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The very first time Jerry discovered he had a love for singing was at a very young age in grade school. "I can remember singing in music class when I was in the 2nd grade. One day I began singing a whole different set of notes than what the other kids were singing. The music teacher could not figure out who it was and I was not about to volunteer that it was me for fear of getting into trouble. After going through the process of elimination she figured out that it was me. She kindly let me know that what I was doing was harmonizing. From then on I have always had a natural ear to sing all parts of harmony."

The first time Jerry ever played music in church was at the age of 10. He has always been very musically inclined. A cousin of his, who was well known in the local music circuit, recognized his musical ability and soon had Jerry playing the drums for a little Spanish church band. Jerry was never given the chance to sing however, until a few years later at the age of 13 when a Christian friend encountered him while riding his bicycle along the road and invited Jerry to his church. Once given the opportunity to sing, Jerry was ministering in a trio at church.

Not long after this Jerry began traveling with a Spanish evangelistic quartet spreading the gospel in churches all over the Midwest. "It was a lot of fun. My parents were very trusting with the evangelist who was a family friend for years. I played drums and sang harmony and lead. It was a great way to experience various types of churches and become more versatile." Jerry would often share his testimony while on the road and was used mightily to help lead others to Christ at a very young age.



Jerry has over 16 years in radio broadcasting. He has broadcasted in several genres including country, news and information, talk, and Christian. One quiet late summer night in a Christian radio studio God showed up. "I can clearly remember while on the air God decided to reach down and let me know He still loves me. I was struggling with many issues in my life and I was straying away from God. Then I played a song by Ivan Parker called "He's Been Faithful". I literally felt a sweet, calm presence in the room like I never felt before. I began to cry as I felt God telling me in my heart, "I am always here and I will never leave your side. I am waiting to listen when you are ready to talk". Jerry knew then that God had a special plan for his life when he was ready.

In just the last few years God has increased ministry opportunities for Jerry starting within his local church, Jasper Bible Church in Jasper, Michigan. He has been ministering musically in dramas, playing guitar with the church praise team, heading up the multimedia ministry, and of course singing specials. "I believe that we should bloom where we are planted. The people at Jasper have been the most wonderful, supportive, and encouraging Christians I have ever had the privilege to serve with. We truly love each other and are always there when we need each other". When he is not on the road singing, Jerry sings with his home church quartet called The Jasper Quartet and The Japerado Trio.

Another ministry opportunity that has come Jerry's way has been working at his local Christian television station. With his vast radio broadcasting experience, WLMB TV-40 in Toledo, Ohio asked Jerry if he would like to go on the air and sing for their fundraising Share-a-thon as well as be one of the hosts. "It was a bit strange at first getting in front of a camera and talking to millions of people. At least in a radio studio you have everything posted on a board in front of you to read and you don't have to worry about how you look!" God has used Jerry in a great way, praying for the viewers on the air and ministering Gods word. He has been asked to return several times and happily looks forward to this ministry opportunity.

Also, Jerry has had the opportunity to sing at The Gospel Barn in Hillsdale, Michigan. "It was an honor to be asked to sing in such a historic place and to serve with such terrific people. If you are ever in the S.E. Michigan you must stop in and visit The Gospel Barn for some of the finest gospel singing in the country!"

Jerry also had the honor to sing alongside the Weatherfords during their tour through Michigan and Indiana. "It was a great honor to be asked to sing with Lilly Fern and Steve Weatherford. I am humbled that they would have me accompany them. I will always be grateful to this legendary ministry for giving me this wonderful opportunity".

During his young ministry Jerry has had the privilege to share concerts with such artists as The Toney Brothers, Three Bridges, The Booth Brothers, The Imperials, Karen Peck & New River, Jonathan White, The Pfeifers, Tribute Quartet, The Collingsworth Family, The Blackwood Brothers and several regional groups.



There are two people who have had a significant influence on Jerry's life and ministry. First would be his mother. " I will always tell people that I am a product of a praying mother. When I was a boy she would pray for me as I went out to play. As a teen she would pray for God's protection as I went out with my friends. As a grown man she would talk to God on my behalf as I raised my own family. Only God knows where I would be today had He not heard the cries of a praying mother. God honored her faith"

God is always the source of all blessing. Jerry can truly say that his wife also has been one of his greatest influences. " I have admired many singers and songwriters over the years, but if it had not been for my wife Sarah I may not have stepped out on faith and started singing. She has supported me 100% every step of the way. When I had doubts, she kept the faith. When my vision had limits, her vision never saw boundaries. Sarah's confidence in my abilities is beyond understanding. She has helped me press forward to accept God's calling on my life. " Thank you God for placing her in my life."



Jerry and his wife Sarah have two children ages 15 and 7. They are both such a blessing and are faithfully raised in the goodness and grace of the Lord. Although they bring unique challenges to the Garcia household as all children do, God has equipped Jerry & Sarah with the knowledge and wisdom to work with their everyday needs. The girls love to hear daddy sing! Jerry's family is very supportive of his calling and always will be. Sarah is a stay at home mom where she cares for their children and runs her own online business.



When the opportunity presents itself, Jerry & his family enjoy relaxing in the mountains of the Nantahala National Forest in Andrews, North Carolina. At least 3-4 times a year they retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take time to regroup both mentally and spiritually. One of Jerry's favorite activities is White Water Rafting on the rivers of the Nantahala National Forest. One day, with all of the mountain streams and creeks in the area, Jerry also will embark on the grand sport of Fly Fishing. He just needs a little coaxing, as handling fish is not one of his favorite hobbies! The family also enjoys all of the breathtaking scenic views throughout the lower Smokey Mountains.

Jerry also enjoys studying God's word in depth and is a student of theology earning a Master of Divinity degree.



Jerry's dream to be in full time ministry has recently come true. In April 2007 Jerry stepped away from his job as a teacher to travel with his family spreading the love of Jesus through song and testimony. I know God's calling on my life is to sing the Word. God has gifted me to sing at a very young age and that is what I want to do. I just want what God wants for me. I have always told Him, O'God, if you open the door, I will walk through it.

Honors:
2006 - Spotlight article written for Daily Telegram newspaper, Adrian, MI
2006 - 1st Place Solo Division Talent Contest at 7th Annual Fan Fest, Smyrna, TN
2007 - A Winner of the National Solo Competition, The National Quartet Convention, Louisville, KY

Appearances:
2005/06/07/08 - The Gospel Barn, Hillsdale, MI
2006/07/08 - The Gospel Barn of Bluffton, Bluffton, IN 2006 - Roger Neal & Friends Sing for MS Concert Series, The Miracle of Christmas, Dickson, TN
2006 - 7th Annual Fan Fest, Smyrna, TN
2006/07 - Roger Neal & Friends Sing for MS Concert Series
2007 - The National Quartet Convention, Louisville, KY
2007 ­ WPOS Christian Center, Holland, OH

Discography
2006 - Under His Wings - Quartet
2006 - Finding Grace - Solo
2007 - A Time of Change - Solo

May the grace of God abound in your life today and forever!

Blessings,
Jerry Garcia

Mailing Address:
Jerry Garcia
3688 Treat Hwy.
Adrian, MI

Phone Number:
(517) 266-9492 Home
(517) 902-2672 Cell

Email:
Jerry Garcia -jerrygarci@comcast.net