Jill’s House Welcomes G.L. Usher to New Chaplain Role
Exciting news: Jill’s House has created a new role — Chaplain!
As part of our dedicated and talented team, this new position is responsible for establishing a pastoral presence at Jill’s House and creating opportunities for connection, community, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The Chaplain plays an essential part in ensuring that Jill’s House is not only a ministry that offers respite care to families experiencing disability, but also one that shares the love of God with purpose and joy.
Meet G.L. Usher
We are thrilled to welcome G.L. Usher as the new Chaplain at Jill’s House. G.L. brings a strong background in serving children and families with special needs, having worked with disability service providers Positive Behavioral Dynamics, Melmark, and Oak Valley Center. His experience includes direct care, family support, and helping individuals build communication and life skills. He’s also an experienced chaplain, most recently supporting more than ten organizations through Corporate Chaplains of America. In addition to his civilian work, G.L. serves as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he provides care and support to service members and their families.
Growing up with a pastor father and a mother who was a special education teacher, G.L. learned early the importance of coming alongside those who were overlooked or marginalized. He would accompany his father on Sunday mornings to pick up individuals with intellectual disabilities and bring them to church. Once he got his driver’s license, he even began running a second shuttle for individuals who lacked transportation.
“What drew me to Jill’s House is its mission to care for those who are weary and feel alone,” G.L. shared, referencing Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
A Seat at the Table
One of the Old Testament stories that especially inspires G.L. is the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. After the death of his dear friend Jonathan, King David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Jonathan to whom I can show kindness?” David sought out Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who had a disability that left him unable to walk, and welcomed him to the king’s table.
“For me, this story is such a beautiful picture of love in action,” G.L. said. “At Jill’s House, we see that kind of love lived out every day. The love of Christ compels people to care for children and families with special needs. Every act of patience, compassion, and encouragement reflects the heart of Christ.”
Listening, Encouraging, and Praying
In describing his role, he simply quoted one of his past clients: “When you go to church, you listen to a pastor. When you go to a chaplain, they listen to you!” As Chaplain, G.L. will walk alongside staff, families, and other ministry friends through prayer, encouragement, pastoral care, and spiritual support.
G.L. lives in northern Virginia with his wife and two sons. And if you’re wondering what “G.L.” stands for, he was named after his father, Gary, and his father’s best friend, Lynn. To avoid confusion growing up, everyone simply called him “G.L.”
To learn more about G.L., check out our introduction video on Instagram and Facebook and leave him a welcome message in the comments.
One of G.L.’s many responsibilities is leading our weekly staff prayer gathering. If you need prayer, we would be honored to pray for you. Anyone can submit a prayer request by emailing [email protected].
