Jared Lentz of H2O Church shares his journey of learning to say "yes" to God's call, even when the path felt uncomfortable or uncertain. From ministering as a student, to serving as a resident missionary, to now committing long-term to campus ministry, each season has stretched his faith and deepened his trust in God. Through the challenges of raising support and facing the unknowns of each next step, Jared has witnessed God's faithfulness again and again. His story is a testament to the power of obedience—showing how simple, faithful yeses can lead to unexpected provision, transformation, and lasting impact.
I didn’t grow up wanting to become a missionary on a college campus. I grew up wanting to be comfortable and secure. Saying yes to a career that requires raising financial support to earn a modest, but fair, salary isn’t something I would’ve envisioned for myself. And yet, here I am. Over time, God has gently reshaped my perspective. He’s been teaching me what it truly means to be steadfast, starting back in college when I first got involved with H2O Church, and continuing now, three years into serving on staff with that very same church.
My journey began at Kent State, where I found myself captivated by the life of Jesus through the community of H2O. As I grew deeper in my faith, opportunities to serve started to present themselves. First, I was asked to lead a Bible study. I said yes. Then came an invitation to spend my junior year summer in Colorado, learning how to lead more intentionally. Again, I said yes. It was during that summer that I felt the Lord calling me into full-time collegiate ministry with H2O Church. And again, I said yes.
That theme of saying yes has been consistent in my journey. I’ve come to believe that God’s plan for us often hinges on our willingness to respond with obedience, even when what He’s asking feels uncomfortable or insecure.
After college, I stepped into ministry as a resident missionary at Kent State. The first challenge? Raising financial support. It was daunting. For six months, I poured myself into that process. It felt long, hard, and at times, isolating. But through it all, the Lord was stretching and strengthening what I’ve come to call my “steadfast muscle.” I learned to depend on Him in new ways, especially through prayer, and by His grace, I became fully funded and completed my residency with growing confidence that this was the life I was meant to live.
But to stay in ministry long-term, I had to pause again and raise even more support: this time double the amount. It took another eight to nine months. There were so many days I wanted to give up and get back to working with students. I faced countless discouragements; empty contact lists, unanswered voicemails, and feelings of defeat. Still, I showed up. I kept saying yes. And through that persistence, God continued to build my capacity for faithfulness.
During that season, I started playing pickleball at a local church gym. One day, I met a kind woman there who asked what I did for work. I told her I was on staff with a church at Kent State. Just as the game was starting, she asked, “What are your needs?" but I didn’t have time to answer before playing began. I left feeling so disappointed, thinking I’d missed a rare opportunity.
The following week, I prayed for another chance. That day, as I waited on the sidelines, she walked in, sat next to me, and said, “My husband and I talked, and we want to support a smaller church. Are you in need of support?” I was stunned. All I had done was show up and say yes.
Time and time again, God has reminded me that being steadfast isn’t about striving in our own strength. It’s about being faithful, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up, trusting Him, and saying yes over and over again. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been rich with His provision and presence. And on the other side of every challenge, I’ve seen His hand more clearly than I could’ve imagined.
