Memoir
The Knight
A Testimony of Trauma, Addiction, and Redemption
A memoir of survival, faith, family, military service, addiction, grace, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption.
Faith • Healing • Identity • Purpose
Broken Doesn’t Mean Finished.
A message of redemption, restoration, and purpose from a U.S. Army veteran, author, minister, survivor, and advocate whose journey moved from the park bench to breakthrough.
“Your past may explain where you have been, but it does not have the authority to decide who you become.”
From the Park Bench to Breakthrough
About
A life surrendered to God’s work.
- U.S. Army
- 13 years
- Education
- PhD, Public Policy
- Home
- Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Jason E. Peeples is an author, minister, speaker, U.S. Army veteran, and nonprofit founder. Raised in rural West Virginia, Jason grew up with dyslexia and went on to pursue higher education, public service, and a 13-year career as a soldier in the United States Army.
While attending Officer Candidate School, Jason survived a devastating domestic sexual assault. Trauma, addiction, loss, and uncertainty later brought life to a breaking point. On a park bench in Philadelphia, overwhelmed by despair, Jason pleaded with God to take his life. The park bench did not become the end of the story. It became part of the breakthrough.
Today, as a 100% disabled veteran, Jason describes life as surrendered to God’s will and work. Jason lives in Columbus, Ohio, attends World Harvest Church, and studies at Valor Bible College while strengthening a growing ministry.
Jason studied at Marshall University and Colorado Technical University, earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and earned a PhD in Public Policy from Walden University.
Beyond public ministry, Jason is the proud father of his adult son, Alexander.
Books
Stories of grace, healing, hope, and identity.
Jason's books move from personal testimony to practical healing, children's hope, and the continuing conversation about identity and grace in Christ.
Healing & Faith
Healing of the Mind
Understanding Trauma, Renewing the Lev, and Rebuilding from Within
A whole-person guide exploring trauma, recovery, faith, the lev, healthier relationships, renewed purpose, dignity, and hope.
Children’s Book
The Caterpillar That Flew
Hope Rises
An illustrated children’s story about belonging, family, loss, hope, and finding your wings, inspired by Jason’s niece and dedicated to hope rising after loss.
Written by Jason Peeples • Illustrated by William Cox
Identity in Christ
Faith, identity, grace, and living beyond labels
In Development
Identity in Christ
Faith, identity, grace, and living beyond labels
A developing book centered on Christian identity, grace, sexuality, cultural labels, belonging, and faithfully reflecting Christ to people who may feel rejected or judged.
Speaking that meets people where they are.
Jason speaks from lived experience about faith, trauma, addiction, healing, identity, veterans' restoration, and finding purpose after life's hardest seasons.
Request a Speaking EngagementSpeaking topics
- From the Park Bench to Breakthrough
- Healing of the Mind
- Identity in Christ
- Grace for the Broken
- Veterans: From Park Bench to Breakthrough
Faith that builds people up.
Jason's ministry centers on grace, surrender, transformation, and identity in Christ. The mission is to reach people who feel broken, rejected, ashamed, addicted, traumatized, or convinced that they have gone too far for God to use them.
The teaching explores the biblical concept of the lev, the inner person, asking what must be healed beneath outward behavior so lasting transformation can begin.
Jason also acknowledges Pastor Chuck Lawrence of Christ Temple as a spiritual influence whose ministry demonstrates the importance of meeting people at their lowest and building them up.
We the People's Foundation
From Park Bench to Breakthrough.
Founded by Jason, the organization focuses on helping veterans facing homelessness, addiction, instability, and other challenges move toward restoration, dignity, independence, and purpose.
Visit We the People's Foundation(opens in a new tab)My Prayer
Father, my life has been given again.Give me the faith to accept the things I cannot change,the grace to change the things I can,and the discernment to accept all others.Let my life reflect Your love,my words extend Your grace,and my actions accomplish Your will.Amen.
Speaking, ministry & media inquiries
For church appearances, conferences, veterans' events, book conversations, interviews, and speaking engagements.
Emaildr.jason@wethepeoplesfoundation.org
Office50 W. Broad St., Suite 2402Columbus, OH 43215
Phone(614) 582-9350Office Line(202) 923-7242