Episode 03 — A City God Won’t Give Up On

Episode 03 — A City God Won’t Give Up On: Watching God Answer Prayers Decades Later

What if the place you’ve written off is the very place God is still writing a story? In this episode of the Rise Up Podcast, Jason and Nate sit down with Alex Lessler, lead pastor of Willamette Christian Church, to talk about growing up in Gresham, watching it change over decades, and discovering that cities—like people—have seasons of promise, disappointment, and renewal. Alex shares stories from his childhood in Gresham, the economic optimism of the early ’90s, and the deep nostalgia of a city that once felt “up and coming.” From café discipleship that awakened his calling to prayer gatherings contending for revival, what unfolds is a powerful reminder that we are often links in a longer chain, standing on the shoulders of those who prayed before us. Then the focus widens to the church in the Portland metro—unity across denominations, a rising spiritual hunger, and why hard ground may actually be fertile soil for the gospel. If you’ve ever wondered whether your city is too far gone, your prayers too delayed, or your role too small, this episode will renew your perspective and strengthen your faith. Register for Marriage Conference Here: https://risecitychurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3456484