Jon Lewis: A Volunteer’s Story

From doing and selling drugs to discipling men in recovery.

I grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and am one of five kids. My dad left my mom after 23 years of marriage, so I was raised by a single mom. We lost everything we had, and I then lost my way in life. I’ve been arrested 3 times, did drugs, and was even selling drugs. I heard my mother cry strong tears for years.

I decided to rededicate my life to Christ and make a change. 

I always knew I would give back and help others, especially after rededicating my life to Christ. I have a huge heart to help men that were raised by a single mom or grandmother after being raised by one myself.

I’ve been volunteering at The Potter’s House for four years now. I started a chapel service for the guys on Wednesday nights. I remained faithful and showed up each Wednesday, even if only one or two guys showed up. I disciple these guys. I create a relationship with them. I pray with them, help them make decisions in life, have those tough conversations, and more. It’s been fun to be a part of their lives.

For me, it’s important to be a voice that speaks to them with love, encouragement, and affirmation. But also be a safe place for those tough conversations. These guys are clean now and need some help getting back into the real world. My goal is to plant the Gospel in their hearts for them to know when they leave here.

Watching these guys in praise and worship and sharing their stories with each other is incredible. God is using these men through their testimonies and stories.

I’m also a volunteer Chaplain for the police department in Gwinnett County and I started a nonprofit that helps single moms in honor of my mom. The name of it is Heirborn Servants. Through this nonprofit, I started a program called Give Rides. We serve single moms and survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. As of today, we have gifted over 63 vehicles and over 1,700 Lyft rides.

It all connects for me. When I ask the guys at The Potter’s House how many of them are there because of the prayers of moms or grandmothers, at least 70% of the guys raise their hands. It all comes back to my mom, who is my hero.