The Road to Rescue

Jamal

recovery

Jamal’s story begins in Ethiopia, where his life opened with both heartbreak and grace. “ I was by my grandmother because my mom passed a month after I was born,” his grandmother became his family and her love built his confidence and character, planting in him a belief that he was capable of something great. From a young age, Jamal learned fast and worked hard, by 15 he had already graduated high school and a private college and become a trained cook. “I’m the youngest in my country to be a cook,” His dream is to work in big hotel kitchens and live a better life through his talent.

A New Country, a New Name, and Broken Credentials

At 17, Jamal came to the United States through his brother, but the journey came with a painful twist. He explains because of this name change; he could not use his Ethiopian cooking certificates. He say his dream job felt out of reach, and he was forced to start over, working in different restaurants and moving from Atlanta to South Dakota, Dallas, Louisiana, and back again, never finding stability.

Addiction, Homelessness, and a Tiny Light in the Dark

Over time, Jamal slipped into drinking and then into heavier drug use. He says things escalated when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. “I start using needles”. He ended up homeless for seven months, seeing a level of suffering he had never imagined. Even then, a piece of him still cried out to God: “When I was in the darkness I always felt God inside me.” That small spark of faith kept him from giving up completely.

Rehab, and the Road to Gospel Rescue Mission

God’s help came through a woman who worked at an Ethiopian supermarket in Phoenix. One day when he asked her for money, she confronted him: “How did this happen to you? You came this country to be changed instead you’re like them,” She introduced him to the idea of rehab and later he joined IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program). When his insurance cut off for a time, he stayed at Gospel Rescue Mission for two weeks, then went back to finish rehab. After a relapse and another low point, he returned to the Mission, this time ready to truly change. He found structure, support, and a chance to rebuild his dream. Jamal is overflowing with excitement about starting the culinary class, smiling as he says how “big” of an opportunity it feels. To anyone still trapped in addiction or homelessness, his message is simple but powerful: “Please don’t stay in that darkness If you clean your temple, this body temple God will bless you.” From a broken past to a hopeful future, Jamal’s testimony shows how faith, community, and perseverance can turn even the darkest story into one of redemption and new beginnings.

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