History

Under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Elisha R Lawson Jr., Jesus Outreach Center (JOC) was born in March 1986, in Heilbron, Germany. The ministry started out in a military chapel, but adverse circumstances that arrived while at the Chapel, necessitated a transition to the German community, thus reflecting the ministry’s vision of “A church for all people and not just the military.”

Out of obedience, a final Sunday Worship Service was held at the military Chapel and by the following Friday, God performed a miracle.  He blessed JOC with a building that seated about 100 people.

JOC grew rapidly in two years.  Again, God spoke to Pastor Lawson about enlarging the ministry's vision and believing Him for a larger building to accommodate the increase. The enlarging of the vision was directly connected to the name of the ministry. God had instructed Pastor Lawson to add "World" to the original name. This would not only expand the congregation's thinking and believing, but the ministry itself.  And so Jesus World Outreach Center (JWOC) was birthed!

God continued to increase the ministry in every aspect, to include a facility that holds over 300 people and consistent full house attendance.  In addition to the enlarging of the ministry, his wife, Phyllis was installed into the office of a Pastor.
In 1993, it was time to move on.  The ministry in Heilbronn was left in the very capable hands of a German Pastor and JWOC was relocated to Heidelberg, Germany.  Ten years later, He did it again!  Now taking the ministry to a bigger and much more spacious location in the heart of Heidelberg with a sitting accommodation of 700!  The ministry continues to expand with an even stronger anointing to remove burdens and destroy yokes.

JWOC has a multiracial mix of all colors and languages. Germans, Africans, North and South Americans, Europeans and a wide mixture of Asians are a part of the ministry.  It’s not over till it’s over and JWOC presses on, etching it’s name in history, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with a mission and a mandate to save Heidelberg!