06/24/2026
Student Highlight
A Story of Grace and Restoration
By Jamie McCoy Jr.
I grew up in a loving home and knew from a young age that God had a calling on my life. Unfortunately, I spent many years running from that calling instead of embracing it. During those years, I experienced a lot of pain and hardship. Family members passed away, relationships failed, and I found myself constantly getting into trouble at school.
At just 13 years old, I began using ma*****na as a way to cope with the hurt and confusion I felt, especially after my parents divorced. Those choices eventually led me into gang life and heavy drinking. By the age of 17, I had dropped out of school. I was working and trying to earn my GED, but I struggled to focus and move forward. Looking back, I can see that I was trying to build a life while ignoring God's purpose for me.
When I was 18 years old, my first daughter was born. Her birth was a turning point in my life. I gave my life to the Lord and wanted to make changes, but walking away from the gang lifestyle was not easy. The decisions I had made during that season eventually led to my arrest at age 19, and I spent three months in jail.
Even after that experience, I continued to battle the pull of my old life. I returned to drinking heavily and made choices that ultimately cost me my relationship with my former partner and my two daughters. Later, I met the woman who is now my wife. Although I was still struggling with addiction and depression, she stood by me for a season. Eventually, she reached a point where she gave me an ultimatum: her or the substances. Thankfully, I chose her.
Together we built a family and welcomed three more children into our lives. For a while, things went well, but the cycle of good intentions followed by failure continued. My life became a roller coaster of progress and setbacks. Yet through it all, God never removed His hand from me or my family. Even in my darkest moments, He remained faithful.
Deep down, I knew that the substances I was using did not define who I was. I also knew that I could not overcome my struggles on my own. The Lord made it clear to me that I needed help. I reached out to my pastor, L.C. Barnes, and shared where I was in life. During that conversation, his wife told me about her son, who had completed the Liberty Ministries program and was doing well. Through their encouragement and support, I was connected with Liberty Ministries.
I cannot fully express how grateful I am for that opportunity.
Since entering the program, I have gained structure, maturity, and stability. More importantly, I have grown closer to God and built a solid spiritual foundation. Liberty Ministries has helped me recognize the areas of my life that needed healing and change. It has also helped me learn how to love myself in a healthy way and see myself the way God sees me.
I am incredibly thankful for Liberty Ministries and for every person who has invested in my life while I have been here. My prayer is that God will continue to bless this ministry, its staff, supporters, and every future student who walks through its doors.
My life has been forever changed, and I give God all the glory.
