Jessica Klootwyk
Jessica began following Jesus during her early elementary years while growing up in the state of Montana. It was there she met her husband, Andy, and together they have two incredible children, Jackson and Elise.
She is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and has continued her spiritual journey and service to the Lord in various places including Arizona, Germany, Georgia, Minnesota, Colorado, and Virginia. While living in Virginia, Jessica received her Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University and served vocationally in ministry there until she and her family relocated to Escondido to serve at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in the Fall of 2023.
Jessica is passionate about encouraging growth and development in people and systems so that they are fully alive for the ministry of following Jesus and reflecting Him in the world. She loves spending time outdoors, strives not to take herself too seriously, enjoys making home her family's favorite place to be, and is committed to partnering with Jesus to bring about Kingdom change with her whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Izamar Marquez
Izamar was raised in Fallbrook growing up as the oldest of 3 in a very dysfunctional home. When her family moved to Escondido in 2017, they were looking for a church home where they could seek God and community, and find hope for their broken family. After a Google-search they came across EFCC and planned on attending the Spanish service. They were 45 minutes late to service but just on time for Jesus. That day her entire family and she accepted Christ and made EFCC their church home. She has since then been actively serving in the Spanish and Children’s ministry. Emmanuel Faith will always have a special place in her heart as it is where her family was restored, where she came to know the Lord, and where she met the love of her life.
3 years ago she married Jesus, who currently serves on the Worship Team. They love a good beach day and, home-projects but more than that, they love doing ministry together. They are looking forward to expanding their family in God’s time, knowing their kids will have a community of God-fearing people to love on them.
Izamar followed the Lord's calling to join the FaithKids team to reach children and, through children, reach families. She has a desire to partner with families as we raise up the next generation of kids to become disciples who walk in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus. God has placed it in her heart to reach Latino families in our community and to make them feel like Emmanuel Faith is their Church home.
David Bales
Dr. David Bales joined the Emmanuel Faith Church staff as Classic Worship Pastor in August of 2022. He leads the Classic Worship Ministry including our Choir & Orchestra.
JT Martinez
JT graduated from Liberty University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Bible.
JT Martinez grew up in Corona, CA after his grandparents took on the calling to raise him and his two sisters. During that time, he struggled with faith due to the trauma he had experienced from his parents. He rebelled against God for many years, never knowing if his life mattered. It wasn’t until high school that he experienced the love of Christ and decided to commit his life to the Lord and be open to whatever God was calling him to do.
After getting involved in a local church and going on a mission trip to Kenya, he was affirmed that he had been called to vocational ministry. Throughout all his experiences, JT realized he is most passionate about pursuing and investing in the next generation of church leaders.
He is married to his amazing wife Alicia, who is an SLPA. They enjoy going to the beach, trying new food, experiencing San Diego County, rooting for their favorite teams, and spending quality time together.
Luke B.
Luke joined our staff in the summer of 2020, coming over to our staff from another local Southern California church. Luke brings a passionate heart for ministry, and a solid background of both community and global outreach to our church family.
Lillian Arjona Garzon
Lillian Arjona Garzon was born in Monterrey, Mexico but grew up in Escondido, California to two parents dedicated to serving and seeking the shalom of the inner city. Lillian received her Bachelors in International Community Development from Covenant College and completed an Urban Leadership Fellowship in Denver, Colorado. She has spent the last several years working in an urban church setting doing economic development, neighborhood beautification, career development, and cross-cultural work.
Lillian has a desire to see every community restored to its full potential through a reconciled relationship with God, self, their neighbor, and creation. Lillian loves sharing a meal with her family and friends, watching soccer, and experiencing different cultures.
Cheri Wright
Cheri Wright serves as our Communications Director and oversees our various communications-related efforts including overall church and event promotions, social media, the printing and graphics team, and graphics/creative project management. She’s attended Emmanuel Faith since 1973 and her 2 children also grew up attending the children’s and youth programs here. She and her husband, Dave, live in Valley Center.
Nate Keating
Nate was born and raised in San Diego and Jesus found him when he was 15 years old on a camping trip. The Holy Spirit spoke through the words of Jesus in John 6:35 which says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
Nate has an extensive career in both ministry and business. He has a strong passion for the areas of worship and creative arts, but especially songwriting and production and loves seeing others walk and grow in their gifting. As our Modern Worship Director, Nate oversees our Modern Worship and Production teams.
He also loves spending time adventuring with his wife and two boys. When he's not at church, you can find him and his family creating lifelong memories somewhere around the world.
Randy Carter
Randy was born in Los Angeles, California. He was called to North County San Diego in 2003 to serve in a ministry where he was Maintenance Director for eight years, and then Food Service Director for seven years.
He has since become a part of the Emmanuel Faith team, joining the staff in 2017. However, his true passion is coaching and leading men to know and walk with Christ.
Randy is happily married to his wife of 26 years, Jennifer. They have two daughters, Jorgie and Tommie, and reside in San Marcos, Calif.