When Pastor Oshane Evans looks into the eyes of the young people he serves in Oakland, California, he sees something achingly familiar.
“I see myself in a lot of them,” he says. “I grew up in Trench Town (Rema), where violence was everywhere and hopelessness was common. Many of these youth faced similar struggles shaped by their environment. Yet, I also see that they have great possibilities, just like I did. If given opportunities and guidance, they can choose a different path and thrive.”
That belief—that no young person is beyond redemption—is the heartbeat of his ministry. For nearly two decades, Pastor Evans has committed his life to nurturing at-risk youth, first in Jamaica and now through Points of Light, a faith-based non-profit in Oakland. Each week, his programmes touch the lives of more than 500 children and teenagers, offering mentorship, meals, safe spaces, and something far deeper: hope.
His journey began at 17, when he says Christ “radically” saved him and turned his life around.
“My life made a complete 180-degree turn,” he recalls. “Almost immediately, I felt a mandate to immerse myself fully in His work. The Lord directed me to attend Bible college, and from that moment, I began serving in my local church.”
From youth ministry at Good News Assemblies of God in Portmore under Rev. Everton Butler to his current role in Oakland, Pastor Evan’s trajectory has been one of steady obedience. Still, he admits there were times when he felt like giving up.
“In those moments, I reflect on what my life would be without Christ and how easily I could have taken a very different path. I’m encouraged by the promises God has kept in my life and the transformations I witness in the youths I mentor. My mentors also keep me grounded in my calling and remind me of the importance of perseverance.”
Although he now lives thousands of miles away, Jamaica never left him.
“I was shaped in ministry by my Jamaican lived experience,” he explains. “The way I show up for the children and youths is undoubtedly influenced by the deep-rooted values, discipline, and moral compass instilled in me as a Jamaican. Growing up in the inner city, I can completely relate to these youths—I am not far removed from their experiences.”
That shared experience helps him earn trust quickly in Oakland, a city often described as one of America’s most volatile inner-city communities.
“Oakland youths face mental health crises, food insecurity, gang violence, and absent carers at high rates,” he says. While some challenges are similar to what he encountered in Jamaica, he said in Oakland there is less church engagement among youth. That requires him and his team to combine mentorship with practical support and consistent relationship-building to provide hope and stability.”
The stories Pastor Evans tells are heartbreaking yet laced with hope.
Recalling a 14-year-old girl battling suicidal thoughts, he shared that her single mother had difficulty finding methods that worked, and seeing her go through that period broke his heart.
“Her struggles affected everything around her—school, relationships, even basic life necessities. Through mentorship, faith-based counselling, and steady support, she began to recover. Her suicidal ideation has decreased, and she is now able to express herself and manage her emotions,” he shared.
Then there’s 13-year-old Zyer, who struggled with anger and emotional instability after growing up without a father. Through weekly mentoring and group sessions, Zyer learnt to cope more positively. It made Pastor Evan’s day and gave him a warm feeling when Baker turned to him one day in the car and uttered the words, “Pastor, thank you for not giving up on me.”
As Director of Points of Light, Pastor Evans oversees a broad array of programmes that go well beyond traditional church work. They include:
- Violence Prevention & Leadership Development for at-risk youth
- Friday Impact Night, a safe space with recreation and peer activities
- SLICE (Saving Lives in Campuses Everywhere), a school-based violence prevention initiative
- Mighty Blaze Saturdays for younger children
- Wellness Check-Ins & Youth Academy
- Providing mentorship and family support
- 24/7 resource contact for emergency referrals and guidance
For Pastor Evans, faith is not an add-on; it is the foundation.
“Faith provides youth with a sense of purpose, resilience, and hope,” he stated, adding, “Every method I employ—mentorship, counselling, programming—is rooted in faith, which empowers youth to navigate challenges with confidence and moral grounding.”
This faith also fuels his vision for the future, and looking ahead in faith, he said if he had unlimited resources, he would establish a Mental Health Crisis Wellness Centre alongside a Food Distribution Programme. “We must address both emotional well-being and basic nutritional needs,” he argues. “That’s how we provide holistic support.”
Despite his deep roots in Oakland, Pastor Evans has not forgotten home. He hopes one day to bring these strategies back to Jamaica.
“The structured mentorship programmes, wellness initiatives, and community engagement strategies could greatly enhance youth development programmes in Jamaica,” he says. “My goal is to replicate best practices while respecting local culture and needs.”
As he looks ahead, Pastor Evans dreams of expansion. His “ultimate vision”, he says, is to see Points of Light broaden its reach across America—and eventually the Caribbean—through crisis wellness centres and food distribution hubs.
“I believe investing in youth today transforms the future of entire communities,” he says.
From the streets of Trench Town to the neighbourhoods of Oakland, Pastor Evans’ story is one of resilience, faith, and relentless hope. Where others see brokenness, he sees potential. Where others see despair, he sees the light of Christ still burning in the eyes of the young.
And for hundreds of youth each week, that light is making all the difference.