What started in 1995 as a longing in the heart of Sister Van Berin to have the same fellowship experienced way back in the Philippines, ignited the words of prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).  With these words burning deeply in her heart, she moved to Arlington, Virginia, where she met Sis Salva Torralba in one church held in Calvary Gospel  Church. Overjoyed with this initial meeting and fellowship, the two agreed to hold regular intercessory   prayers together, and one by one through God’s incredible plan and mighty intervention they were led to cross paths with some other women- Mary Delgado, Sis. Lourdes Layug, Sis Lisa Lao, Sis. Emy Cruz and Sis. Ellen Solis. All women were experiencing the same longing and passion in their hearts.  They realized it was not by accident that they all met. The Lord had a bigger plan.

In 1996, God’s divine provision opened the door for the group to occupy a huge house in Lynbrook Drive, Arlington, VA. This group of seven women fondly called as pioneers of the JIL Church GWDC and a young man (Bro. Jason Santos), who is Sister Van’s eldest son, formed a nightly intercessory prayer for God’s purposes to manifest. They knew in their hearts that there is something big that God is about to do in their midst. As the group earnestly prayed, God opened a way of communication with the leaders and spiritual director of Jesus Is Lord Church. In August 1997, Bro. Eddie Villanueva laid his hands on these prayer warriors and uttered his blessing for a JIL Church to be established in the Washington DC area. Shortly after, Sunday Services and discipleship teachings were held in the basement of the house in Lynbrook Drive. With the tireless effort of the faithful pioneering women, enormous evangelism campaigns, prayer watches and inter-fellowships took place and more people were added to the group.

On December 14, 1997, Pastor Arnel Aquino from JIL San Diego came to formally launch Jesus Is Lord Church Virginia Chapter at the Calvary Gospel Church Building located on 1800 North Glebe Road in Arlington, VA.  In April 1998, Pastor Jessie Maghacot with his family (Sister Dothy, Nicole and Josh) answered the call when he permanently moved from San Diego to pastor the church. This church was also instrumental in forming another chapter in Roanoke, VA. 

In August 2001, the church was renamed Jesus Is Lord Greater Metropolitan DC, capturing the vision of expanding throughout the seven counties of Greater Washington DC area (Anne Arundel, Prince George, Montgomery, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William counties.) On the occasion of its 7th Year Anniversary held in October 2004, with no less than Bro. Eddie Villanueva as Main Speaker, the church was formally named as Jesus Is Lord Church Greater Washington DC.

It was evident God orchestrated the formation of this church. Today, Pastor Jessie Maghacot leads with about 120 attendees every Sunday and still growing. There are more than 40 faithful workers and 12 leaders involved in various ministries: Kiddoz (Children), I Care (Compassion Ministry), Voices in Adoration (Music), Christian Youth for the Nation (Young People), Education, Warriors Intercessors Network (Prayer Warriors), Gatekeepers (Ushering), Security of the Saints (SOS), Special Projects, Follow Up, Admin/Finance, among other Life Group Networks that cater to various needs of the church and the community.  Regular activities include weekly bible studies, cell groups and prayer meetings in various homes. Last May 2005, the church relocated to 1845 N. Columbus St., Arlington, VA.

The JIL Church in Arlington, VA is just one of the JIL worldwide churches (www.jilworldwide.org) in 35 countries with multi-worship services every Sunday affecting and impacting many lives and proclaiming that JESUS IS LORD all over the world. It was founded in 1978 by Bishop Brother Eddie Villanueva in the Philippines, and is one of the largest born-again Christian churches in the Philippines.