Jennessa Randall
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
At JBLM, Jennessa partners with other missionaries, a local church, and the chapel to reach soldiers, airmen, and their families. Together they provide opportunities for large group Bible studies, smaller men’s and women’s groups, one-on-one discipleship, and a community to belong to. Beyond the formal settings, life-on-life ministry happens through connecting during meals, social events, service projects, and retreats. All of these provide opportunities to grow relationships, have deeper conversations, and become more like Jesus in everyday life. If you’re local and want to check us out, please get in touch!
Her Story:
I grew up in Oregon with parents who love Jesus and exposed me to church and missions from day one. At a young age, I came to faith in Christ through the influence of my parents and Sunday school teacher. Other than being an astronaut, being a missionary is all I can remember wanting to be. Growing up, I had lots of ministry training and opportunities through church and Child Evangelism Fellowship. In college, I spent a summer in Kazakhstan doing children’s and ESL ministry. I also spent time volunteering in the Jr. High group at my home church during breaks from college. After graduating from the Master’s University (1997) with a degree in Christian education, I thought I would move to Moscow to teach.
But, God had a very different plan and I ended up in Germany doing youth ministry with Jr. and Sr. highschoolers on military bases. I served at bases in Baumholder, Kaiserslautern, and Heidelberg Germany from 2000-2014. During that time, I was also involved with ministry to soldiers and airmen and in 2015, I decided to step into adult ministry full time. I served first in Hawaii with Paul and Stacy Cassidy and then with Jason and Cindy Wolden at JBLM (both families are also now with Shiloh). I have been serving at JBLM since 2017.
Many are surprised that I asked to move from Hawaii to Washington state, but I don't mind the rain and having four seasons is great! I also am enjoy being close to much of my family after many years with an ocean in between. Two siblings and their kids live in Washington, my parents live in Oregon, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins fill both states. My youngest brother lives in Indonesia, so we still have the ‘fun’ of time zones and long travel as part of our family dynamic.
As a long-term Pacific Northwesterner, I readily embrace any occasion to drink coffee or to be outside. I enjoy reading, studying words and themes in Scripture, Biblical Counseling, paddle boarding, exploring, photography, designing quilts, gardening, and DIY projects. I especially like doing those things with other people. I am thankful that God allows me to intentionally live life alongside our soldiers and spouses and be part of their spiritual journey and growth.
