My parents divorced when I was 7, and I became even more focused on academics and athletics during my teenage years. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in Psychology, I was living out my childhood dream as a soccer goalkeeper. In Africa, I took a prescribed medication to prevent malaria, and it built up toxic levels in my system. I was fighting for my life for a year, and it took ten years to recover. During this time, my life was transformed in the deepest ways: identity, faith, mindset, habits, career, and relationships. The greatest blessings and growth in life can emerge from the worst situations. This is the grace of God, and the hope I want to spread. The pain in my journey has fueled a purpose in my heart to see more people experience an abundant life. After denying God's existence throughout my childhood, I never anticipated deciding to follow Jesus.
My family is like Baskin Robbins 31 flavors spiritually, and it was during an Introduction to World Religion class at an Ivy League school that I started to consider the historical evidence that led to my new beliefs. There's an authentic daily joy in my life that is far greater than anything I imagined, and I am energized by connecting with people from all cultures and nations.
Husband And Dad: Jesse and Laurie have four children and a dog named Bella.
Pastor: It is an honor for Jesse to serve as the lead pastor at Grace Community Church in the greater Seattle area.
Adoption Advocate: Because all children are a wonderful gift, Jesse wants every boy and girl to have a forever family.
Author: Although writing does not come naturally for Jesse and stretches him of out of his comfort zone, he has written multiple books, articles, devotions and booklets.
Former Professional Athlete: Jesse played soccer as a goalkeeper in the US, Scotland, and Zimbabwe. He currently leads faith and family night with the Seattle Sounders and Tacoma Stars.
Leader: Unity is important to Jesse as he leads with a growing movement of 100 churches, ministries and citywide leaders across the Pacific Northwest.
Evangelist: Jesse compares the technological expansion in this generation to the printing press and has been surprised at the growth of a media ministry that reaches millions of people.
Former Professional Athlete: Jesse played soccer as a goalkeeper in the US, Scotland, and Zimbabwe. He currently leads faith and family nights with the Seattle Sounders and Tacoma Stars.
Leader: Unity is important to Jesse as he leads with a growing movement of 100 churches, ministries and citywide leaders across the Pacific Northwest.
Evangelist: Jesse compares the technological expansion in this generation to the printing press and has been surprised at the growth of a media ministry that reaches hundreds of millions of people around the world.