Jason Silver

Sunday, April 20th, 2025

Jillian Ruby - A Heart for Worship and the Next Generation

I'm excited to introduce Jillian Ruby, a gifted musician and passionate worshipper whose voice brings a radiant joy to my upcoming track, “Be Happy Jerusalem (Galatians 4:24-31),” part of my word-for-word scripture project. Set to release on April 20, 2025, this song carries a powerful message, and Jillian's heartfelt contribution makes it truly special. Her story of faith, family, and leading the next generation in worship is one I can't wait to share with you.

Jillian grew up in a lively Christian home in Seeley's Bay, Ontario, as one of six siblings, all close in age. With a music teacher for a mom, their house was a hub of melody. Every sibling was required to learn and play an instrument. Even from the early days of elementary school, they performed together at nursing homes, country fairs, churches, and small concerts. “Mom was the most instrumental person in teaching us about music and its impact,” Jillian says. Worship music was always on—in the background at home, in the car—filling their lives with praise.

Those early years shaped Jillian's heart for worship. Soon, she and her siblings were leading at their home church. One moment stands out: at 15, when their church opened a new sanctuary, the youth were entrusted to lead worship for the first service. “I felt so empowered,” she recalls, “so excited to be among the first to give praise in that new space.” That day deepened her belief that worship starts young, planting seeds of faith.

Music and faith are inseparable for Jillian. As a violin instructor, she's passionate about teaching children music and helping them use their gifts for God's glory. “Our brains retain more with melody,” she explains, which is why she weaves music into children's camps, Vacation Bible School, and mid-week kids' programs. Singing scripture over kids or teaching them worship songs is her way of rooting God's Word in their hearts. It's a joy she sees in her own young daughters, who hum worship songs while playing with Barbies or “house,” echoing the music they hear at church.

Jillian's faith journey took root as a teenager at a camp ministry, where the high-energy, “go-go-go” vibe suited her extroverted nature. “Camp felt like home,” she says. It was there she got saved, forming lifelong friendships that kept her grounded. Her walk with Jesus has been a slow, steady climb, marked by small steps of faith. Her husband, Jordan, has been a cornerstone. On their first date, he told her he was called to ministry and needed a wife who understood that calling. Eleven years into marriage, Jillian describes Jordan as someone who loves fiercely, pursues her heart, and holds her to high accountability. “He's been the biggest challenger of my faith,” she says.

Becoming a mother eight years ago brought a new depth to her relationship with Jesus. Holding her newborn, Jillian glimpsed a fraction of God's immense love for His children. “It changed me,” she admits. But her 20s brought struggles too. She wrestled with deconstructing her faith, seeking to understand what Christianity truly meant and how to defend it. That season sparked a passion she still carries: helping youth and seekers dive deeper into scripture, pointing them to Jesus as the ultimate answer. “I love praying with them, explaining why I believe what I believe,” she says.

Jillian's faith and love for worship shine through in “Be Happy Jerusalem,” a word-for-word scripture song from Galatians 4:24-31. Her voice carries the joy and conviction of a life devoted to God's glory, making this track a powerful addition to the project. From her roots in a musical family to her mission of raising up young worshippers, Jillian's journey infuses this song with authenticity and hope.

I'm so grateful to my Patrons and supporters for making projects like this possible. Jillian's voice is a blessing, and I can't wait for everyone to hear “Be Happy Jerusalem” when it drops on April 20, 2025. Stay tuned for something truly uplifting!