Dr. Marlon & Genessa Gayle

Associate Pastor

Marlon and Genessa were both born and raised in Stockton and have been married since 2007. They have two lovely children and enjoy spending family time together.

As a Bible college student, Marlon began serving Lighthouse of the Valley as an Assistant Youth Pastor and Youth Prison Volunteer Chaplain in 1999. During this time, Marlon wrote and directed a play entitled, “Jesus, the Savior of the Imperfect”. The outreach-focused play was a great success and not only reached those who were hurting in the community but Marlon and the youth drama team, were privileged to minister at other churches in the Stockton community as well as the California Youth Authority.

Marlon had always had a heart for those who needed Jesus Christ and that desire led him to begin reaching out to the Hindu community in Stockton. In 2000, his passion intensified and he felt the call of God to go to India and serve as a Missionary for one year. During his time in India, he became fluent in Telugu along with some Hindi, and traveled to remote villages and towns preaching the gospel.

Upon his return to the states, Marlon served as Youth Pastor while completing his studies at Christian Life College. He was then privileged to further his educational goals at the University of the Pacific earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies, Masters in Education and in 2011, received his Doctorate in Educational Administration. Dr. Gayle is also a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International.

Genessa is a gifted singer, teacher and has worked closely with teen girls and young women encouraging them to walk closely with God. She has a tenacious spirit that enabled her to continue assisting in ministry while starting their family and completing her education. In 2014, Genessa received her Juris Doctorate from the Laurence Drivon School of Law in Stockton.

As a team, the Gayles oversee our Foreign Missions Department as well as pastors in care of the “Jesus for Life” Student Ministries. They are passionate about the theme expressed clearly in the Bible that our purpose is to love God and love people. Their desire is to be about “the Father’s business” and watch Him change lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. They feel humbled and grateful for the call of God to serve in the ministry.