Gary La Guard, along with his wife Jessie, is the Lead Pastor for CE Daytona Beach. Gary was born and raised in Pasadena, California. Jessie was born and raised in Valinda, California. Gary and Jessie met in 1988, when they worked together in Alhambra, California, and they have been best friends ever since. Gary and Jessie have three adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Gary worked a career in Law Enforcement for twenty-seven years, while Jessie worked as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher for thirty-two years before they retired. After Gary and Jessie retired in 2015, they fully immersed themselves in ministry, where Gary oversaw ministries at their church including men’s ministry, a life changer’s Bible Study, and a first responders ministry. Their sole intention was to serve in ministry, travel the world, and enjoy life together. However, God had a different plan for Gary. He prompted Gary to return to school at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he graduated in June of 2023, with a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and ready to start a second career as a pastor. Gary and Jessie are passionate about helping more people experience a full life in Jesus Christ!