Joanne Cortes shared her inspiring journey of planting a church in Washington, D.C., which began at the end of 2019. Though she initially hesitated due to family responsibilities and the heavy workload, she felt reassured by God’s clear guidance. The church plant team quickly identified the needs of the community, focusing on engaging young professionals and serving the homeless. When the pandemic disrupted their plans, they pivoted to online outreach, leveraging social media to connect with potential team members and build relationships virtually. Despite the challenges, their mission of love and service never wavered, and they continued to nurture a strong, Spirit-led community in creative and meaningful ways.

Joanne Cortes is the pastor of BeLove Church and BeLove Nova Church.