Javier Julian Hernandez Jr.

JJ’s time on earth, although ultimately cut short, was filled with more passion than most. He followed the lord unceasingly from a very early age, and often spoke of heaven and his desire to meet Jesus face to face. JJ eagerly anticipated the moment he would be of age in order to go on a mission trip. At just 16 he excitedly served in Uganda, Africa. In his senior year of high school, while most of his peers went to prom, he chose to be on the streets ministering and teaching about the love of Jesus. He spent years volunteering with Elijah Rising, a ministry dedicated to ending human trafficking. While at restaurants, he often prayed for the waiters and waitresses, and left bible verses on the receipt for them to read and be encouraged. He saw every encounter as an opportunity to love on people.

JJ was a man of God, with unwavering faith and determination. He attended Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama, to pursue his dream of becoming a Pastor. While in Alabama, he loved spending time with students and became a student pastor to many. Upon returning to Houston, he served at Hope City with the students, and where he also met his wife, Lacey. He would later go on to work full-time at Legacy Church as their Student Pastor.

To know JJ was to love him, and be loved by him in return. He challenged those around him to become better. He did nothing out of selfish gain but always spoke of expanding the kingdom of God, and giving everything to God. His faith never wavered, even when he became sick. From the hospital bed he was praying for others, and asking others to join in prayer.

JJ is survived by his wife, Lacey, his parents Javier and Ramona Hernandez, his siblings Abram and Sophie, and his grandparents Bernardo and SanJuanita Hernandez, Desi David Rivera, Alberta and David Vasquez, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28