Why This Hollywood Star Started Out as U.K. Missionary to ‘Babylon’

Join host Shawn Bolz as he sits down with U.K.-born actress Jessica Oyelowo to talk about her life of faith in the entertainment industry in this episode of Exploring the Prophetic on the Charisma Podcast Network.

Oyelowo and her husband, actor David Oyelowo, went from being raised in family dynamics where the entertainment business was seen as evil to now having flourishing careers in Hollywood. She tells Bolz they were called to be missionaries in what is known as the “Babylon” of the U.S. She says, she “knew we had to let God do whatever He wanted to do within the entertainment industry and use us as He chooses.

Oyelowo says her love of performing started when she was very young, and her goal was “to make your life a little bit happier. I want to make you a little bit more cheerful today.” She says, “[Worship] was just in my bones. I couldn’t stop myself.”

Exodus 23:20 was a driving Scripture for their decision to move from the intimate and lucrative entertainment space in the U.K. to a brand-new adventure in Los Angeles, California. She correlates their faith journey with many biblical characters and finds comfort in their stories. She says, “I don’t see too many people in Scripture who managed to fulfill their destiny staying at home. They are all called out away from where they’ve come from to somewhere completely different. Because we have to live a life where we are completely reliant on the Lord.”

Oyelowo talks about more exciting things like the Brighton Dome Youth Theatre, what’s next in their production company and the hidden harsh realities that her family has faced over the years as Christians in the entertainment industry. Listen to the full podcast here! {eoa}