As the youngest of 5 kids raised by both parents in a gospel-centered home in Oakland, California, Jamal took ownership of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at 13. His life verse is Jeremiah 1:5. His mission is to “be the person God has called him to be in all aspects of his life and relationships.”
As a student-athlete at Fresno State, Jamal was introduced to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) by two veteran teammates and was invited by another teammate to attend a gospel-centered church in Fresno, Ca. While serving as a huddle leader at FCA camp, Jamal was introduced to the theme “an audience of ONE” based on Bible verse Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”
Whether working through 6 AM conditioning exercises, grueling workouts, running full speed on kickoffs with reckless abandon on a football field, taking finals, serving as a Chaplain, working in ministry, raising support as a missionary, being a husband, father, professional, leader or mentor; Jamal’s desire has always been to bring glory and honor to God, the name and reputation of Jesus Christ. Despite his best efforts, he falls short every day. He copes with the harsh realities of living in a fallen world, his brokenness, disappointments, failures, mistakes, and feelings of inadequacy by meditating on and internalizing the truths of God’s word; living with an attitude of gratitude, praise, worship, and adopting a grace-based identity through Jesus Christ.
In November 2019, Central Valley Christian Counsel, Inc. was founded in recognition of the dire need for more Christian mental healthcare providers, clinical supervisors, and training within the San Joaquin Valley and California. This practice is not about any one person. Instead, it is about the character of a loving God who cares about all people’s spiritual and mental wellness, regardless of background, political alliance, race, ethnicity, culture, creed, or nationality. We love all people, and we acknowledge our moral and ethical responsibility “to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for the reason for the hope that is within us. We discuss these matters with cultural sensitivity, gentleness, and respect (1 Peter 3:15 – 16)
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to significantly impact individuals, couples, families, churches, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations within every sector of society. Racial tensions, social unrest, and the current political climate have more people seeking mental health services. As a result, we are laying the foundation, praying, and preparing for expansion to better meet the needs of our clients, the body of Christ, and local communities.
