I find myself sorrowful today finding out that the pastor who brought me to the Lord had passed, which obliviously new what happen one day, he was 76 years old. Going home on Feburary 13th, 2024.
Although I did not know this man person, attending Calvary Chapel was my home church for many years but it in 2008/2009 when I was invited by a friend/co worker at the time, the same friend who introduced me to my future wife.
Having attended church before brought up in a Baptist church my grandparents attended which still stands today. Then later in life as a teenage going full catholic at St. Pixus in Santa Fe Springs, California. Finally landing at Calvary Chapel Downey where I gave my heart to the lord, where I cried many times as I struggle with a new relationship, working towards being a better man and eventually husband and father.
What makes this church and the pastor so special was that my mother Linda Gutierrez attended with me and my wife and on her own before she passed in 2015, having her bible where she left notes. I fully trust she is with the Lord now in paradise, and I look forward to seeing her one day.
Pastor Jeff who had a long history with Calvary chapel once a drug dealer, giving his life to the Lord, having tried every form of spirituality before coming to the lord. Like anyone else he was growing older when I first came to his church as he was already in his sixties but still full of incredible words, energy and love for GOD.
From my time there I went full Christian, going to Sunday, Wednesday services, Men’s bible studies on Thursday nights. I will say this was definitely a different time in my life and he help get me through those times, as I often found comfort in the pews of his large church.
The church now in hands of Art Reyes, who I find to be a great choice not only by Pastor Jeff but the Lord as I regularly watch.
Pastor Jeff was married to his wife Karyn, having children but leaving behind so much more, his incredible impact on the hearts of men, women and children as he goes home in the arms of the lord as I imagine the lord saying
“Well done, my faithful servant”. Matthew 25:23.
Here is an article from Calvary Chapel Magazine announcing his coming home : https://calvarychapelmagazine.org/articles/jeff-johnson-memorial
Pastor Jeff also wrote a book called “The Seeker” Which I have personally read that anyone would enjoy reading about such a great man: https://www.amazon.com/Seeker-Johnsons-Search-Clear-Light/dp/1931667683
Lastly one of the most important events was the celebration of 50 years of service and when Pastor Jeff passed the torch to Art Reyes and that blog that followed : https://josephmeyercreatives.com/2022/11/24/thankful-for-a-man-of-god-pastor-jeff-johnson-of-calvary-chapel-downey/
Joe Meyers Adventures 