DJing to Faith: Woody's 3Generate Dream Comes True

Woody Jacobs, who worships at Long Hanborough Methodist Church in Oxfordshire, has been a DJ, mixing music tracks together, for over two years. At this year's 3Generate, his dream came true as he performed in front of a huge audience at the NEC Birmingham. Amid the dancing, lights and lasers, he felt that God was at work.

Now 14-years-old, Woody's DJ career started when he used his mother's iPad to mix songs together. As he grew older, he was inspired by well-known DJs such as James Hype and David Guetta before discovering the Christian DJ ‘Jesus Loves Electro’.

"I would watch them and wish I could do the same because what they were doing looked awesome."

A trip with his father to see Jesus Loves Electro perform persuaded Woody to take the plunge and DJ. "Jesus Loves Electro managed to combine high-energy house music with popular Christian songs, and that really inspired me. When we got back, my dad bought me some decks, and I'm still using them today."

Since then, Woody has performed at ecumenical events, youth clubs and festivals for people of all ages. Performing at 3Generate was a dream come true, with even the Methodist President and Vice-President giving his decks their blessing.

"Seeing thousands of other young people moving to the beat and knowing that it's about more than music, it's about faith too, was amazing. People seemed open to hearing about the Church and exploring faith.

"Over the weekend, getting to talk to other young people who felt inspired was truly amazing. Performing at 3Generate is an experience I will remember forever."

DJing has become an important part of Woody's faith journey and a way of sharing the gospel with others. "I see God at work in the crowd, moving through people even if they don't realise it yet.

"I feel called through it all. God helps me stay calm, even when things don't go to plan, and helps me nail my next transition between tracks."