Coming from a family of alcoholics, Jesse had no sense of who God was. Going to church was “doing the right thing.” Jesse explains, “I was just ‘checking the box,’ but that was it.”
When Jesse was sentenced to a two-year term following his third DUI, he realized just how empty and meaningless his life had become. A fellow inmate saw Jesse’s need and gave him a Bible. For the first time in his life, Jesse began to read it. God spoke to Jesse through His Word and miracles began to happen. After serving two months, he was given a “second chance” that led to an early release. Knowing only God had the answers, Jesse and his wife, Kyla, began searching for a church.
After trying several churches, God led them to Pathway. They both immediately felt welcome. Jesse describes it as a “warm, comforting feeling” as soon as they entered the Westlink Campus. Then, during the service, they saw a video testimony from a member of Pathway who came from the same lifestyle but had turned his life around. Kyla says Jesse had “tears in his eyes as he saw this guy just like him” sharing his story of redemption. Jesse describes it as “divine intervention.” They knew they’d found a home where they could be real and find acceptance.
Jesse also recognized he couldn’t complete his recovery on his own. He reached out to the man from the video and through that connection, found a Home Team for their family. Jesse and Kyla now serve as greeters at the Café Campus and really enjoy meeting new people. Gracie and Elena,their daughters, attend AWANA. Jesse says, “It’s so great to see their child-like faith as they are excited to come each week and learn more about Jesus.”
God has radically changed Jesse’s life in the past two years since he hit rock bottom. He has completed his college degree, found a new job, and rebuilt his marriage. In November of 2013, Jesse and Kyla were baptized along with other members of their home team.
Jesse is happy to share his story of recovery so that he can give all the glory to God. “Without Him, I wouldn’t have anything!” The downward spiral has been reversed. “When I came to Pathway,” he says, “I saw hope.”
By Brenda Neuhaus