Jake & Ilse's Story

Go Into & Preach the Gospel

In this episode, Pastor Amos reminds City Lights of the heartbeat of the church: to help people find and follow Jesus and to experience a disciple-making movement in Chula Vista. Looking at Jesus’ call to His first disciples in Mark 1 and His commission in Mark 16, we’re reminded that following Jesus is not just an invitation to believe, but an invitation to become His apprentices and join His mission. This message challenges us to gather purposefully, grow intentionally, and go missionally—bringing the good news of Jesus into the places we live, work, play, and study. As City Lights launches its first missional communities, we’re invited to take seriously Jesus’ call to go into the world, proclaim the gospel, and be the light of Christ in our city.

God is in Control

In the final message of the “Even Though” series, Pastor Amos walks through the closing verses of Psalm 23 and reminds us that God’s presence does not disappear in the valley—it becomes even more personal. Reflecting on the image of the Lord as both Shepherd and King, this message explores what it means for God to prepare a table in the presence of our enemies, to anoint and heal us in the middle of hardship, and to pursue us with goodness, mercy, and steadfast love all the days of our lives. Through honest reflection on suffering, loss, and the deep valleys we all face, this episode encourages listeners not to give fear, bitterness, comparison, or the lies of the enemy a seat at the table. Instead, we are invited to trust the Shepherd who remains fully in control, who restores our souls, and who uses even the hardest seasons to draw us into deeper intimacy with Him. Even though we walk through the valley, God is still good.

Jake & Ilse's Story

In this episode of the City Light Church podcast, we continue the Even Though series through Psalm 23 with a deeply personal conversation from Jake and Ilse as they share the story of losing their son, Axel. Through heartbreak, grief, and impossible decisions in the NICU, they recount how God met them in the middle of their darkest valley with peace, strength, and His presence. This powerful testimony reminds us that even in suffering, the Lord is still our Shepherd — faithful to guide, comfort, and carry us through what we could never survive on our own.

The LORD is My Shepherd

This week, we begin our new series, Even Though, with a message from Psalm 23 about trusting God in the valleys of life. David reminds us that faith does not deny the reality of darkness, pain, grief, or uncertainty. Instead, faith declares that the valley is not the end. Through the image of the Lord as our shepherd, we see that God is personal, present, protective, and faithful. Even when the path is hard to see, we are not left to walk alone. The Lord provides what we need, restores our souls, leads us through difficult places, and stays near to His people. Whatever valley you may be walking through, this message is a reminder that the Shepherd is with you—and He will not abandon His sheep.

Peace of Mind

In the final message of our Renew Your Mind series, we look at Philippians 4 and the promise of peace that comes through Christ. Paul reminds us that peace of mind is not found by ignoring anxiety, denying pressure, or pretending life is easy. It is found by rejoicing in the Lord, remembering that God is near, bringing our worries to Him in prayer, and refocusing our minds on what is true. This message is especially timely on Mother’s Day, speaking to the weight many carry—the pressure, anxiety, unseen sacrifices, and constant demands of life. God is not asking us to carry everything perfectly. He is inviting us to bring everything to Him. Through prayer, thanksgiving, and renewed thinking, we can experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.