Meet Jeremy Ballon of Motion City Church in Arts District

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Ballon.

Jeremy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My wife Deb and I moved from LA to NW Florida to help with a start-up church. We enjoyed every moment, as we saw God transform lives, heal marriages, and do miracles. While living there, my wife gave birth to our daughter, Taylor Grace. Though we saw how God did wonderful things, we knew we had to come back, so after four years, we moved back to LA to start Motion City Church. We have now been back for three years.

We have a huge heart for this city and the people here. But most importantly, God loves this city. We had a passion to see people’s lives change and find peace and hope in Jesus. We just couldn’t shake it while living in Florida. So after spending time in prayer, and consulting with my pastor and mentor there, we made the move.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the struggles we had before we started the church was finding a location to have services in. We either could not afford it with the budget we had, or just that places kept turning us down when they found out we were a church. It was difficult. As you know, spaces in LA are expensive.

One afternoon, I was hanging out at a local coffee bar on 3rd St. I was so discouraged. I remember praying, “God, if you don’t want us here, we don’t have to do this here. This is your church. We’ll go wherever you want us to go.” About a minute later, two people passed me, I overheard the young lady say, “We are for LA.” Or so I thought. They went inside to get coffee. After, they stepped back out only to sit about 3 feet away. So I asked her, “Excuse me, but did you say, ‘We are for LA’?” She said no, and it was awkward for a minute until she asked me why.

I was able to share our story and vision of starting a church in the Arts District but still haven’t found a place to meet. She then offers her space around the block that already has a sound system and chairs. All we needed to bring was a guitar, coffee and doughnuts! For $200 per Sunday. God is faithful!

Please tell us about Motion City Church.
We love God and love people. We are a community of imperfect people who serve a perfect God. He loves this city and wants to give hope and peace in this life, only found in Jesus.

Anyone from any background is welcome to our services! We just want our guests to know that you don’t have to be like us to be loved by us. We desire to be a church for the churched, unchurched, and de-churched alike. Whether you’ve been hurt by the church or someone who is searching for something you’re unsure of, you are welcome.

We want to see people who are struggling or trapped in their issues, trials, sins, and hardships, rescued and restored into a thriving relationship with Jesus! He gives hope and peace for this life and eternity.

What were you like growing up?
I was born in Tennessee. My dad is Filipino, and I like to say, my mom is from Georgia! Growing up, bi-racial had its difficulties, especially when our family moved to the Philippines as missionaries. Though we had great friends there and here in the States, I remember having a hard time fitting in as I “didn’t look like” the people of whatever country we were in at the time.

I grew up seeing my parents serve others, and put others first before themselves, as they ministered there. They have since both passed away, but have left an amazing example and legacy of faithfulness. This is what inspired and encouraged me to pursue the ministry. I wanted God to use me in His story of life change, to love and serve others.

My wife’s parents had a similar story in which they also served in the ministry in the Philippines. They moved here to LA when she was about 3, and spent most of her childhood, and teenage years here. This also fueled a passion she has now for people.

Contact Info:

• Address: 440 S. Alameda St.
  Los Angeles, CA 90013
  (entrance in rear, on Seaton St.)
• Website: www.motioncity.church
• Phone: 818.406.2256
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @motioncity.church
• Facebook: @motioncity.church
• Other: @jeremyballon

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