A Season of Leading
- Joanna Patton
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
This August marks 3 years & six months since I began staffing full time with YWAM Los Angeles. Wow!
In that time, there have been many changes & many roles within the campus. Many ups & some downs. Celebration & yes, even grief.
As I write this update, it is both looking back at ALL God has done & all you have partnered with, as well as looking ahead into new things! So, what has happened?
In November, I was given the opportunity to co-write a new song with one of my PIHOP worship leaders & be part of the live recording! This album is out now on all streaming platforms! I have been serving as a singer on worship teams with Pasadena International House of Prayer since the beginning of 2024, having auditioned & been accepted in Fall the previous year. In that time, I have recorded background vocals on their Psalm 84 album- the first release from PIHOP in 10 years- & featured now on their second album release- Revelation 1!
I have been invited to several local churches as well, being offered many exciting opportunities! In addition, I stepped into the role of one of YWAM LA's primary worship leaders, giving leadership when needed to our teams, recruiting & training new team members, & serving the weekly music needs of the campus, as well as going out as a team to serve locally.
It has been an honor & a blessing to use the giftings God has given me, & which I attended music school for, in a way that is both fulfilling, & honors God!
I have continued serving in the role of Teams logistics on our campus for two years.
This role has been challenging, rewarding & so FUN! It has allowed me to build relationships & bridges across city & ministry lines, which opens incredible new doors for collaboration. I have found that I love being a bridge, connecting people that may never have otherwise!
I help manage & plan team housing, campus tours, transportation & ministry (if needed) & my favorite part- play host! I am the main point of contact, & first welcoming face that those coming to serve in the city see & it has been a blast!
With the recent LA fires, I was given the honor of helping to partner our base with several disaster relief organizations, bringing them here to the city following the devastating fires that ravaged Altadena (the neighborhood I have been doing ministry in) & the Palisades. We housed, hosted, & helped serve the teams & the relief initiatives, such as ash outs, or working hand in hand with Operation Blessing bringing needed supplies to misplaced families.
What an intense time it has been since returning to work January 6th, following the holidays. Never would I have imagined walking into some of the most trying moments of this city just one day later. But the testimony out of the test is that even if fires are raging all around you, God is FAITHFUL!
In addition to all this, I have continued operating & managing the coffee shop on campus as well- Aviva Cafe- as a Business With A Mission initiative that supports a local anti-trafficking organization helping women escape & have access to resources. Aviva means "come alive" in both Portuguese & Spanish! Having received training in operating business as missions at the end of 2024, it has been such a joy to apply this training hands-on in such a rewarding way! I was co-founder for this cafe, as well as sole proprietor for the last year! I feel in many ways this has prepared me for future endeavors!
So, what's next!
Over the last 3 years, I received many invitations to travel through YWAM, but it hasn't been until this year that I felt it was time. SO, a big reveal!
I have been invited to be a staff+student for a worship+prayer school in Pokhara, Nepal beginning in September with an outreach to Jerusalem, & after much prayer with counsel-
I have accepted!
I feel this is building on a foundation that God is preparing for the future.
This University of the Nations program focuses on equipping & practical application of ministry in everyday life. It aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of who God is, gaining His perspective of the world, & discovering His plan for people, cities, & nations!
What does this look like?
Dates: September 21-December 12, 2025 Staff Training+School
January-February 2026 Outreach
Cost: Lecture Phase= $2500/ Outreach= $2500
*God has already begun providing, & as of this update, I already have $1100 towards the first half of this mission's trip! Woohoo! I have an additional $1400 to fundraise for Nepal, & $2500 for Jerusalem, but I have seen the provision & faithfulness of God every single time!
I want to invite you to pray & to financially partner with me in this next adventure!
God has truly marked my life through each one of you, & each of these testimonies are results of your friendship, partnership & prayer throughout the years of this missionary journey.
I am attaching below the many ways that you can "come along with me" to Nepal & beyond!
Let's "GO" together!
I will be bringing you with me as much as possible on this journey! As always, all questions are welcome, & your prayer requests are encouraged as well!
Thank you for your ongoing support in my missionary endeavors through YWAM LA!
And thank you for considering partnership for this upcoming mission trip as well!
*ALL ministry donations can be tax-deductible! Please see below for details!
Here are the partnership details!
Tax-deductible giving:
Fathers Heart International Ministries
3497 E. Kent Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85297
**If sending a check, please write a separate note with it indicating it is for Joanna Patton (please make checks out to Fathers Heart International Ministries)
PayPal:
Zelle:
Venmo:
@Joanna-Patton-8
100% of all ministry donations will go directly towards this school!
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