Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Nieves
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I first started I was in my early 20’s. I was going through a rough patch in life just felt alone and a deep void like something was missing. I grew up having an idea of faith but never really had anything too solid. My parents were definitely not church people or “Godly” at all. I went on a journey searching for what was “truth” and I explored several different faiths, and landed right where I am now. I was literally at
My end with no answer yet and I’ll never forget this prayer. I said “if you’re real, and you want me to go to church and find that you’re the way the first place that answers the phone is where I’ll go, they say you’re almighty. Make it happen.” I googled churches near me, I called 7 places and no one answered but the man who would be my Pastor and mentor for years. He prayed with me on the phone and invited me to church. I will definitely say it was life changing. It was like I crashed into the cross, as I read the Bible the words would hit me in a way I’d never seen or understood before. I’ve never been an avid reader but I was glued, for hours just reading non stop, I couldn’t put it down. It changed me, my eyes were so clear afterwards. The deeper I went into the scriptures the more I saw the need for everyone to know who Christ really is and what He has called us to do and who to truly be. I truly believe there is a great misconception of what it is to be Christian, to serve Christ and serve in ministry. I believe the Lord sent me to do that, break stereotypes to let people know, it’s not what you think it is, we are not who you think we are. Those of us who truly know God and ministry understand there is so much depth to His character and we barely scratch the surface on most occasions. I started virtue gang because I’ve seen first hand what some in church can do to hurt and destroy others and I came to break all of that. Change people’s perspective, and their perception of church and be the church God has called us to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I read this and laughed. Easy? most definitely not. This has been the absolute hardest thing I’ve ever done. To truly walk by faith and not by what I see. To fully trust in God and wait on Him. To surrender my will to do His will. Walking as a Christian and serving others you take on other peoples battles, think about it like this: someone is getting jumped in a fight and you’re basically jumping in and getting pretty beat up in the process. In the beginning of a lot of the blows you will have moments and say “is this worth it?” “I’m out here getting hit pretty badly.” And I will say it’s 100% worth it. To see families restored, marriages made new, addicts healed, Miraculous healings, God being God in people’s lives. Seeing this before your very eyes knowing you were walking with someone through their deserts. Those are the Things that for me solidify more and more my faith and it’s the fuel that keeps me going forward. Seeing God glorify Himself, and He receiving all the glory.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I always say I have two jobs the one that pays me now, which is a board certified hearing specialist. I love my work because I help restore people’s hearing, bridge the relationships back that were lost due to a lack of hearing. And the one I’m waiting to be fully compensated for later which is ministering. In my church I am currently a jack of all trades. I fully believe that if God gave me skills I have to use it for it. I am the Worship Leader and the Director of Praise and worship in our ministry. It’s beautiful to lead the people into Gods presence and give the Holy Spirit space to be the Holy Spirit. I am a translator so we have fully bilingual services. I do Bible studies for the English and Spanish speakers. So I definitely work. I have a life too, don’t be mistaken but it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the Lord at my local church. I also host once a week an online women’s zoom Bible study. I have women from all over the country log in and we just go deep into the word. It’s so amazing because I don’t know these women in the flesh but we know each other so well. We pray and cry together and we celebrate victories together. It’s been amazing how many people have logged in at one time just to learn and seek more of the Lord. I’m busy but I love it !
What matters most to you? Why?
God, He is the reason I’m here still standing, able to move forward in life. I can’t imagine some of the hardest times of my life without Him. He truly anchors me and I never feel alone. I maybe alone physically but I’ve never felt lonely or by myself. He reminds me daily through so many avenues that He is with me, He loves me, and more importantly He saved me. He broke my chains, my addictions, my depressions and anxieties, so many issues I carried, traumas and I can look back and say: “wow, ebenezer, until here God has sustained me.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtue_gang?_t=8pfcDwhpe5n&_r=1
- Instagram: @virtuegang
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtueGang?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Courtesy of Iglesia Faro de Liz Resplandeciendo in Orlando, Florida
