In light of several recent events, life during the pandemic, seeing a dear friend hit by a car and hospitalized, and watching a dear Hero in the Faith pass away, I am reminded more now than ever that noone is promised tomorrow (James 4:13-15).  Our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and therefore I must rise up to the responsibility given to me by our God who created me to live out what He has called me to do and be.  Like a fire shut up in my bones (Jeremiah 20:9), I am weary of holding in this fire.  Especially after the last two years, indeed I cannot.  Woe to me if I do not preach (1 Corinthians 9:16)!  Hence, I have a resolute heart and clear conscience to be obedient to the Spirit’s Call on my life (Acts 5:29, 1 Peter 3:15-17).  I have realized that there is no tangible plan to see this materialized within the International Christian Church (ICC) here in San Diego, which I am departing from in order to obey God in this calling.  After continued prayer, thoughtful talks with family and dear friends, I have decided to follow my call to Preach the Word of God in and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), unmuzzled (1 Corinthians 9:9-14) and unhindered (Acts 28:31) by any man, person or tribe. 

Of course, I am grateful to all those who have previously been a part of this calling for so long, especially Kip and Elena, Luke and Brandyn, Tony and Therese, Tim and Leanne, Mason and Nathalie, Cory and Jee.  You have poured out your love and friendship to me and have helped support my family, and for that, I am forever grateful.  And while I appreciate the possible opportunities to preach the Word full time, unfortunately none will work out for me and my family here.  Thank you Tim for the offer to lead a region in Los Angeles.  Also, thank you to Luke for the offer to live out my calling to lead a region in New York.  And thank you Kip for supporting those possible opportunities. 

As far as the advancement of the ministry work in San Diego, for years we prayed and pleaded for a supplemental Mission Team to be sent down here to San Diego to strengthen the Church, with whom both my wife Stefanie and I love very much and led as Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader since 2016. Together with the saints we raised thousands for missionaries sent all around the world. We've served in whatever capacity we could whether paid full time or not, and at times to the point of risking our personal health and wellness.  We have seen souls won for Christ from within the local community and universities.  Expectantly, we have seen our fair share of ministry and family challenges of which I have been open about throughout and along the way.  In constant prayer for and with His guidance, my family and I have stayed because of my conviction that God wants to build something special here in San Diego, California.  More recently, it has been exciting to see God answer our collective prayers for having a team of almost 30 disciples of Jesus sent to San Diego to strengthen the Church.  And while I am thankful to Cory for his heart’s desire to someday put me back into the full-time ministry, I do not hold it against anyone that there has not been a plan for such action to be materialized.  I am unworthy and do not deserve anything, and still I know deep down within my soul that this is what I am created to do and be, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11). 

I have spent much time in study and prayer during this pandemic quieting my soul and listening to the voice of God.  I must obey God, follow the Spirit’s fire (Exodus 13:21) and step out on faith to continue what God has started within me (Philippians 1:5-6).  Out in front is a lot of hope and promise.  In short, my family is here in San Diego. Most importantly, my bride, my children, my grandchildren, not to mention the countless, close friends and relationships that I have in this city. As previously stated, though I was offered possible opportunities to preach in different cities, I have a unique opportunity to live out my calling in the city I love and am already well grounded to see God work powerfully here.  I am resolved to continue being a disciple of Jesus (John 8:31-32), preach the Cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:2), preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and the baptism that washes all sin away (Acts 22:16).  I still count the ICC as my brothers and sisters in Christ, and all whom are disciples of Jesus by repentance of their sin, been baptized into Christ and continue to walk faithfully in the Lord (Colossians 2:6). 

Excited about the unknown and for what the future holds, God-willing, I will use my freedom in Christ to continue preaching Him crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23) and deploy my efforts to build unity within the church universal and throughout the amazing Kingdom of God at large (John 17:20-23).  It is expected that savage wolves (Acts 20:29-31) will seek to distort the truth and make this into something that it is not.  I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race that Christ has called me (Acts 20:22-24) and hear Him say, “well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). 

Strength in Jesus Christ, 

Jermaine Peacock