Jessica is leaving Lifegate.
I promise, it wasn't as abrupt as it sounds. And this decision was not made lightly. I've spent about a year thinking about it and about 5 months praying about the actual decision and through all of those prayers, God said, "Yes, its time."
And then I prayed again, "God, are you sure? Cause I'm thinking I should stay."
God: "Jess it's time to go."
Me: "Are you positive?"
God: "Yes"
Me: "But.."
God: "Jessica"
Me: "Ok fine."
Not really. But there were definitely times that I questioned whether this was really the right thing for me to do.
I've been attending Lifegate (The Church Formerly Known as 'Downey Ave. Foursquare Church) since I was 8. That's 17 years!! 17 years!! This church is my family. I've spent most of my week and weekends with them. I've laughed with them, I've cried with and for them, and Lord knows that I've fought with them. I've been taught, disciplined, and mentored. I've made friends, lost friends, watched people get married, and attended funerals. I've taught kids church and worked in the nursery, I've been a youth and taught the youth. I've worshipped. I've spent 17 of my 25 years of life there. So yeah. I didn't want to leave. But sometimes God's plan isn't always what our flesh feels comfortable with.
So what am I doing?? Where am I going?? And how did I get there?
I'm doing something that I never ever, EVER thought I'd be doing. I'm church planting. Brian and Laura Warth are two leaders that I've known for a while through my mom and Mike. They've been greatly anointed and called to start a church right here in Paramount. They've been absolutely blessed by God through this journey.
They started a home bible study in March of 2011, and asked if I would just lead some short acoustic worship for them every week. At the time I wasn't working and they were paying. So I said yes. (that sounds horrible)
I was privileged to watch the group attendance grow and grow. Sometime that summer Brian had emailed me and basically said "Just so you know, we're going to be offering you the worship leader position. So just be ready" (His favorite saying.)
I was already talking to God about where I was and what he was calling me to do, so that email made me nervous. Flash forward to November and I find myself sitting with Brian and Laura as they officially share the vision of the church and their vision for the worship leader role.
And they offer me the position. And give me 3 months to decide.
**Enter lots of worship music, praying, crying, praying, and more worship music**
I don't thinking I've ever prayed for something so hard before in my life. Not even when I went to Colorado.
In this time I also met with Pastor Larry and told him about the offer and asked for prayer, cause this was not going to easy.
Flash forward again to Feb. 2012. And I find myself in another meeting with ALL of my pastors telling them that I decided to officially accept the position.
That's the story. There are way more stories, and conversations with God. If you want to more, text me. :)
In October 2012, Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship will be launching a brand new church in the city of Paramount.
And I will be their worship leader.
My last official Sunday at Lifegate will be July 1st. I'm sooo excited about this new chapter of my life, and still very sad about leaving my family. I wont' be far. I'm not moving my house and I will still come around! But I will absolutely miss worshipping with all of you. My heart just about leaps out of my chest when I hear you guys worshipping and singing and crying out to God. I know that God is going to bless you all with a worship leader who's heart is in-tune with God's. I pray that you would continue to worship with desperation, and live a life of worship.
We will be having a "Farewell Party" for me! I can't wait to spend sometime with all my church family. And if I haven't seen you in a while and you'd like to come!!! DO it!! :)
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