You’re drawn to her by her kind eyes, loving countenance, and sweet voice. You remember her for her gentle and tender heart before the Lord.

Lissette Nava is no stranger to the presence of the Lord. A student in LPU’s Biblical Studies program and a leader on chapel worship teams, her role is to enter into God’s presence and take others with her. Her beautiful journey to this season illustrates the sweetness of God in her life. “I come from a Jesus-loving home [which included] my parents, myself, my two younger sisters, and my dog. When I was 7 years old, I attended a VBS at a local church; it was there that I experienced the love of Jesus for the first time in worship. Since then, I have sought to have that same child-like, fully sold-out attention for Jesus in my walk with Christ throughout my teens and adulthood.”

Lissette and her family have attended Water of Life Community Church (WOL) since 2008 in Fontana, California, led by Pastor Shane Carroll and formerly Pastor Dan Carroll. Water of Life’s partnership with LPU across many years has included not only sending students to LPU for a Christ-centered, Spirit filled education, but also employing many alumni on their staff. Lissette is blessed to serve on the WOL worship team, which gives her the opportunity to exercise leadership skills. “Last year I led a group of high school girls that I was co-leading for the previous 3 years. I got to serve in the ministry that I once grew up in and [where I] was poured into.”

Currently employed at WOL under the worship department for the Jr. High and High School students, Lissette loves to pour into the young people she serves. “It is my absolute joy and honor being able to equip and empower the next generation to worship the Lord in their times of ministry, how they love one another, and how they learn to surrender more of their hearts for Jesus to continue the work in them He has started.”

Studies at LPU have helped Lissette grow in leading a team of young worshippers. “[The Biblical Studies] program has equipped me with a rich theology and biblical understanding for living my life as a better Christ-follower. I am challenged in my thinking to adopt a wider Christian worldview that [will] help further me in my ministry and walk with Christ.”

Lissette initially did not see herself “getting a Christian education to pursue a life in vocational ministry,” but the Lord led her to step out in faith and apply. Since then, Lissette’s growth while engaged in classes has been transformative. “Through my classes here, particularly Aimee Selby’s class of Spiritual Gifts, I have come to value and cherish that I am chosen and set-apart for a greater purpose in this life, through His sacrifice, and now impartation of His Holy Spirit, to myself and for all people.”

The lessons she has learned as an LPU student are treasures she carries with her in childlike faith and awe. One life-changing lesson I learned at LPU is that God truly is a restorer of lost time and [He is] mindful of me.” Lissette explains, “Things that I thought were done or no longer an option for me turned into opportunities carved into my path out of nowhere.”

Last year, when the Lord ‘carved her path’ into leading a chapel worship team, Lissette discovered the rich treasure of LPU campus community. “I have such joy being able to have fun and build connection with brothers and sisters that are in the same walk of life. It is a consistent group of students that I worship with each week, [so] I get to build intentional relationships with each of them in rehearsal times, worship nights, game nights/hangs, check-in calls, or random lunches/dinners on campus.”

Now a junior on track to graduate in 2026, Lissette has a path made clear to her by the Lord’s gentle leading: “I am currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies for the purpose of becoming a Worship Pastor. Because I am also a Chapel team leader here at school, I am getting even more accountability, encouragement, and equipping to be able to confidently step into that role post-graduation!”

Lissette’s life is a gentle lesson to other believers, herperspective and posture one of faith and trust in a loving God. “The things I have experienced both on and off-campus have taught me that the Lord cares for every detail of my life. [He’s] the ultimate redeemer.”