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A Journey of Faith: From Nazarene Roots to Planting The Well

Trevor and Jennifer’s story began at a small Church of the Nazarene, where faith first took root. College brought new horizons—and it was there that Trevor met Jennifer, the woman who would become his wife and ministry partner.

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After graduation, they moved to Muskegon, where they joined a church with a congregation of 250. Later, to Lowell, serving in small church cultures of about 20 people, mostly family. These years were formative but challenging, especially for a young couple raising children in congregations where older demographics made it hard to find support for childcare.


In 2022, life shifted dramatically when they moved to Peru, Illinois. By then, they were parents to two children, both with significant medical needs. Family support became essential, and their in-laws stepped in. The church in Peru embraced them with extraordinary love, showing the grace of God through people like never before. When Duncan, their youngest, needed a feeding tube and a hospital stay, their oldest son endured two hospital stays after an accident, and the congregation rallied around them. Meals filled their freezer, and an in-home nurse named Kenzie—also a church member—cared for their son.


But 2023 brought new challenges. Leadership changes created uncertainty and a rift in the way forward. Trevor and Jennifer began interviewing across states—from Arizona to Michigan—wondering what God was doing. Jennifer voiced the question on both their hearts:


“Why would God bring us to a place we love so much just to have us leave so soon?”


Then came a phone call with John Freed and a link to the Wesleyan Church. Trevor had worked with All Shores and Impact (Both Wesleyan Churches) before, leaving lasting impressions. Slowly, God’s direction became clear: plant a church through the Wesleyan Church. It felt like His way of saying:


"Go this way.”


Why Plant a Church?


After eight years and five homes, Trevor and Jennifer longed for stability—for their kids and their calling. Moving makes it hard to unpack, build trust, and develop deep relationships. Planting a church isn’t just about reaching the lost—it’s about putting down roots and creating a spiritual home.


Their vision is The Well:

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  • Mission: Welcome people into a refreshing relationship with Jesus.

  • Focus: Reach the “Well, I used to go to church but…” crowd—the de-churched and the deconstructed.

  • Goals:

    • Reclaimed faith

    • Renewed hearts

    • Restored communities


Trevor believes the church should impact the community in tangible ways—picking up trash, visiting hospitals, and praying with first responders. As chaplain for the fire and police departments, he’s seen how relationships open doors for ministry.


The Illinois Valley


Peru, Illinois—a town of 10,000 that feels like 20,000—is part of a river culture where people draw in from surrounding communities. Many claim Christianity but have drifted away. Common refrains include: “I used to be Catholic…” or “I was hurt by the church.” Trevor and Jennifer’s heart is to create a church that lives out authentic faith—where people don’t just attend but become the church.


What’s Next?

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Trevor is praying through fundraising and organizing. An info meeting is coming soon.


Join them:


Would you pray with them? Pray for wisdom, provision, and courage as they begin this journey. Pray for their family as they seek stability and follow God’s call to plant The Well—a place of refreshing, renewal, and restoration.

 
 
 

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