Count Your Blessings

Hey all,
On Tuesday I had the awesome opportunity to take 17 teens who are in Youth Disicpleship to volunteer in Detroit at My Brother's Keeper. For those of you who don't know, on the last two Tuesday's of the month we support in the way of food ministry, 2 impoverished local areas. Grace center's of Hope in Pontiac, and My Brother's Keeper in Downtown Detroit. As I gave the message I was reminded of the fact that the area we wereministering in was about a 10 minute drive from where I grew up. It was a very emotional moment for me to say the least. As we prayed , sang, and the teens shared scripture it warmed my heart to see them work so hard.
I must tell you as I sit and type this I think of the words of Proverbs 10:5, especially when it comes to our teens. They need to recognize that there is a world out there. Something beyond their homes, where people are suffering. In truth we all do.
There will be those that sit at their tables and not have food to eat on Thursday. On tuesday we got the opportunity to serve over 70 people who needed a meal. Further, we were able to give them a spiritual meal (definitely something that will last). One of our teens, Joel, gave his testimony to those in attendance. It was a powerful moment.
As our teens wrestle with lifes tough questions the fact that is does not take a mission trip to another country to open their eyes, but a 45 minute drive to Detroit to make a difference. As our teens begin preparations for our 30 hour Fast to raise money for the Homeless in January 2009 (see calender) be in prayer for them.
As we debriefed on the way home, many of the teens echoed that, "it just doesn't seem fair", and that they want to do more to help people. I challenged them to pray as to how they will be used by God. Again I think, "The Hour of opportunity" mentioned in Proverbs 10:5. Isn't it exciting that they are not willing to "sleep the time away", but to recognize a world of need beyond their own.
Perhaps you thinkto yourself as you read this. "What can I do". I say, support our feeding ministries, and support our teens as they get involved! Challenge them, because they are ready to fight for something. Isn't it awesome that they are choosing to fight for God! Let us support them as they strive to do so!

May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you all.
Truly be Thankful for all that you have!
Pastor Jason

One Year Later

Hey all,

It is unbelievable to me that on Nov. 17th I will be celebrating my one year anniversary being married to my darling bride Shelly. The adage, "Time flies when you are having fun", comes to mind. I am really excited, much like our honeymoon we will be going on a cruise with some close friends. We will be visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island, and Jamaica. What a welcome respite to all the goings on in the world around us (yes, even though I can't swim, I am excited!). As most of you will atest to it is nice to get away, especially with the one you love.

In addition this last weekend Shelly and I got to babysit my new nephew RJ. He is 3 months old and awesome! Kudos to all you parents and grandparents out there, my sister gave us a long list of things to keep an eye on with the baby. I hadn't realized how much goes into taking care of children, especially wee little ones (afterall in ministry I usually get them at age 11 or so:). So to all you who are raising or have raised kids, I praise God for you! Having RJ was just such a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

Many of you may know, but I believe wholeheartedly that RJ is here due to prayer. My sister was told that she could never conceive children. Due to the Power of Prayer from many people, I believe God granted us all this blessing. Don't you just love it when God shows up like that! He is truly an awesome God! May your week be filled with warm memories and good times, no matter what is going on in the world, we serve a gracious Lord who loves each and every one of you. And with Jesus Christ, "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE"!

Talk atcha when we return! Be praying for a safe restful time for us!
Pastor Jason

Shelly and RJ

RJ, PJ and India (sis/mom)