Christianity: Noun or Verb?

Thanks for following all this everybody!

Okay...this is huge to me. I said last week in my message that Holy in heaven is awesome...but holy in the church is boring. Oh so true...but what a lie! Christians should be the most passionate people on the planet!

Reading Mark Batterson's book Wild Goose Chase. Awesome stuff. In it he says "When Christianity becomes a noun it becomes a turnoff...Christianity was always meant to be an action verb." I love it!

We are not called to follow a theory or an idealist...we are called to follow Jesus! That's action...that's excitement...that's wild...that's scary...that's crazy...that's Jesus.

Do what you know...then He who knows what to do will show how to do it...yep, that was original.

Our Story

I am posting from my office now...we have been back in the states for a week and trying to download all that we have experienced. We have enjoyed speaking with our church family at dinners, softball games, email and phone. Western Reserve family members have been passionate about learning the condition of the Third World, how our family did, and most important...the kids...What was it like to meet our kids?! We have enjoyed downloading with our church family.

Returned to a church that is crazy in love with Jesus! You guys are nuts!! I love serving alongside you and watching Jesus changing lives every weekend. We are seeing significant things happen. Jesus is restoring marriages and people are re

ceiving Christ every week...amazing.

I am using this media to announce for the first time that Western Reserve has rescued 5 more kids! Yeah! Praise God! Once we know their names and have pix, we will let you know! If you have not checked out Asia'a hope you should do so. The deeper I dug into this organization the more I appreciated their hearts and mission. They are the real deal!

Been thinking this week about our story. Not the story of Western Reserve, although I will speak of it, but our story. The story that we are all writing. My son, Caleb, will turn 12 in August, and this week enters into our youth

ministry at Western Reserve. The story of his "early" years is written. We now move into the "tweener" years. In reflection, I ask questions about his first 12 years: What does Jesus look like to him? Does he believe that God can move mountains? Can he testify of God blowing his mind, and tell stories of faith? Does he know more about God than the movement of God? Is following Jesus exciting? Does fear or faith define him?

Not sure the answers are clear, but I know he has a story. I pray that he finds Jesus to be worth the risk...worth the cost. I pray that he will find that risking all for Jesus is where true security is found, and giving all to Jesus is where he will find adventure and passion for life. Go Caleb...blow the doors off the next six years for Jesus. Mom and Dad will be the ones you hear cheering in the background.

Speaking this week from Luke 7. My message is entitled Make Us Dangerous. I have been a sponge all week and am praying that God will wring me out this weekend.

Blessings,

Jason

Homeward Bound!

The remaining Fab Five on on our way back home! This is Jen, and we are sitting in the Taipei airport half way through our 7 hour layover. We have had a dinner of...........bet ya can't guess.........noodles! If I never see another noodle or grain of rice, I don't think I'll be sad :) We begin our 13 hour trans-Pacific flight in a little over 3 hours. Vern found Cindy some night-time alergy medicine here at the airport, and we may ALL be taking one in order to get some quality sleep.

Thailand was very different from Cambodia in a lot of ways, and yet the same in others. We still removed our shoes at the door, we still placed our hands together and slighly bowed in greeting, but instead of the Khmai greeting of "Suor sdei", we said "Kop koon ka". The kids at Doi Saket #1 were not as affectionate as the kids in Battamang, but they did warm up to us on day 2 and began to give great hugs. It was hard leaving last night knowing that we would not be seeing them again. At least our attachments were not as in depth as in Battambang.

We stayed at the Wangtarn Resort in Chiang Mai, each pair in a "bunglaow" or "hut" for lack of a better term. I'm not sure the Haymakers would have fit in the tiny bungalow with all of their luggage. We did have critters sharing our bungalows................geckos, and creatures in the walls that made noises all night long. The bathroom drains were open holes, and I always checked to make sure nothing reared it's head out of that hole every time I went in there :)

Yesterday, Thursday, we headed up into the hills to the Widows' farm. We dedicated their new building, and tears were shed. Tutu, the Thailand director of Asia's Hope, cried and thanked us for our time, prayers, and gifts. She said that she had nothing to give us (although she fed us dinner every evening). We assured here that she had given us a lot. We watched a slaughtered pig be butchered and cut up, then 'Porky' was cooked for our lunch, along with Tutu's village recipes of potatoes and curry and other assorted delights.

On the way back down the mountain, we stopped in a hill tribe village where a smiling resident proudly showed us his shack on stilts, complete with bamboo floors and a TV! He recently accepted the Lord! Life in the hill tribe villages was very primitive compared to the rest of Chiang Mai.

On Tuesday, we drove up into the mountains and climbed 306 steps up to a Buddhist temple. It was very sad to see so many statues with people lighting candles and paying money to them, and monks blessing people. I am so elated that we serve a jealous God!

Saying goodbye at the aiprort today was sad. We were leaving our trip leaders, Sherrod and Rachel, Adam and Jess, and our sweet Renae, who turned 18 today! We also said goodbye to Tutu and Mike and Doug. Mike and his wife are missionaries living in Thailand and Doug is visiting from Toronto. Our team has shrunk, but we have remained together in our hearts. We can't wait to get home to be reunited, and to see you all. We have sooooooooooooo many stories to share with you all! God bless you all for your support and prayers!

Finally Home

(Marcie writing today)
Well, the first half of the team has made it safely home! Our family and Todd Gore only went to Cambodia while the rest of the team went on to Thailand. The Haymakers and Todd parted for different flights home in LA. Our flight was supposed to leave LA at 11pm on Tuesday but after sitting waiting for a maintenance problem to be fixed, they finally cancelled the flight after 3 hours of waiting. So we spent the night in LA and got a 3:30 afternoon flight instead. We arrived in Cleveland around 11pm Wednesday. WOW! It's good to be home. I have to tell you, we loved Cambodia and miss it terribly, but to have working toilets and water that you can drink from the faucet is an incredible luxury! The first thing we ate was a fat bacon cheeseburger and fries :)

Let me back up a little to Monday. Our kids from the orphanage came to the hotel to say goodbye. It was the most painful and heart wrenching thing we have ever had to do. Our hearts had been joined to these kids in a way I can't really explain. We hugged and cried and sang songs to them in the lobby. People would stop and stare at these 10 Americans with 20 little Asian kids clinging to them - all of us sobbing. I'm sure they could not figure out what was going on! We cried knowing it would be so long til we could see them again. It was comforting knowing however that we were leaving them in wonderful hands - in a wonderful new building, with good water, beds, clothes, toys and friends. They have food, education, loving house parents -they have hope! Something they never would have had without Asia's Hope and the support of our church. They followed us to the bus stop all packed in the back of a pick up truck waving their little arms off, blowing kisses til we drove away.

We left Battambang on Monday. We prayed like crazy that Emily would be alright to travel. 5 hours on a bus with no toilet is kind of a problem when you have Asian Montezuma's revenge. She woke up Monday with a fever and some stomach pain - but PTL the "yuck" part had stopped. The bus ride was hard - no air conditioning and swollen eyes from crying. We arrived back in Phenom Penn and had some great team time, processing things and talking with the leadership of Asia's Hope. We got to hear Savorn's testimony of how he believed in Jesus, hear his heart for the orphans of Cambodia, and hear his vision for the future in reaching more kids. We packed up for travel the next day.

Tuesday we parted ways ... Cindy, Jen, Vern, Gwen and Judy all left for Thailand and Todd and the Haymakers left for home. Tuesday was an all day travel day, from Phenom Phen to Taiwan to LA. Wednesday finished out the final leg of the trip from LA to Cleveland.

It's going to take a little while to adjust back to home (and I'm not talking about the time change). Our hearts have been forever changed by the people we met there. We find ourselves thinking of people we met, wondering what the kids are doing today... little things too - what's the weather like there today, what outfits are the kids wearing today (they always dress alike -it's so cute!) We are so glad to have the opportunity to go! God is still revealing things to us that we can learn from our trip!!

Continue to pray for the rest of the team in Thailand. They are visiting the rest of the orphanages there - one being a nursery! Also there is a home for widows that they will get to go to. They get home on Saturday, I'm sure with more great experiences to share.

A Glorious Day in Battambang!

Greetings All! Jen Lewis here to tell you about the glorious day The Lord gave us today! Today, day 5 in Battambang, was Dedication Day for Haven of Hope! After a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, with coffee you could paint the side of a barn with, we departed to see our kids. They always storm the van and make it very difficult for all of us to get out :)  I have never experienced so many hugs! We were led to the brand-spanking-new all-purpose building. It was but a shell when we arrived 5 days ago, and it looked fabulous today, all decorated and painted, and just beautiful! God has been hard at work in these people's hearts, and the dedication ceremony and program were flawless. The kids from all 5 BB orphanages danced for us. Our kids from Haven of Hope were adorable in native costumes. They are quite talented for their young ages. Of course, I may be just a bit biased :)  Pastor Jason spoke, and Pastor Savorn translated into Khmai. After the program, we all walked over to the Haven of Hope where Pastor Jason cut the ribbon, officially marking the opening of Haven of Hope! There was much applause and cheering, and probably more than a few tears. The orphanage directors, Jason, and Savorn all prayed at once, each in his own way and own language. God's presence was 

 HUGE in front of that new building!

This afternoon brought some much needed down time while the kids caught a nap. Some of us swam in the hotel pool, some slept, some walked down the street. At 4:30 P.M., it was back to the Haven of Hope for dinner with our kids, gift-giving, and more partying! Some of you already know that I have a new best friend in Cambodia. Her name is Srey Leang, and if I could fit her in my pocket, I would sneak her home! She has shown me more love in 5 short days than anyone else has shown me in a lifetime. She acted as my agent the other day as I signed family pictures and she orchestrated the distribution of them along with my business cards :)  Srey Leang has taught me how to count to about 30 in Khmai, how to say I love you, and various and assorted other phrases. Along with teaching ESL back home, I think I need to find a Khmai class so that she and I can communicate more effectively next time I come to Cambodia. Anyone know of any?

Tonight brought a HUGE dance party! We were in the middle of Cambodian country side and we were all dancing to some very LOUD music under God's beautiful stars :) I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening. As we danced under the stars, fireworks were being sent off into the night sky! The kids all screamed with each one :) 

To digress a bit, Jen, Judy, and Todd all rode a tuk tuk to the Seeing Hands massage parlor yesterday. Blind people who earn an honest living by doing one hour massages for $6.00 worked us over pretty good. We dressed in scrubs and all layed down on tables. After an hour of DEEP the tissue massage with ELBOWS and the girls ON the table, we all felt like limp noodles. They giggled a lot each time one of us would scream "UNCLE!" It was quite an experience :)

Please pray for the young ladies who "work" in our hotel. It appears that "kareoke" is a term used loosely as a cover for  prostitution, and it is going on at the end of our hallway. Please pray that these young ladies don't fall victim to some horrible disease, and please pray that God rescues them from the life they lead, just as He has rescued our kids at Haven of Hope. We have seen God at work in many different ways in Cambodia. He CAN rescue them as well.

Time for some shut eye. We have to be ready for church at 8:00 A.M, so I will pray for you all tonight and tomorrow as well. Please pray that we are all making a difference in Battambang!

Peace and Love,

Jen

Afternoon at the Water Park

Now it's Gwen's turn to blog!  Went to Battambang's water park today with 120 kids from the 5 Asia's Hope orphanages.  What a blast!  The boys just swim in their underwear and the little girls are in long shorts, no shirts.  The sun is very hot; don't know for sure but I'd bet it was nearly 90 degrees again today.  The little boys liked hanging on to Vernon and Todd in particular.  The "park" consisted of two swimming pools, one shallow and one deep.

We had our first somewhat leisurely evening since arriving.  You'll have to ask Judy and Jennifer about their "blind massages."  My laundry returned from the Cambodian cleaners -- including two pairs of socks and panties that weren't mine and yellow stains on my white capris.  Oh well!  Dinner was at a place called The Bungalow.  Emily didn't care for the spider in the bathroom!  Yes, we are having adventure!!

Tomorrow is the Haven of Hope dedication ceremony.  Everyone is pumped up for it -- us, kids and staff alike.  I expect to cry more happy tears again.  First God breaks your heart for these orphans and then he fills you up with pure joy.  

Quick update from Jason

Couple of updates: 

First, Emily had an upset stomach this morning, but seems to be fine now. Praise God! We have some down time right now and she is swimming in the pool. 

Yesterday, we visited Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and we rode elephants! Marcie was the photographer while the kids and I saddled up! 

Tomorrow is the dedication of Haven of Hope. We are honored to present to them $3,000 worth of needs for the orphanage. As a team we were able to save $1,000 by cutting costs once in country, and our team gave $1,200 on the spot! An additional $1000 was contributed by Western Reserve to get this orphanage up and running. Some of the items included: generator; computer; clothes; shoes; motorbike (for staff); sound system for new worship pavilion and miscellaneous needs. I wanted to post this to you so that you might know that if you contributed to this trip financially, your sacrifice not only got this team here, your sacrifice provided physical needs for our children. 

I will speak at the dedication in the morning, and one point that I will be clear on is this: These gifts are not just Western Reserve. These gifts are from you too! Thank you. While on the trip to orphanages this morning, Marcie had a conversation with an orphanage director. He told her that the home directors have been fasting and praying one Saturday per month for several months. Guess what they have been fasting and praying for? A sound system for the worship pavilion and the practical needs (generator; computer etc.) for Haven of Hope. We will use the sound system in the morning, and present every need on their list at the dedication.

Will touch base again...maybe tonight????

We love you...Jason 

Now a word 

Fun, Games and Crickets?

(It's Marcie - Jason's finally letting me blog!)

Today was so much fun!! First we went to the market to haggle some deals for a few souvenirs. What an adventure of sights sounds and especially smells. Wow! You've never smelled anything like this place I'm sure. Emily and I picked out fabric from one booth and then went to another to have Cambodian skirts made. For $4.50 you can have a custom skirt made in a day. I love a good deal! Caleb found an Asian version of hackie sacks called "sey". It's a feather attached to a plastic spring that you try and keep from hitting the ground. 

After the market we went out to the orphanage for some free time with the kids. I will never get tired of a Cambodian welcome. The kids swarm the van jumping and cheering as we pull in. Hugs and kisses for everyone like they haven't seen you in years. We did some crafts and games with the kids today, which they loved! Jennifer played cut the cake, Gwen did thumb wars (a huge favorite), Cindy let the girls do her hair, Emily painted nails, Todd was a human jungle gym, Caleb and Vern played "sey", Judy colored pictures, I did face paints on the kids hands, and Jason was...well... Jason - making silly faces, showing the kids crazy dance moves, etc. Lots of hugs all around all afternoon. It was so great to just hang out with them, getting to know their personalities and seeing them play with their friends. We finally left the kids to eat their dinner and get ready for bed. 

We headed over to the local Grace Brethren missionary's home for dinner. The Kane's opened their home to us for a traditional Cambodian meal. We sat around mats on the floor and ate a wonderful meal of, you guessed it, RICE and stir fried vegetables and grilled red snapper. For dessert we they served dragon fruit, mangostines, bananas from their backyard, fresh pineapple and cookies. Jill had heard we were interested in some of the more unusual foods of Cambodia so she also had prepared some of her favorites ... fried crickets, dried frogs and some sort of beetle (I can't remember the name). So who were the brave ones??? Vern was the first to try a cricket and bravely crunched away. Jennifer and Judy were next. And low and behold BOTH my kids ATE BUGS! Yes, while I video taped and tried to hold down my dinner, I watched both my kids put things in their mouths that most mothers would be horrified to let their kids eat. They did it though, I have to give them a lot of credit! They have been amazing troopers on this adventure!! 

 

That's all for tonight! Tried to upload pics but connection is slow tonight. We'll try and get some pictures up later. Keep praying for us - God has worked already in our hearts and we have been amazed to see first hand how he is breaking the chains of idolatry and evil in this country. More later ...

We met our kids...and saw the Home!!!!

We arrived in Battambang today. After a five hour bus ride, which was an experience in itself, (be sure to ask about the one room bathrooms for men and women), we arrived in Battambang. When we pulled into our hotel there were 20 kids in blue shirts waving at us and running to meet us in the vans.

Our team began screaming in the car...it was unbelievable. We were crying and laughing, hugging like they are kids we have always known and loved. I can honestly say, it was one of the most worshipful events I have ever been a part of. As we hugged the children memories flashed back in my mind of people sacrificing cars and savings accounts. I remembered people weeping as they put down the money to rescue children. I remembered saying that Western Reserve was "being" the church that day, and I am here to tell you that Western Reserve has been used by Jesus to forever change the lives of 20 kids.

Now that I have been in country, I have a new definition of poor. A new view on struggle, and a new appreciation for simple things like medicine and food. I also have a new definition of joy. We talk about and seek it. These kids...they have it. 

After we settled into our hotel rooms ($15.00 per night) we had dinner and headed over to the orphanage...we saw Haven of Hope! Guys, the building is beautiful. God has given them a home beyond their wildest dreams...praise God!

Team:

Everyone is doing great! No one has experienced major illness, and thus far, no one has threatened to take each other's lives...at least to my knowledge. 

Again, thanks for getting us here...and to the church that I love...thanks for making the sacrifice...you continue to amaze me. Blessings to you.

I am heading to bed and the internet is not wanting to work quickly enough to upload my pix for the blog. Will get more out tomorrow.

Jason

Its Sunday!!!!

It is Sunday at 11:00a, which means that it is midnight in Cleveland. We were unable to get connected to the internet until now. I am posting from an internet cafe!!!! Cool! Its like $.25 an hour!

We have visited with kids from 4 orphanages her in Phnom Phenn. This is unbelievable. These kids are full of affection...sincerity...joy...some are all boy...and others are all girl. I see my kids in their eyes and cannot begin to fathom what their eyes have seen and experienced. Met a young girl of 12 years. Her younger brother and sister are in the orphange with her. They have lost both parents, then lost grandparents, and finally their uncle. After their uncle died, the two oldest came to Asia's Hope, but the youngest girl (4 years old), was taken by a random stranger for the preparation of being his slave and eventually to be placed in the "trade". The director of Prek Eng 2 heard of this, tracked her down and rescued her!!! She has been there two months.

Preached today...through an interpretor! What an experience! Emily is like a magnent...and Caleb taught about 10 kids how to play "air" guitar. During worship today, the worship sang Shout To The Lord. They sang it in Khmer and we sang it in English. We wept as kids sang with joy and shouted to the Lord in their language. We worshipped in different language...powerful. was walking and talking to children and caught Marcie and Emily in a circle of 20+ kids singing songs we knew in English and they sang in Khmer.

This is unbeleivable. Thanks for getting us here.

The team is fantastic. We are trying to adjust to the time difference, keep hydrated, and do everything. We are loving being together. Never could have picked a more passionate team than with whom I am serving. we only wish you could all be here. Asia's Hope is the REAL DEAL! They love Jesus and they love the children...They are changing lives. We are blessed to be a part of this team of people.

Going this afternoon to do an outreach at a government run orphanage. It is corrupt and needs the hope of Jesus. Pray for us.

We love you...Thank you for praying...Until the next post.

Jason

Hangin' in LA from 10:00pm to 4:00am

It is now 1:00am and we await our connecting flight from LA to Tai Pei. A few minutes ago we checked in with China Airlines, and while in line we met a couple from Houston, Texas. The couple was going home to visit family in Phnom Phen! Cindy Straka and I welcomed them into the United States and they welcomed us into their country! Cool...

Everyone here is trying to stay up until our 13 hour flight to Tai Pei in order to begin the adjustment to our new time schedule. Pray this flight goes well. Emily was speaking to some ladies on our team and they shared their favorite verses. Here is one:

Hebrews 11:1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.

We have faith! We have seen God build this orphanage. We have seen God move in the hearts of people to sacrifice their resources to rescue children. 

We have seen Him provide financially for this trip...we have seen enough of God throughout to anticipate His presence and movement while in Cambodia! We pray that He will change our hearts and create in us a spirit of fire for His namesake! Work in us Lord Jesus.

Enjoy the first leg of pix of the team traveling...I plan to have team members post through out the week so you can hear first hand of His movement.

Blessings...next entry will be from Phnom Phen!

Work in us Lord Jesus!

Jason

We are off!

Well, the time is here!

We are calmly going about our morning with final details being done. We leave at 2:00p for the airport.

Thank you to all who have sacrificed financially for the Haymaker's and prayed for our journey. 

I will post Saturday once we have arrived, but until then, here are items you can pray for:

- safety - needs no explanation

- calm spirits - there is much anxiety in going to a place we         have never been...

- Energy - As Marcie and I went to bed last evening, we both prayed that we would have enough energy and get enough sleep so that we would not miss one thing. We want God to change our hearts and soften our spirits. We desperately want to see things the way Jesus sees them. Lack of sleep, fear, anxiety...all these can be a hindrance to seeing Jesus in every moment. Pray that we will be ready to receive His grace, mercy and movement throughout our journey.

We love you and cannot wait for you to see the pictures and videos of this trip!

Lord Jesus, protect us, use us...CHANGE us! All for your glory!

Until Saturday,

Jason 

Here Comes Summer!!!!!

It's been two weeks since I last posted...sorry for the delay.

The Haymaker's are doing wonderful! God has provided all that we need for our Cambodia trip! Praise God! There are still loose end expenses that we will incur, but the stated amount that we needed to raise is here! Thank you to all who supported our family! Our lives will never be the same.

Caleb and Emily are finishing up school this week, which means that Marcie and I will have a 3rd grader and a 6th grader...whaaaat? Yes, its true, we cannot believe how fast this journey is going. We love it! 

Allow me to let you in on some exciting Haymaker news...we bought a camper! You heard it right...a camper! Both Emily and Caleb love camping, so Marcie and I decided to harness the next 5-7 summers with our children and invest in what are sure to be fantastic memories. And, if the memories aren't good, at least I will have new illustrations to share with my church!

For all you camping enthusiasts, we purchased a 2007 Flagstaff pop-up highwall camper. It has a large fridge, microwave, oven, air, and a furnace...most importantly, it has a weatherproof roof and beds that are off the ground! Yes!

Parked in our yard will now be a 30 year old boat and a 2 year old camper...is anyone thinking Sanford and Son? At least it will be easy to find our house..."we are the ones with multiple units shoved in the woods".

Beginning a new series this week: Confessions of a Pastor's Heart. Confession simply means to admit something. In this series I am going to "admit" or "confess" to you my prayer for Western Reserve Grace Church. As our church is exploding, there honest fears of what we could become or not become...and I have been praying for and against certain temptations in our future.

Guys, I am pumped about this! I believe that we are at a crossroads in the life of Western Reserve, and we must push forward. May we remember that Western Reserve is not our church...it is His, and we are stewards of this amazing place!

This week, I will be sharing my prayer that He will "make us one". The church has been rendered ineffective because we have equated unity with uniformity...nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus celebrates diversity while focusing on unity of His vision for us!

This is week one! Come. Celebrate. Bring a friend!

Lord Jesus, ignite in us a passion to fulfill YOUR Great Commission to us! Lord, may Western Reserve hunger and thirst for your righteousness...please Jesus make us a "blessable" church.

For the week!

Jason

Had a GREAT 101 last night. There were approximately 20 adults that came to understand our vision and plans for the future. This on the heels of another record breaking week at church and a celebration that will be another moment in time for Western Reserve.

Let me weigh in this week on information vs. transformation. 

I grew up in a church where I learned about Jesus, His Word, and His reason for coming to the earth. Attended a Christian High School. Went to Grace College where surveys of the Old and New Testaments were taught. Graduated from college and took a youth pastorate position South of Akron, that eventually led to my coming to Western Reserve. During my early years here, I graduated with my Masters Degree from Grace Theological Seminary. 

I was inundated with doctrine. Let me be clear...I am thankful for my education! No slide being given here. My parents, wife, in-laws all helped get me through these important stages of my life. I am better for the education and the experience. I recommend it! Thanks to all professors and family!

After all the education, I began to run in the church world. Unfortunately, I began to allow "what" I knew to push aside "who" I knew. It was a huge learning time in my life!

I believe the church has to be intentional to promote transformation AND information...why? information without transformation equals damnation. 

One of the reasons that Jesus has stopped working in the church across America, is because pastors are receiving awards for preaching "through" the Bible rather than preaching the "who" of the Bible. These well intentioned, "informed" people of the church then hang a plaque with the pastors name on it, in a location that everyone is sure to see as they walk into the worship center. 

Here is my question: Where are the pictures of the transformed people the preaching impacted?

A bit more clarity...He preached the Word! There is no other source of truth, and Bible is not to be viewed as a self-help book on the shelf. It is the Word of God and should be taught with conviction, boldness, and yes, theology and doctrine pour forth from its pages. We need to know it! Pastors need to return to bold, clear, unapologetic teaching.

But when we open it, is there transformation? Is there anticipation? Are there stories of transformed lives? As Christians, we have been transformed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why are churches more excited about an upcoming conference than church? Why aren't we seeing people come to know Christ weekly, monthly or even annually? 

Its simple. We're not surrendered. 

We think we are...but we're not. If every Christian tithed 10% of their income as commanded in scripture, world hunger would be abolished and we would still have 50-60 million dollars to advance the kingdom. We aren't even close. In churches across America, there isn't enough money given to pay the electric bill, let alone rescue the spiritually restless.

We boast of surrender...but we're not. 

Rather than being a source in the community for hope and service to all...the church has the reputation of running fund raisers, and asking people who don't know Christ to fund a trip to reach others that don't know Christ. How did one get priority over the other? And why are we asking the one who isn't the priority to reach the one that is? Why do we think that sending people out of the country is more important than those in country? We are asking the lost to help reach the lost because the found aren't wholeheartedly surrendered.

We boast of surrender...we're not. 

You say, your mad! Yes I am. Not at you...AT ME. In years past... I've held back. I've preached out of fear of the negative response I may receive. I played defense when Jesus handed me the ball. 

Guess what...not much transformation was happening. By God's grace...no more of that.

My favorite section in our church is our baptism wall. Attached are stories of people who have been transformed. It's amazing to read. This is the end to which I will preach...

Heavenly Father, may we not waste another weekend! I pray that multiple people will surrender their lives to you Jesus! Please work! Please grant your power!

For the week,

Jason

Night of Celebration Video(s)

Check these out!!!!

Another Moment for Western Reserve!!

Wow...what a weekend! We had 26 people baptized...in a hot tub...under a tent...in the parking lot! It is getting out of control around here. God is breaking all the records and pushing us to distances that we never thought we could run. 

I'm not going to say much in this entry, I just want to share with you photos and a video clip of the Night of Celebration. There will be another post coming this week, but in the meantime, enjoy the review!!!!

Amazing isn't it? Along with the baptisms, people dedicated their children to the Lord and joined Western Reserve! Western Reserve is simple. Just take the next step we tell people...For God's glory many did! Check out the video on the side...cool!

For the day...

Jason

Relevant...Deep...and Some Other Cool Things

Cambodia is Happening!!!

The tickets have been ordered, immunizations are being done. This is really happening! We are watching God provide. Currently, we are $1,100 short of our goal. Not a plea for money, just an update. We believe God is going to git'er done! Whoa!!! While writing this entry, $275.00 was handed to me for the Haymaker's! That means we need $825.00! Wheww!

Western Reserve...whoa!!!

We are hanging onto God's rope my friends. He's swinging us around, and we are loving the ride! Reports have come to me saying that we have upwards of 30 people getting dunked on Saturday night! I have wall art in my office that says, "We do not remember the days, we remember moments". Western Reserve is and will continue to be a church that seeks to capture the moments of God's movement. I'm tellin' ya', you will not forget this weekend's event! I cannot wait! Be here at 7:00 for Night of Celebration.

Haymaker's

Much going on. In prayer last night, Marcie and I were thanking our Lord that we are beginning to see gifts and abilities come out in Caleb. He is becoming "Caleb"...secure enough to stand on his own, with a humorous view on life. He had us on the floor laughing this week!

Thought for the Week

Thought I would take a few lines and weigh in on the whole relevancy and depth discussion.

I believe in offense. Defense may be the best offense, but if you can't put the ball in the hole...you're not going to win!!! The gospel, by its nature is offensive. Jesus came to defeat sin once and for all by being offensive. The gospel continues to be that way. The gospel is offensive because it is counter to our human nature. Now, all the law people are saying, Awesome...preach it! All the grace people are saying, easy big fella'!

The gospel IS offensive, but the only thing that should be offending people is the cross...not the people who wear them. The church should be preaching Jesus and His Word in the context of the culture. It should be in church that we talk about the reality of hell, sex, pornography, money, marriage, parenting. I believe the pendulum has swung back from "non-offensive" teaching to "lay it out and let me choose". Thirty years ago there was a cultural acceptance of truth, primarily guided by biblical principles. Now, there is "no" truth but your own. Unfortunately, the church alienated culture by judging and arrogantly assuming "turn or burn messages" would change lives.

Extremely wise (and I believe chosen by God), leaders began to move the church back toward people by helping them understand that the Bible was the source of hope for their lives. Praise God for these leaders. It was a sorely needed re-connection of the church with the culture . These trends impacted me greatly in my ministry. In these ministries, all the "difficult" truths were handled, but were placed in environments other than public weekend services. (ie. small groups/Bible studies etc.). Not wrong, just different.

The pendulum has swung again. People desire these things from the leader...and from the platform. In fact, if you handle a critical topic like hell, then back off, you are seen as inauthentic, lacking guts and integrity, because you don't have the "kahuna's" to say what you believe the Bible is teaching.

My conclusion. Be real. Be honest. Have courage. Show grace. Be clear. Raise the bar. Hold believers accountable and show the seeking...truth. Then...let them decide. Hold exciting, spirit driven gatherings, that display an authentic movement of God in the lives of those attending.

By the way, the environment of weekend gatherings should kick-it. All people (including christians), listen to loud music in the car, secular music on the radio, have conversations about sex, immorality, the after-life, relationships...and Jesus. And their is no dress code. Authentic people should come into authentic environments of Christ followers who are considering all styles of music/media, connecting to as many as possible in order to fully represent Jesus.

The people of Western Reserve are getting this! May God be glorified!

For the week,

Jason

Its been another crazy and wonderful week. I reported in last week's blog entry that we saw 15 come to know Christ in our weekend services. This week, I preached a message about baptism and we have 22 people (mostly adults) that are going to be baptized at our "Night of Celebration." God is on the move.

This movement brings me to my thought and reflection for the week. Do we anticipate movement when the people of God come together? When we plan services or think about the weekend, is the anticipation of what God is going to do this week our focus? Am I an idealist to say...it should be?

Ephesians 3:20 says that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask, hope, or imagine. 

The problem with the church today is that we continually seek to measure our lives. And when we try to measure everything (including church), we remove the immeasurable greatness of God. We then sit and wonder why God isn't moving. The answer...we stopped asking, hoping, imagining...focusing.

Last week I was talking to a staff member and he told me that there seemed to be a tension in the church. Not a negative tension, but a personal tension of people not wanting to miss what would happen in their lives this week. A few days later, between our weekend services, I had several unsolicited comments from those that missed the previous weekend, stating that they felt regret because they missed a week of God moving! That's good tension! My prayer is that Western Reserve would begin (or continue) to imagine the ideal. That we, as a body anticipate movement. Not manufactured, but authentic. I believe this to be the most effective way to impact the world, and the most effective way to reach those seeking purpose. 

Speaking this week on 7 things I want my children to know. I've never preached a sermon like this, but I am excited. I am reviewing the message with Marcie to get her input and heart as a Mom. I can't wait to see how God is going to unpack this thing! Please pray that God will light a fire in the hearts of parents, singles, and marriages through the sharing of my heart in accordance with His Word!

Its going to be an INCREDIBLE WEEKEND!!!! To God be all glory!

Until next week,

Jason

A New Season

Incredible week. Marcie and I are amazed at how God continues to use Western Reserve. This weekend we saw 15 people commit their lives to Jesus Christ and broke another attendance record which, by the way, has been happening every 2-3 weekends! The people of Western Reserve get it! Praise God...we are on  journey together! May God be glorified!

I am speaking this weekend on baptism. Touchy subject, especially in

our culture here in Northeast Ohio. In fact, baptism is the question most frequently posed to me. People from different religious backgrounds who are honestly searching for clarity on the topic ask the "baptism" question. All who come from this background understand that baptism is important, and has significant spiritual implications, but many do not have clarity on its meaning and depth. So, this week I am going to lay it out with honesty and Biblical clarity. My prayer is that we have a flood of people that say, "I am ready...dunk me!" How cool would it be that a line is created of people that are waiting to jump in the water...what a celebration! Changed lives my friends...changed lives! Please God, turn our hearts to you, that we might proclaim your name in every aspect of our lives!

Catalyst Church to join Western Reserve!!

If you were at our weekend services you'll remember that I spoke with you about Western Reserve making plans for our first campus. I asked all to pray as I met with the body and leaders of Catalyst church to discuss joining Western Reserve. The purpose of them joining us would be to prepare for a re-launch of this group under Western Reserve. If God leads, we will launch this group of people (some from Western Reserve) as our first regional campus. The goal would be Easter 

2010.

The gathering went great! I was moved by the hearts of the people of this church plant. The key phrase that I walked away with was...heartbroken but hopeful. Heartbroken because their investment, as they currently know it, is transitioning. However, the vision and heart of the church is not changing. There was hope last night as I shared with people the vision of seeing the dream realized. We dream of reaching people in different cities around Northeast Ohio, and I believe that God can do this. This group of people (40-60 in number) is going to begin a 3 seasonal approach with Western Reserve:

Season #1 - As a group, they will join Western Reserve for the next four Saturdays to investigate and understand the heart and passion of Western Reserve Church.

Season #2 - As God leads in the hearts of individuals, they will determine if they are called to this vision. If they sense this leading, they will commit to the summer with us.

Season #3 - If all is going well come Fall 2009, they will continue to be involved at Western Reserve as we make plans for our first campus in the Kent/Stow area.

If you are a member of Western Reserve I ask you to do two things: 1.) Pray! 

2.) Get to know these folks...they are part of us now and need us to surround them with love and grace. I can't wait for them to meet you!

I believe God is going to kill it this weekend! I am preparing my heart and my message...Lord Jesus, help me not to waste the time you have given me this day! May you be glorified!

For the week...Jason

Hungry

It's been a great week.

First, our family is doing well. Caleb and Emily are on the back end of their SAT's at school. Neither like the testing, but love that there is little or no homework for a couple of weeks. So does Mom!

Marcie and I enjoyed a day off together on Friday...spent the whole day working in the yard. Some of you are

 saying...working in the yard and "enjoyable" do not go together! We are one of those couples that looks forward to pulling weeds and throwing mulch. We often laugh saying, Think about us in our retired years walking around our yard and picking up that "one" leaf that we missed, because we will be "picky" old people wanting everything to be perfect. We 

had fun! We have a date planned this weekend with friends, and are excited! We hope they buy...you know who you are...and we are of course kidding.

Second, ministry is moving forward at an unbelievable rate. I have made some key changes in our office to free me up to lead, study, cast vision, and pour into our school of ministry. Interesting, it was hard for me to give parts of the daily operations over.  I've known that the church would be in danger of plateau if I held on to tight, but knowing what needs to be done and doing it, are two separate things. 

Its been a good process for me. I'm thankful.

Third is our missions trip to Cambodia. Many know that the Haymakers are going to visit the orphanage that Western Reserve built this past Fall. We, along with six others, are taking the inaugural trip to visit our kids and dedicate the new facility. 

WE CANNOT WAIT! 

God has broken our hearts for these kids, and we authentically see them as extensions of our family. If this is new to you, you can read the story of God's movement to plant this orphanage, and learn more about Asia's Hope by going to the Asia's Hope link on our church website.

www.westernreservegc.com

If you are part of Western Reserve, we are planning a Sunday the first of May to highlight the team and Asia's Hope, but until then, here is what is happening with the Haymaker's support.

As a family, we need approximately $8,000 to go for 10 days. This seems insurmountable, but wow, God is working! We committed as a family to pay for my portion ($2,000) and ask God to raise the remaining $6,000. We sent letters to people outside of our church family, some inside, and God has been blowing us away! We received a report this week stating that we have $4000 in, and while writing this entry, another $100 was received. We are less than $2,000 away from full support! And, we are only three weeks into the fundraising journey! Wow!

This has been life-changing for our kids. Emily created a Cambodia box that we put our money in for the

 trip. Friends of theirs have shown up with envelopes containing $3.00 and some change...some even less! These seem to be

 some of the biggest blessings for Caleb and Emily. They can't believe that their friends love them enough to give them what they have! 

Leads me to the discussion that Marce (I call Marcie...Marce) and I had last evening. We are experiencing SO much right now that fear has entered into our hearts. Not the fear of something bad happening, but the fear of losing the blessing of God.

Many may be surprised to hear a pastor say that...but have you ever felt that? Marcie brought up the point from her Bible study that Moses missed the promise land because of one mistake...one mistake.

We know our theology and do not allow thoughts like these keep us from enjoying what He is doing, and anticipating Him doing more, so don't flip out and say HELP!!!! my pastor has lost his faith!

The reason I share this is because we have "tasted" God. We have dreamt together, labored together, sacrificed and stuck to His dream for us and His church. Now, in a small way we are seeing Him carry it out. It has been dramatic, rich, and explosive. And we want more. We thirst for more of God. We ask daily that we might experience His presence, and that the people of Western Reserve would be overwhelmed by the God that commissioned them to be His representation upon the earth.

When our conversation ended, I went to bed thinking...its not fear, for perfect love (Jesus' love) drives it out...its hunger. We are hungry for more of Him. I don't ever want to be more enthralled with the fruit of this world than I am the fruit of His work.

So I prayed that we would be a family and church that is "blessable". One that unapologetically, and authentically walks in Christ and the power of His resurrection.

Do I deserve more of His movement. No. Have I messed up more than once?. At least that since lunch (20 minutes ago). Will He prevail? He already has. Today is history to Him...and we get to be part of the story. Let's walk together in His power.

Preaching week 2 of Q&A this week. Last week I laid it out as we talked through Luke 16 on the reality of eternity and the truth of Hell. Crazy stuff...God worked.  This week Matthew 7...Are You Ready? Don't miss it...invest in a friend and invite them to church...it will be GREAT! That was my best impression of Tony the Tiger...

Until next time...

Jason

 

Welcome to my blog!!!! - Easter 2009

Welcome to my first blog entry! I am asking God to use this post to connect with people who share my passion to see God glorified and to see the church change the world. The thoughts shared in this blog wi
ll be that of a man that believes the church should be "offensive" not "defensive", effecting culture, not being affected by it. 

I have four passions in my life: My Savior, my Wife, my Family, and HIS Church. May God be glorified in and through them all! Thanks for reading my thoughts!

This first blog entry is dedicated to the amazing work of God over the week of Easter. 

Context is important:

We have made the decision in our church that we are not going to ask the community that we seek to reach to serve us, but we want to serve them. In December of 2008, God opened up the door for us to partner with a local Chik-fil-a here in Macedonia. Our director of outreach shared our vision as a church (to serve the community) through an unscheduled conversation, and a purely motivated statement to want to serve the community through the opening of our cafe (scheduled for February 2009). God orchestrated this conversation to open up doors to the community. Not only do they sponsor our cafe for our weekend services (Saturdays and Sundays), they have begun to partner with us for community events.

God led us in '08 to have two major community events: An Easter Egg Helicopter drop and a 5K Run. Todd went to the city and offered our services to host the Helicopter Egg Drop on the city's behalf. Before we knew it, God opened up doors for us to plan and host an event for the city of Macedonia. Chik-fil-a offered food and even their cow for the event!

Our Easter week began on April 4 with the Helicopter Egg Drop. We anticipated seeing up 1,000 people attend the first year. God opened up my eyes, and the eyes of our people when 6,000-8,000 people 

showed up! People parked up to a mile away and walked to the event. Cars were backed up for miles! So many people came that it was chaotic! One of the coolest things I have ever seen was our people in lime green shirts locking arms to keep the people back! Unbelievable! We had 6,000 eggs, and we needed 20,000! It was one of the most unbelievable things I have ever witnessed. The mayor was astonished and grateful. 

It says in Mark 2, after Jesus healed the paralytic that was brought to Him... "This amazed everyone, and they praised God saying, We have never seen anything like this..." People were saying this! One of the prizes that was offered in one of the eggs was free food at Chik-fil-a for one year. We found at the end of the event that one of the persons that found this prize was a single, widowed mother of two. Jesus fed a woman for a year!

That's how the week started...

That Monday I was to leave to speak at a spiritual focus week in Connecticut. This school was praying for God's movement, and on Tuesday, eight people prayed to receive Christ.

Thursday while I was gone speaking, we hosted communion. Normally, we see 70-80 people come out. This year, we saw 170+ adults. People were amazed at the greatness of God and, for some, began to connect the dots of what God is doing at Western Reserve.

The weekend for us begins on Saturday with our first service, followed by two more on Sunday. We did not know what to expect. God brought a surge of people on Saturday night and capacity plus crowds at both services on Sunday. People got right with God and others became followers of Christ. We saw 700+ people come to our services. 

At our staff meeting on Monday, I shared God's command to Moses to write down what God had done, and to be sure that Joshua saw it. Why? So no one would ever forget what God had done.

I had the staff review what God had done from April 2008 to April 2009...we wrote them down...here are a few...

12 Months of Jesus

- DNA transformation of our church...we began to walk towards people...not away

- One Sunday in September, we cancelled one of our services, hit the streets, and in 45 minutes, 300 businesses were "thanked" for serving our community.

- In 17 minutes, our church gave $57,000 in cash and pledged $3700 per month to build an orphanage in Cambodia and rescue 40 children. Our orphanage is to open in coming weeks

- We launched our Cafe...Chik-fil-a partnered with us.

- 6,000-8,000 people came to an helicopter egg drop

- Western Reserve doubled in attendance during these months

What next God....what next?

Personally, I have watched my children be effected by a church that is being effective. Marcie and I often say, they get it! Caleb and Emily have seen works of God through this church that I have never seen in 26 years of being a follower of Christ!

May God be glorified!

Until next week...Jason

By the way, I begin a new series this week entitled, Questions That Need to be Asked. It's going to get crazy around here! We are going to talk about subjects that the church has been afraid to address. Eternity...is Hell real? Baptism, Am I Ready for Eternity? If you have friends that live in this area...you gotta bring them to this series! I believe God is going to bring a soul harvest! We will be amazed! See you this weekend!