GASTROCK, JARED & LAURA

We are called to serve God in the US Territory of Puerto Rico, specifically in the city of Ceiba, on the East coast of the island. Veteran missionary Luis Martinez and his family have been faithfully serving there for 24 years and have planted a church with a growing K-12 Christian school. We feel called to serve in three main areas in Puerto Rico. First, we plan to partner with the Martinez’s in serving in both the church as well as school ministry to reach the people and especially the children of Puerto Rico. Second, we seek to create missions-focused teens camp where youth groups from US churches can come to focus on what God is doing in foreign missions. We believe Puerto Rico is uniquely positioned to accomplish this due to its accessibility as a US Territory juxtaposed by its foreign culture. Finally, we plan to create a pastoral retreat where we could be a blessing and encouragement for those serving in the ministry by providing an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate.
Laura and I were both saved as children (9 and 8 respectively) but it wasn’t until years later after our first year of marriage that we began to get serious in serving the Lord. As a United States Marine, God grew, molded and prepared our hearts through various duty stations and experiences for His service. Although limited to periods 2-3 years, we have been able to grow and serve in a variety of ways in numerous churches. In 2017, our pastor, Jon Wrightson of Coastline Baptist Church in Jacksonville NC surrendered to missions in Puerto Rico and I accompanied him on his first survey trip to the island. Although burdened, I did not return from the trip believing it was God’s will for us to serve in Puerto Rico, but I did know God was calling me into the ministry in some capacity.
Over the following three years, God continued to work in my heart and through much prayer and Godly counsel, I knew beyond a doubt, God was calling me to serve Him in Puerto Rico. Through His perfect timing and power, I was granted an early retirement from the Marine Corps at 15 years approved for Sept 2023. We are excited to transition from serving our nation to serving the Almighty God of the universe!