What a Name!
The Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus is the most powerful name on the planet. James 2:19 tells us “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”
The Name of Jesus does more than just scare demons. It brings life. When a person commits himself or herself to that Name and all it stands for, life begins. That is the story of Jason Nichols.
A Challenging Path
Jason came to Hope CDA on July 7, 2025, after completing the Ivory Plains treatment program. He was only 31-years-old, but had lived a life with enough calamity and challenges to last four lifetimes. That included watching his father die and his wife sending him to jail.
Jason was deep in the drug world, both selling and using. His pathway seemed destined for death or a long incarceration or both when his wife, Nakia, had had enough, opting to turn in her husband so he could get out of this terrible cycle.
Jason knew he had to change as well, especially after the Department of Health and Human Services got involved, seeking to take away his rights to see his daughter. “That was it. I was not losing my kids (Jason has six kids and three stepchildren).”
A Lamp unto His Path
To Ivory Plains Jason went, completing the 30-day treatment program, but he knew this was not enough. He needed a long-term solution and decided to come to Hope CDA. “I needed real change. I couldn’t go on living like this anymore.”
Jason made a life altering commitment, not only for himself, but also for his wife and children. His wife was struggling to care for his two youngest children and her three kids in southern Iowa, but completely supported Jason in his efforts to change his life. The two were also committed to rekindling the relationship, despite the “betrayal” that Jason felt.
“I’m not gonna lie. It’s hard to get past your wife sending you to jail, but I understood her thoughts. She wanted me to stop. I wasn’t willing to do so at the time. It was hard but it was what she needed to do.”
Coming to Hope also helped to change Jason. “I didn’t have a purpose. I knew God was there but didn’t feel close. I didn’t know if that was for me. Now it’s different. Now I have something to look forward to and know I have a God who cares about me.”
The Name That Changes Everything
This past week, the men have started devotion with “What a Beautiful Name It Is” by Hillsong. You can follow along with the song below.
The song tells us that Jesus is a powerful Name. That He has no rival, no equal, and that His Name is above all other names.
That is the lesson that Jason has learned. Not only is Jason two months away from graduating the Hope CDA program, but he is connected to Westdale Church and was even baptized there. All of his six children and three stepchildren are in his life, and he has reunited with his wife. The two are even close to purchasing a home.
It is a remarkable story that began with the Name of Jesus. It is a story that you can hear more about if you come on Tuesday night when Jason shares his testimony during the Night of Encouragement. Josh Brafford will also share his story, so come and join us. Come and see how amazing the Lord has been in the lives of these two men.
Hope Good News
This past week, Josh Brafford reached four years of sobriety. What an amazing milestone for our brother… Three men will get baptized on Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m. at Mohawk Park. Please join us as Evan Dearborn, Quinton Edwards, and Steven Yarborough make this incredible public declaration… Phillip Akers and Jeff Brafford both completed the probationary period at Hope CDA (the first 30 days of the program), and have made the commitment to be “all in” on life transformation. Great things are coming the way of our two brothers.
Get Your Car Washed for Free!!!
On Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. you can get your car washed for free! Come to Divine Shine (313 C Ave, Hiawatha, IA 52233, next to Scott’s Family Restaurant on Blair’s Ferry Road) and get a car wash at no charge. Meet the guys and get your car looking divine! No appointment necessary.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are still looking for more “Friends” to help our men through their journey at Hope CDA. We are looking for women who would like to be a friend and mentor to a participant. This is an amazing opportunity to assist our men on their pathway to sobriety, and we would love for you to be a part of this journey. If you are interested, please contact Tahsha Jones (Tahsha.J@HopeCDAcr.org).
We are also looking for people who have some time to make phone calls for us. We are building a list of all of the churches in the area and need to update contact information emails. If you would like to be a part of helping to advance the connections in the community at Hope CDA, please contact Tahsha.
Prayers for the Week
We ask you to join in prayer for these things:
- For Ben Heath we ask for prayers to assist him in finding full-time employment. Ben has several interviews this last week and is waiting on background checks. We pray that God will open the door for him to have full-time employment.
- For Jason Nichols, who is also looking for a job. May he find something that will help him to not only continue on his journey but help to provide for his family.
- We pray for Jason who will begin our program on Monday. May he find the pathway that leads him closer to God and free from addiction.
- We pray for Darren Daugherty’s mother, who had a bad fall. May God provide incredible healing to ensure that Darren’s mom is safe and healthy.
Tuesday Night of Encouragement
On Tuesday, it will be a special night as Josh Brafford and Jason Nichols will share their testimonies. Both have amazing journeys to Jesus, and we know that you will be blessed to hear these two men. Please join us at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and at 6:00 p.m. for their testimonies.
On Tuesday, May 12, Steve Jenkins returns to provide his theatrical representation of the story of the Philippian jailer. Steve intended to give this performance two months ago but was unable to do so. Come and join us as he returns.
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