"I know the plans I have for you..." Jer. 29:11
Holly has always had the hand of God on her life. From her parents, that began praying for her since before she was born, to the decisions she has made for her life, past, present, and future.
Growing up in North Carolina, Holly was always at church. Her dad was the Music Director, a Sunday School teacher, on the Deacon board, and involved in anything else you could think of. Her mom was in the choir, directed Vacation Bible School, and led Bible studies. Holly was always in the church plays, singing in the youth choirs, and helping out where she was needed. So it was no shock, that she would find her own way into the ministry.
But like many kids who grow up immersed in church functions, she got tired of being the "good little church girl" and strayed from the Lord. No big drug busts or jail time, nothing like that. Just little lies here and there, sneaking around, and not being the person she knew she should be. She began dating a young man and soon everyone knew they were in love, but no one, including Holly, knew how their love would be tested. Midway through her senior year of high school Holly found out that she was pregnant.
Devasted, embarrassed, and scared, Holly knew her life was about to change forever! With many people giving many different opinions as to what she should do, Holly knew one thing for sure, she would not get rid of this child. It was at this time in her life, that God gave her wisdom, to see beyond herself, her desires, and wants, and to realize that life was so much bigger than her.
June 23, 1996, two weeks after graduating high school, Holly married her high school sweetheart, Pablo Alejo, Jr. After getting over the shock and disappointment of the unexpected pregnancy, both families supported and loved the couple, and helped them get on their feet.
Things did not get any easier though. After a lot of prayer, Pablo decided to go ahead and pursue a college degree, leaving Holly at home, 4 hours away, to prepare for the arrival of their first child. November 17, 1996, Jacob Severo Alejo was born. The couple was overwhelmed with the love they had for this child. But that did not keep their love for each other strong. The stress of living apart, trying to stay financially afloat, attending college, and being new parents began to put a tear in the young couple's marriage.
It was at this time that God intervened. In 1999, the pastor of the church that Holly grew up in, and was currently attending, approached her about starting a praise band. Contemporary Christian music was just beginning to come to the surface around the area, and he wanted to "test it out" at church.
The response was overwhelming, people loved the new sound and feel of the worship. Of course, it also came with its share of critics, but it was obvious Holly had struck a chord with the congregation. Having to minister to other people, made Holly and Pablo realize that they needed to get their own lives straightened out. They both recommitted their lives, their marriage, and their family to Jesus Christ and began to live for Him.
During this time of growth, Holly had another son, Noah Andrew Alejo, born January 16, 2000. Pablo graduated from college with a degree in Computer Science, the first in his family to get a college degree. Then March 20, 2001, they welcomed their third son, Joshua Caleb Alejo, to the family.
Holly grew as a worship leader, introducing the traditional Southern Baptist church to new ways of worship. She helped them realize that different forms of worship are both acceptable and pleasing to God. God was truly rising up a leader in His Kingdom. The church grew and was known around the community for its anointed and talented music program. Holly also implemented, Daughter's of the King, a women's ministry for the church, reaching out to women, letting them know their value in God's eyes. She would often tell the women, "It doesn't matter about your past, the blood of Jesus can cover all that. It matters about what you do for God today!"
In 2007, Holly and Pablo felt God leading them on a new path for their lives. Pablo accepted a new job, Holly stepped away from her leadership role at church, and they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. They both knew this was God's plan for their family. They have never doubted that the move was God's will, and are excited about what the Lord has in store for their family.
Since moving to Tennessee, their family has grown closer, and Holly's ministry is continuing to be blessed. She has finished her debut CD, Free To Be, which was released in November 2008, and are members of Faith Promise Church, where she is one of the worship leaders.
Holly loves to minister to people, whether it's talking one on one to a young girl about purity, or singing in an arena full of people, rockin' out for Jesus. She has led worship for 5 people and for over 5000, but she desires the same thing. To see people realize the freedom they have in Jesus Christ.