International jazz guitarist to play in El Paso Church

Grammy-award winning jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler will be leading worship at Destiny Family Christian Center in Northeast El Paso every Sunday that he is in the country.

“I believe it’s my calling, you know? I believe this is what God has called me to do, and I feel like I belong to the family and it’s amazing,” Butler said.

Butler started visiting the borderland nine years ago, when he was invited to play at the church bishop’s birthday. He says ever since then, he stayed a family friend. Several weeks ago Butler was invited by the church to lead worship; it has since turned into a permanent arrangement.

Butler said the borderland almost feels like home.

“I have my golf clubs here, I have guitars here, I might as well bring some clothes, you know?” he said.

Butler started playing when he was seven, growing up in Cape Town under Apartheid. He has toured around the world, winning several awards. He said the Sun City has its own charms.

“To tell you the truth, I have fallen in love with El Paso. I really have. I have fallen in love with this city,. It’s crazy, right? South Africa, London, New York, LA, El Paso. It’s all good,” Butler said.