Former marine finding new path at local nonprofit

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Once a dedicated marine, Keith Estep's life was marked by discipline, duty, and the constant demands of service.
But after years of combat and struggle, something deeper called to him, an unshakable yearning for peace and purpose beyond the battlefield.
PA Live! Co-host Chris Bohinski shares the inspiring story of a man whose journey from the military to faith transformed not only his life, but the lives of countless others.
In a world often divided by hardship and struggle, some choose to dedicate their lives to bringing light and hope to others.
'I used to always say God was in the passenger seat for a while because I was trying to succeed in things I was doing in the world. In the marine core, they always told me, 'When you're doing the right thing, nobody can mess with you,'' Estep said.
But it wasn't just the battles fought on the frontlines that would define his life,
'When I found this church, that's when it rejuvenated my faith and spirit and, you know, put God first,' Estep continued.
Meet Keith Estep, a former marine whose service to his country, shaped him in ways he never imagined, especially with his faith, something he learned from his other great-grandfather Bishop Hamilton.
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'My grandfather, he was in the army. I actually have his purple heart recipient for my great-grandfather on my mom's side, Bert Zimmerman. When you read your bible, it edifies you in ways not just doing the wrong thing, but even the good things you want to do,' Estep explained.
Keith leaned on those role models and faith when he returned from serving our country.
'Both of my grandfathers were the biggest leaders on both sides of my family, the way our whole family came around them,' Estep added.
After moving from Berwick to Wilkes-Barre, Keith found his true purpose at Keystone Mission's Luzerne County location, an overnight shelter, providing not just food, but compassion and empathy.
'He interacts with us. He builds relationships,' said, Keith's friend, Anayia Lovell.
He reminds them that their worth is far greater than their circumstances.
'Keith extends for people. They see that about him. He extends his love for people,' Lovell stated.
Now, Mount Zion Baptist Church is starting to take notice as well.
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'That bridge, that conduit of trust between the church and Keystone is Keith,' Cyrus Solomon with Mount Zion Baptist Church explained.
'One day, he took us. We literally walked to Mount Zion,' added Lovell.
With daily bible studies and encouragement groups, Keith's reach is growing.
'I had never been to church, when I did go and felt that, I was like, 'Yeah, I got to keep going,'' voiced Lovell.
Keith reminds us all of the power of faith, compassion, and community.
'Keith is going to be somebody, that sounds like Jesse Jackson. He's going to be somebody. He's going to be a preacher. He's going to be somewhere he's affecting people. He will have his hand on the pulse of the community and we'll say, 'That's Keith,' and he's doing what he said he'll be doing',' explained Deacon Wayne Whitaker Sr., Mount Zion Baptist Church.
'Yeah, I love that church. I love it. When I came here, I wasn't a religious person,' Lovell said.
'I think my service to other people is my relationship with Jesus,' expressed Estep.
28/22 News is so honored to share his own chapter in the ongoing story of Black history.
Keith's next chapter includes a boxing gym he'll open in the spring in Wilkes-Barre where he will focus on youth programs for both boys and girls.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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