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The story of a defiant Old Testament prophet is a cautionary tale for Jesse Underwood.
While Jonah was trying to escape his missionary call and ended up in the belly of a fish on the bottom of the ocean, Underwood plunged into ministry with enthusiasm—accepting his call some 25 years ago at age 50.
“I couldn’t hide, I couldn’t run,” said Underwood, pastor of Faith Rock Christian Center in Baton Rouge. “There’s a guy named Jonah. He’s got a lot of trouble. … Which means he’s doomed.”
God graciously gave Jonah another chance, and he ended up preaching to the people in the wicked city of Nineveh.
Underwood, 75, admits that his mission was less dramatic and life-changing.
“I’ll never forget it,” he said. “It used to be beautiful. God spoke to me and he told me to preach. He gave me approval and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
The Monroe native has been a church deacon and Sunday school teacher for years. He said there is no doubt that God has called for another level of service.
“I know that’s God,” he said. “He just spoke to me in a straightforward voice.”
Underwood said he didn’t want to face any kind of punishment like Jonah’s.
“I started doing what he told me to do — or get whipped by him,” Underwood said.
About 20 years ago, Underwood said he started the non-denominational Rock Church in his home, eventually moving to its current location at 12330 Florida Avenue at the Longbow Mall.
“Things are going well,” he said. “This is a Holy Spirit-led church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in him. We believe that whatever he says, we will do it.”
Underwood said the name of the church is based on Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you also, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
“God gave me this name,” he said. “It’s revelatory knowledge about rocks. We’re based on that knowledge.”
Underwood said he grew up in a Christian home and had an understanding of God. He was saved and baptized at an early age, beginning his lifelong connection with Christ.
“He means a lot to me,” Underwood said. “No. 1. He is my savior. He saved me, he called me. He anointed me and appointed me.”
Underwood said he is passionate about preaching and teaching the whole word of God.
“I was just guided by the Holy Spirit, no matter what he gave me,” he said. “I love teaching all the Word of God. I have no preference for particular scriptures.”
The dual-vocation pastor continues to balance his commitment to God’s work with his construction work.
“There is time for everything,” he said. “There is time to serve in church and time to serve in the field. You just have to coordinate the work.”
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