Imagine What God Can Do: Church Planting in North San Diego County

The DeLeeuws: Scott, Krystal, Trevor (17), Taralyn (15), Trent (8)

We are asking you to be part of this life changing, kingdom movement.

Our hearts break when we see people striving so hard to make it, searching for meaning in their lives, living through the lives of their children and missing out on the joy that only comes from the One who gives life true meaning and purpose. We believe that real life change happens within the context of authentic community—doing life together wherever that maybe: over a cup a cup of coffee; at a high school sporting event; and around the table for a meal. Our goal is to ultimately help people know the transforming power Jesus and for them to in turn make a difference in the lives of those in the world around them.

For the past three years we have been praying for the next thing God has in store for us as a family. Over that time one thing has become clear—church planting. God has placed the City of Oceanside, CA on our heart, specifically the area West of the I5, along the PCH corridor. As we prayed about the people God has calling us to reach, we realized there are few churches willing to invest in this part of the city. 

It’s no coincidence that God has taken his time in preparing me for just this time. I feel God has called us to reach people who do not know Jesus, urban 30 to 50 something’s who are educated professionals, married with children, love the arts, have a military background, are involved in outdoor activities and are civic minded. Not only did God place a passion in our hearts for these people, but they are also the people group most like us. God gave us a passion to reach the people in Oceanside who we most resemble and, therefore, are most equipped to reach with our gifts and experience.

We will be working within a broader team and network. Infusion Church in Escondido, CA, lead by Pastor Matt Ortiz, is the church we are planting out of—they are the sending body. Krystal and I will be working closely with Pastor Josh Stuhlmiller and his wife Monica, who are a couple that are already planting in the community of San Marcos, which is west of Escondido. We will be supporting them in their effort and they in turn will be mentoring us through the process as we begin to plant in the Oceanside area.  

Unfortunately, their "full support" does not include much financial help, so we will be trusting the Lord for the financial cost of getting this church up and running. We’re going to use some of our savings, and the church denomination will release some limited funding and we are trusting God to make up the balance.

Map of North San Diego County

Now, we are asking you to be part of this life changing, kingdom movement. First and foremost we are asking you to pray. Pray for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit over all that takes place in this process of gathering together the people that will be part of this new church. Next, we need your financial support to sustain us as a family as we follow God’s leading. Finally, if God is calling you to be a part of this venture we would love for you to contact us and if God so leads to join us. 

We are trusting in God on a lot of levels. Please be part of his mission to the lost. Thanks