05/15/2026
Today we honor the life and legacy of Pastor Jessie Maghacot, Director of Jesus Is Lord Church South USA Region and Church Pastor of JIL Washington DC — a faithful servant, teacher, worshipper, missionary, and shepherd of God’s people.
A pastor who lived the Gospel he preached.
A leader who equipped generations for ministry.
A servant who finished his race while fulfilling God’s mission.
After encountering Christ on May 29, 1980, as one of the V. Mapa High School students evangelized through the early ministry of Jesus Is Lord, Pastor Jessie became one of the foundational pillars of JIL — among its first worship leaders who helped cultivate a culture of passionate, Spirit-led worship.
From his days as an Araullo worship leader and choir member — faithfully stacking thousands of chairs week after week so others could worship — to becoming a Bible teacher ministering in communities and jail outreaches in Tondo and Caloocan, his life was marked by humility, obedience, and wholehearted service from the very beginning.
A graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Pastor Jessie first served as a Livelihood Specialist at the National Housing Authority. Even while working in the marketplace, his heart remained devoted to ministry. His commitment to lifelong spiritual growth continued when he completed the Bro. Eddie School of Ministries International (BESMI) in Toronto, Canada — further equipping him to disciple leaders and strengthen churches across nations.
He was not only called to serve — he was sent.
And wherever God sent him, he carried one message: Jesus is Lord.
Together with Ptr. Dorothy, his beloved wife of 39 years, he faithfully pioneered churches — planting JIL San Diego, California, and establishing churches in Virginia and Maryland, building spiritual homes where believers could grow, worship, and encounter Christ.
Through decades of ministry, Pastor Jessie declared revival and strengthened churches as Regional Pastor of JIL East USA, Regional Supervising Pastor of JIL South Atlantic USA, Director of the South USA Region, Church Pastor of Area 3 and JIL Tysons, and most recently, as Church Pastor of JIL Washington DC.
His leadership reflected both apostolic vision and a shepherd’s heart — raising disciples, equipping leaders, strengthening families, and guiding believers into Spirit-filled worship.
Even in his final days, Pastor Jessie remained faithful to his calling — traveling on mission, preaching the Gospel, and serving God’s people. On May 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas, he went home to be with the Lord while fulfilling ministry work — a testimony of a life fully surrendered to Christ until the very end.
Though we mourn his passing, we stand on the promise of Scripture:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15
Pastor Jessie leaves behind more than memories.
He leaves disciples.
He leaves leaders.
He leaves churches planted, lives transformed, and Christ’s legacy written in countless hearts.
His voice may now be silent on earth, but the harvest of his obedience continues.
To his beloved wife, Ptr. Dorothy; his children Josh, Nicole, and Henry; his grandchildren Victoria, Arthur, and Leo; the JIL Washington DC family, JIL USA, and all whose lives he touched — we pray that the comfort, peace, and strength of the Holy Spirit surround you.
Heaven has welcomed a faithful shepherd home.
🕊️ Ptr. Jessie, your labor continues in every life you discipled,
every church you planted,
and every soul led to Jesus.
Until we meet again in glory —
where worship never ends and every voice proclaims: Jesus is Lord.
