When I met Jared months ago, I could ell he was struggling with things mentally. It was definitely ptsd from seeings things that he saw on the job as a police officer. I didn’t fully know until one day when I heard him share his story. I remember him saying he wasn’t sleeping at night. I remember wanting to ask why, and I think I did at one point. Jared is one that wears his feelings on his sleeve, and in his facial expressions some days. Easy to tell when he’s going through emotions. Jared before the shepherds light retreat in Georgia was way in his head, depressed, and anxious. I could tell. Since the retreat and finding god there, Jared is an entirely new person. Not as tense, and a lot happier. He has finally let go of most of his burdens and gave it all to god. He has opened up way more than before, and since finally finding his faith again, he is willing to help others find theirs. I can say I’m truly proud of Jared for the growth in himself as a person, and in his faith since March,2026. It’s a journey he’s still on and will be on. - Amanda M.