Testimony
Jeff 1979
The Early Years
Growing up in a non-Christian home, my parents, survivors of the Great Depression, filled my childhood with a blend of toughness and love. My spiritual journey commenced with two significant conversion experiences: the first occurred when I was six or seven, and the second just before my seventeenth birthday. The initial conversion was a profound and transformative moment for me, but I eventually drifted away from my faith. In my youthful rebellion, I veered headlong into a path of sin, walking away from Jesus. In 1979, His gracious love interrupted my wayward life. I rededicated myself to the Lord at Carmichael Assembly of God. My radical conversion and intense discipleship turned my life around completely. As a new believer, my discipleship experience instilled in me the importance of evangelism, the gifts of the Spirit, deep connections with fellow believers in small groups, intimate worship, and the study of the Word.
Wilson Library, Bethany College
The Call
As I pursued God, He gradually assured me of my calling to serve Him in full-time ministry. I enrolled at Bethany Univesity in Santa Cruz, which was a season of incredible growth in my life. The instruction I received there was transformative, and I was able to actively engage in student ministry, internships, and short-term missions. After graduating in 1985, I served as a youth pastor at two churches, and also on the District Youth Advisory Board (under the leadership of District Youth Director Sammy Vazquez). Later, I transitioned into pastoring churches and launching an itinerant ministry, where I traveled nationwide to preach. In 2003, when my wife Sheila was expecting our fourth child, I felt a compelling need to support my family and spend more time at home.
During this phase, I ventured into the business world as a marketing director for a transportation company, then later, as a real estate agent, and ultimately, a managing broker for a national real estate company. While I achieved substantial success in my business pursuits, I remained active in local churches and continued my itinerant ministry. These firsthand experiences have not only equipped me with practical knowledge but also helped me understand the struggles and issues faced by believers in the workforce and marketplace. My professional and business ventures have enabled me to better understand and serve the needs of men in my role as a member of the District Men's Ministry Advisory Board (under the leadership of Assistant District Superintendent Dr. Sam Huddleston).
Jeff and Sheila
The Future
During my college years, conversations with my fellow students often included discussions about historical revivals. We discussed the state of humanity before great revivals, a world of corruption and sin. Today, I firmly believe that we find ourselves in a similar era, much like the pre-Great Awakening days. We have a remarkable opportunity to not only witness but also actively participate in a transformative awakening. The antidote for our troubled world lies in the life and ministry of Jesus, demonstrated through believers who are part of vibrant local churches.
I have been married to my wonderful wife Sheila for thirty-three years. Her unwavering support, constant encouragement, and active involvement in ministry have been an immeasurable blessing. We are blessed with four adult children and three grandchildren.
I am currently serving as an itinerant minister as well as assisting churches in transition, as an interim pastor for the Northern California Nevada District of the Assemblies of God. My current assignment is as a long-term interim pastor for Valley Christian Center, Valley Springs, CA. I am ordained with the Assemblies of God. - JG