Andre and Jeffery: A bond rooted in faith and friendship

“God will send you friends that you never expected.”

Jeffery: Back in 2020, I lost my son to a work accident. He was 24 years old. My wife, at the time we had been married 23 years, turned to God, but I was really upset with God. So, I got a divorce. My mother passed away two weeks after my son passed away. I turned to drugs, and it really made my life spiral down. Within six months I had lost everything – my house, business, and relationships with my 2 children. I had to survive on the streets. I went to rehab to get back on my feet. I got baptized there, and that really helped me turn my life around. I went back to praising God every day and praying. And now I go to church every week. I came to City Gospel Mission’s Employment Network and took 12 weeks of classes, brushing up on job skills. And they helped me get a full-time job. City Gospel Mission is a big part of my recovery. God has connected me to all the right people.

Andre: Like Jeffery, I got divorced, lost my home and became homeless. Everything hit so fast. I came down here to City Gospel Mission for help, not knowing God was setting me up to have a job here to help people. I became homeless to help the homeless. I had to become who I was teaching to help them. Now as a staff member, teaching the classes and speaking at the rehab where Jeffery was and at City Gospel Mission’s shelter, I feel compassion for them. How we connect is, I say, “I’m going through the same thing you are going through.” We help each other.

That’s what it’s like here at City Gospel Mission. We’re a family. You start forgetting about the issue and focusing on the person. I know him as Jeff. That’s my brother.

Jeffery says: Andre and City Gospel have really made me feel special and actually listen to you. They’re faith-based and don’t judge. That really means a lot to people. It makes it easier to connect with someone who knows what I’m going through. Today, we text back and forth. He’s going to take me to his church, and I’m going to give my testimony there. Every time I reach out to him, he responds right away. I know if I ever needed help, he would be there for me.

Andre: When I reach out to him, he also responds right away. Friendship and brotherhood are very important to me. You don’t just say it. You have to do it with actions, with your heart. I feel like I can’t let him down. I’m happy for him and proud of him. He did what he said he was going to do. He came down here and boom, got a job.

Jeffery: I got an interview and was hired the next day. I wake up every day at 3:30 a.m. and catch 2 buses to work, which starts at 6 a.m. I continue to do drug and alcohol classes, go to bible study, and spend time with my family and pastor. I don’t ever want to let Andre or City Gospel Mission down because they helped me to get to where I am today. Andre is a true friend.