Military Ministry at Camp Pendleton

In June 2025, Jake Jackson—sent by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oceanside—launched a new ministry focused on sharing the Gospel with service members at Camp Pendleton and other military installations across San Diego County.

Recognizing the unique spiritual and emotional challenges of military life—long hours, deployments, stress, and constant pressure—Jake is committed to bringing God’s Word into the everyday realities of Marines and soldiers. Each Saturday morning, he hosts Bible studies and one-on-one conversations, creating a space where service members can explore faith, wrestle with tough questions, and experience the encouragement of the Gospel.

This effort is strengthened through a partnership with CRU Military, which equips Jake to connect with the broader military community and meet people where they are—both physically and spiritually. San Diego County, often called “Military City,” is home to tens of thousands of service members who frequently feel cut off from a church family. Jake’s ministry responds to that need by offering consistent teaching, mentorship, and a relational approach to discipleship.

Already, the fruit of this work is evident. One young Marine, initially hesitant to attend, began showing up to Saturday gatherings and later asked for one-on-one guidance. Through those conversations, he discovered renewed purpose, peace, and confidence in God’s love amid the rigors of military life.

Jake’s work is a powerful example of how the Lutheran Mission Society, in partnership with local congregations, can creatively bring the hope of Christ to people and places often overlooked—planting seeds of faith that may bear fruit for years to come.