 14, 2017, he was at his darkest point as he was arrested, facing the rest of his life behind bars.
“One night, after spending months in jail, I remember lying in my cell and just calling out to God asking Him to help me,” Jesse recalled. “I went to court a week later, and they graciously gave me the opportunity to go to treatment.” With hope for a brighter future, Jesse moved to The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Indianapolis, where he went through detox and the residential treatment program.
“While I was there, I attended a Bible study. During one of our meetings, Brother Dwight asked if I was ready to be saved. Without hesitation, I got down on my knees and asked Christ to come into my life and to forgive me of my sins,” Jesse explained. "When I got up, I knew something was different.”
Jesse completed the Harbor Light program and was referred to The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), a men’s facility focused on religious rehabilitation. After completing the six-month program, he was offered a job in the facility’s warehouse.
“It was in that warehouse where I got to learn what a personal relationship with Jesus is about,” Jesse shared. “Before, I was so self-centered. I was stuck in self and could not get out. The warehouse not only taught me how to serve others, but how to serve in His name.”
During this time, Jesse was able to reconnect with a long-lost friend, Samantha. “We grew up together in the same area of Indianapolis,” Jesse explained. “However, I went down one path, and she went down another.” Today, Jesse and Samantha are happily married and are excited to build a new life together.
Jesse has also focused on education and career development, pursuing training and certifications in peer recovery and mental health. Thanks to his hard work, he is currently serving as Manager of Rehabilitation Services at the ARC. He says spending time with the men there helps him just as much as he is helping them.
“I can tell by their facial expressions exactly what’s going on,” Jesse said. “I know because I have been there too.” He continues to serve as a soldier at The Salvation Army Fountain Square Corps. “Coming to Christ, having a relationship with Him, showed me it’s not about me any longer,” Jesse explained. “It’s about my service to others.” Recently, he attended a world mission trip to Chile, having the opportunity to preach internationally. Jesse says that the road to recovery is not easy, but it was made possible for him because of your donations.