38... THIRTY-EIGHT!

Well, another year down and one day closer to dying. I know that doesn't sound fun but, it's true.

This morning I got up around 5:10 AM grabbed my camera and headed to the mountains. After a short conversation and a kiss to my wife, I was driving down the highway. I really had no idea where I was going, but I thought I might find something up the Tumwater canyon.

I tried to keep it simple since I realized no one really knew my exact location, and a fall from a mountain resulting in injury or death would have had people searching for months.

As I exited my car and left the tune, "Beautiful Day," I grabbed my cameras and headed out... alone. What a peaceful time. Sounds of rushing water, birds and other critters I could only hear, singing, "Happy Birthday to YOU!" How nice.

I got down and dirty getting up close to some glacier lilies and some other flowers I have yet to identify. I wish I had my book with me, but alas, homework for later.

Anyhow, I really didn't want to talk about my birthday but rather, my midlife crisis...

It's hard to say this here, but I've given it a lot of thought and feel now is the time to let everyone know... I've been cheating on the side and I can't stay here anymore... There, it's out... Finally!

Since I first started with Blogger in September of 2005, I didn't know what kind of relationship blogger and I would have... I love blogs and the communities therein... However, I've worked around ridged blogger approved templates and longed to bring more of my personality to blogland. I had seen others using garbage like "myspace" "facebook" blah, blah, blah... But one caught my eye... WordPress. She wasn't perfect, but then neither was I. I heard that you could host WordPress on your site and with some modification you could really stretch your creativity and not look so much like everyone else.

I think Blogger, found out I was looking, because she made several changes. However, the changes she made, made me more confused that I was before. Don't get me wrong... I love blogger. I cut my teeth on blogger. But, now it's time for me to take the next step.

If you come to this site via http://road2gaza.blogspot.com/ , you'll continue to see this same old post, over and over again.

However, if you visit this spot via, http://www.johnathanthomas.com , you'll be pointed to the new site, that looks a lot like this site, just easier for me to manage.

The OFFICIAL SITE IS:
http://blog.johno.org

So, there you have it... My mid life crisis.

I love you blogger. We will always be friends, but it's time for me to go.



goodbye.
johno~

(Panorama taken from the top of Mt. Tabor)

It has yet to cease in it's amazement the fury and pace of my time in Israel. I have had more thoughts and questions, insights and renewed conviction than ever before in my life. I think it's what draws this story line out. It seems to be more and more a part of my daily life.

Photos do tell a story. I guess that's why I love photography. Jesus told word pictures called parables... "The Kingdom of heaven is like..." a man who... a woman who... a mustard seed... a treasure... a net... king... a landowner... Jesus had a way of drawing the crowd into a physical thing to reveal a spiritual thing.

I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

What an image... Children? hmm.

In Israel, things are very physical. I know that sounds like a stupid statement and it probably is. However, growing up in a protestant/restorationist movement, I was always taught physical wasn't the point. We don't worship idols or anything physical because God is spirit and we only worship in spirit and truth. It was the scripture that said, "you believe because you've seen, blessed are those who believe but have never seen." So for me the physical Israel vs. the Spiritual Israel, started to clash in my system... and I had been in Israel less than 24 hours. Everything that I had read about, that I believed about I was seeing. My photos and my eyes began to capture glimpses of the kingdom of heaven.

After leaving Nazareth, Nir and I headed further north to Mt. Tabor.

Mt. Tabor sits at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 11 miles (17 km) west of the Sea of Galilee. Its elevation at the summit is 1,843 feet (575 m) high and believe me, it seems higher. It is used in Scripture as a symbol of majesty. Jeremiah 46:18 (NASB) “‘As I live,’ declares the King Whose name is the Lord of hosts, ‘Surely one shall come who looms up like Tabor among the mountains, Or like Carmel by the sea’” It is majestic.

As we made the climb, in our vehicle not with our legs, I was amazed at the view. It is no wonder early church fathers would have considered this to be a place of importance and claimed it for the majesty of Christ's Transfiguration. And that is what lies at the top of this mountain, the Basilica of the Transfiguration.





The date of the earliest churches on Mt. Tabor is unknown. The Anonymous Pilgrim of Piacenza saw three basilicas in 570. Willibald, 8th Century, mentions only one church dedicated to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. The current church was built in 1924 and belongs to the Franciscans.

There were a few pilgrims there... some were re-reading the accounts from their bibles Matthew chapter 17 or perhaps Mark 9, and I found myself having a hard time relating. My mind and my teaching was screaming, "THIS IS NOT THE PLACE!" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

My spiritual instruction taught:
Mt. Tabor is probably not the location for the Transfiguration: 1) Jesus and his disciples are in the region of Caesarea Philippi just prior to the Transfiguration. 2) The general location of the mountain is not isolated. Much traffic passed by through the Jezreel Valley below. 3) A military fort was located on top of the mountain and was clearly in use during the Hasmonean period and the time of the Jewish Revolt, and likely would have been in Jesus' day as well. Lastly, we just don't know.

For a moment it felt like I was standing on a mental soapbox screaming, Christmas is not Jesus' birthday... We don't know when he was born." instead of embracing the memory of Peters words, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here."

As I stepped into the church, it seemed to be more simple than I would have thought.





The monk was eyeing Nir and I... I was scared that he might tell us to stop shooting pictures. However, he never said a word.

I noticed a room set off in the back of the church, almost hiding... I'm not sure what the room was for but it's contents were simple.



a small cross atop a table. What struck me was the simple physical presence of the cross, almost begging me to come and sit at the table.

As I left the room, I found a back pew with a bench for kneeling in prayer. (side note, why don't we have those in our churches today?) I knelt down and asked for forgiveness and grace.

Christ was 100% man, physical and 100% God. I cannot embrace only half of that message.

I'm still not sure if this is the place we read about in the bible... most likely it is not. However, it is holy ground. "For where two or three come together in my name," Jesus says, "there I am with them."

As we went down the mountain, I know Nir wondered my thoughts... He asked several times. It seems like I could never really express them because I was overwhelmed at so many points. I hope the times I spoke were clear enough. I remember a question he asked often, "Is this an important place to you?" His hospitality on a scale of 1-10 was 11+.

As we made our trek into Tiberius we arrived at the sea of Galilee for the night. I was low on laundry and needed to drop them by the cleaners. Nir's unfailing GPS "girlfriend" got so mad at us she stopped talking and led us into empty back ally ways. she kept telling us to turn right. "Yamina" I'm sure I've misspelled it. a few phone calls later, my laundry was in the proper hands.

We had a wonderful dinner and returned to the YMCA hostel for a good nights rest.

The sun came early, the weather was wonderful and a new day was about to begin.



peace.
johno~

Once again, I found a video, most likely seen by everyone but me. I had to post this video for my friend Jason and any others who enjoy having a family dog.



peace.
johno~

It's hard to imagine it's been three months since my trip. So much has taken place since then. What seems to have been so near, now seems so far away. As I revisit my photographical journey, I seem to have more questions, thoughts, joys and some regrets. Regrets in only that I could have done more, asked more or said more. Ever have that feeling?

Again, much thanks and love to friend, Nir and his family. Without their contribution and generosity none of this would have happened.

As I arrived in Israel, I new I was not in Kansas. I gathered my luggage and before I could walk through the exit, a plain clothed man approached me and said something in hebrew... (Oh if only I had taken hebrew in college and not ancient greek)

He soon realized, I guess by the dumbfound look on my face and my response of, "what?" that english was my primary language. He then asked what I had in my luggage create, where I was traveling from and a few other things... of which I was still trying to think of all the gifts I had brought from Africa... "Gifts, dolls, baskets, headlamp, water bottles... I was going down the list trying to be as detailed as possible, until he said, "OK GO!" I think he must have thought, "This guys to stupid to be a threat."

As I exited into the arrival terminal, I was eagerly looking for a face that I had only seen via the internet. Do you every remember the first time you met someone and saw them for the first time?

This is the view from my friend Nir... I can only wonder what he was thinking as he fired away with his camera. What a joy it was to see a familiar face.

As we made our way out of the airport in the early morning, I knew the journey of a lifetime was taking place... and I knew I needed coffee.

We drove north to Galilee talking about my time in Africa and the discussing the detailed itinerary Nir had worked so hard on. Nir was very thoughtful about making sure I got to see everything I wanted to see. The truth is... Had I only had a short layover and had coffee with my friend, I would have had everything I needed. SO, everything else was a bonus.

As we drove north, we saw the sign for Megiddo, known to Christians as Armageddon. Why not. How many times in ones life do they get to visit the final battle ground between good and evil. Although I have a bit of a different take on the writing of the apostle John than most premillinialist, I still thought it would be nice to see.



Ruins of Megiddo


View facing Nazareth. City on left side hilltop


a tunnel that led to water, which kept Megiddo strong while under siege."


reconstructed map room of Megiddo

In all a very impressive location. What really struck me was the beauty of the surrounding area. I didn't think of war or battles, I thought of peace.

As we made our way further north we drove to Nazareth.


I kept thinking of the story of Philip and Nathanael, John 1:43-50

Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, "We've found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It's Jesus, Joseph's son, the one from Nazareth!" Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding."

- the Message

I've always wondered about that verse. Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Nazareth? You've got to be kidding. The funny thing is, the first thing I really saw was a KFC. You've got to be kidding. The stomping grounds of Jesus' youth... KFC. Not only KFC but a Toys 'R' Us. It was getting worse as we drove further into the city.

But the faithful guide that I had, led me not to fast food chains or Junk '4' Them, rather, he took me to the ruins of "Mary's" home which has a church built around it.


"Basilica of the Annunciation"



WOW! my first old "church" building. Now, as a "restoration" kid, one who has tried to eliminate 2000 years of human intervention and legal tradition of Christendom, a church building is just a building. The people make it holy. As I took in the sites and firing away with my camera...


"mosaic image at the Basilica of the Annunciation church"

a man approached us, speaking quickly and in a angry tone and of course, not in english. Nir approached him and listened. Returning to me, Nir's first words were, "OK, this man was very rude, and..." Great! My first interaction with a church person and he's rude. We were told we could not bring in our "big" cameras and if we wanted to take pictures we could only use small point and shoot's. What the? He didn't even ask our names, he didn't say welcome or praise the Lord you are here. He assumed, demanded and was rude. None of which I find in the "fruit of the Spirit." Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self Control. What really hurt was this, my friend Nir respects my faith, but it is not his belief. He's taken time away from his family to show me some "holy" sites and this is the message the church gives to strangers. I was ashamed.

Now this is why this story comes in so many parts. I've struggled with questions of how we in the US, treat people who step on our holy ground. Not just in our building, but in our lives. Have they been close to the presence of the Messiah, the one who lives in you, only to be shut down or shut up? My feeling is that we have been guilty of the same assumptions in the church. Not church buildings but the church people... the body, the community of believers. Where is our repenting? Where is our memory of salvation and grace in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us?

As we entered into the "church building" it seemed that mass was taking place. Knowing what I do know, I'm surprised they even let us in during communion. This is what I saw:


silent angel


Mass behind closed gates


an elegant building with empty pews


a small window to heaven

I'm not sure if you are thinking the same thoughts that are running though my head. But it was not anything like the Jesus I had read about or the church that I've read about.



people on the outside not sure if they could come in. I guess that's why Jesus went out to the mountainside... to find people.

Of course you may note, we did use our cameras inside when no one was looking. My apologizes to the owner.

As we left, I realized I want to be less critical and more loving. Love God, Love your neighbor.

I want to stop making it hard for people to meet Jesus.


bars above the gate to the church

Peace.
johno~

:full slideshow here:

Yesterday was a GREAT day. Miriam celebrated her 9th birthday on April 9th. When your age matches your birth date, it's a special time. GOLDEN.

I hope you never forget the wonderful day you had... I love you.

Papa.

The long awaited story begins...

It's been a while since my last post. Yes, I still need to share about my trip to Uganda, however, I want to start with Israel.

The Talmud teaches that “Ten measures of beauty descended on the world—nine were taken by Jerusalem, one by the rest of the world. There is no beauty like the beauty of Jerusalem.

“The sights are too many. They swarm about you at every step; no single foot of ground in all Jerusalem or within its neighborhood seems to be without a stirring and important history of its own.”

-Mark Twain

This is just how I feel about all of Israel. I cannot count the blessings I have had poured out on me during the last months. If I could share completely with you what has taken place in my life, you would understand my absence in blogger land. So, dust off those RSS readers or at least add mine back to your list and I will try to pick up this thing called blogging again.

Every life is a story. I would ask you, "what's yours?" but that would be something for your blog. Mine is an adventure. It is abundant and overflowing. Thank you Lord.

About 4 years ago, I had entered a picture into Kodak Picture of the Day. I had learned about the POTD through dgrin, a photographers forum sponsored by Smugmug. Through that forum, I met many wonderful people... Andy, who took a picture of my picture displayed in Time Square, Ginger, a wonderful lady and photographer who passed away summer of 2007... The list goes on and on.

But there is one more... Nir Alon.


Nir and I first started our conversation over an article he had written on Ein-Karem, the traditional birth place of John the Baptist. One email lead to another and another and another. An internet friendship was born.

It's funny... Meeting Nir's wife, Dorit, for the first time, she said she had a hard time explaining to her friends that her husband was spending three days in northern Israel with a man he met on the internet. (I still laugh every time I share that) I apologize Dorit.

Anyhow, an internet friendship was born. The truth is this, I would not have made my trip to Israel such a priority had it not been for the friendship developed with Nir and his family.

Nir is a very talented photographer of which he will disagree because he is also humble. He has highly recognized by his community through projects like "In Spite Of" and his current project, Malkis Legacy. On top of all this, he is a Husband and father of three. Although his oldest, Uri is out of the house serving in the Navy, his two daughters, Tamar (17?) and Hila (13) are keeping him on his toes.

It was a wonderful time. Although Nir and I have different views on Faith, it didn't stop our conversation. It was a joy to share my perspective on faith in his land and also to hear of his perspective on the state of Israel. (So many have given their lives for Israel... It's a beautiful place because the cost is high). Meeting Nir and spending time with him on the "road" fulfilled more than both he or I could ever know.

My blog title is "road to gaza" which Nir tells me, "Gaza could be interpreted as 'Hell.'" Nice, the "Road to Hell" Never thought about it that way. I of course took the name from the book of Acts and the story of Philip and the Ethiopian conversion. The point was inspired by people you meet on the road not the destination. (Although, having said that, I meet a lot of people who's lives are a road leading to hell... They are harassed, helpless and without hope) Nir and I traveled a road... not to Gaza, which is a good thing since the time I was there, conflict was heavy and still is as of the writing of this blog.

No, our road led to different places...



Jerusalem, City of Gold and the home of Nir Alon. I'm not sure what seeds fell, where they fell or how much yield will come from the crop of our journey together. I only know what has started to grow in my life because of my friendship and my life is changed for the better.

As I continue to share in future parts of this story, you will hear my questions and thoughts about the physical vs. the spiritual, the traditional vs. the mystery and the humanity vs. the humanity. It was a lot to take in. I only know I missed most of it. Yet, what I did manage to capture will stay with me forever. Some are photos, some are thoughts... all of it is heart.

peace.
johno~

I've uploaded my first set of photos from my trip to Uganda. These are the few I thought made the "cut."
I do have a few more from the G9 I haven't gotten to yet. I'll let you know when those are up.

Here's the "SLIDESHOW"

Here's the "GALLERY"

I have others that didn't make the "5 Star" cut and I also have the game park and Israel pictures to post.

More to come.

peace.
johno~

It's been one week since my return home and I guess I should post something before everyone thinks I've died. I'm alive and well. It's taken about a week to get my self back on track. Jet lag... you've got to love it.

Anyhow, As I get back into the swing of things, I hope to start my new year of blogging with some changes. My plan is to combine the many blogs I have into one SUPERBLOG! I would love to continue a photo project... (I still have to complete last years. I have it, I just have to finish it) and I would love to continue to write about the great things regarding my personal journey lead by the Spirit. However, it just might have a different name and site. Some have told me to switch to Wordpress, others have told me to stay with Blogger... I don't know where I will end up, however, www.johnathanthomas.com should get you there wherever that might be.

As far as the trip goes... I really don't think I could do justice with my limited vocabulary and the time I have for now... SO... It was Amazing. Of course my time in Africa was a wonderful experience and I have much to share... but, my journey also lead me to Israel where I was able to spend some time with a great friend and his family.

Many thoughts and stories to come later... I promise.

Until then I am working on some of the 6500 photo I took on my month trip away. It looks like 10% will be keepers. Verdict is still out.

So until then, I've chosen my favorite picture from the entire trip to share until I get the rest posted at www.lightexposure.org.


Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

peace.
johno~

I sit here on a sofa, up to late typing my final words before I take off on a trip around the world.

I look forward to this adventure and all the stories.

peace.
johno~

A crazy two more weeks before I leave for Uganda and from there to Israel. I am keeping my eyes wide and my heart open. What will God put before me to see, witness and touch? What attacks from the "enemy" are coming my way?

God is most powerful and to be trusted... however, that doesn't mean it all works out the way "I" want.

In the last few weeks, I can see God saying, "Trust me."

Recently, there has been an Ebola virus outbreak in Bundibugyo... not to far from Fort Portal... and in Israel, tanks have pushed the boarders in the Gaza Strip.

Both situations, significant to an American on a short term mission trip... yet, everyday to those living beyond the boarders of a culture to self centered.

Still I find peace.

Peace that passes all understanding and a peace beyond all doubt.

Keeping up with Dr. Myhres blog, regarding the Ebola virus, I found one reflection that really touched me.

My mind keeps reaching back to some words of the Psalms which I can’t place, though a thousand have fallen at my side, yet I will trust.
We feel the falling of Jonah so acutely, we were both on the same front line of the same battle fighting side by side, yet he went down and we have not.
I know I can’t trust in anything other than God . . . Certainly not in not dying, which is not guaranteed, as Jonah shows. If we make it through this then what about the next tragedy? Safety is not the basis of trust. Instead our trust needs to be in God, inexplicable God, dangerous God, other-than-us God, who does not order this world according to our will, but knows more than we do and loves more deeply.

As viruses are contained and peace talks resume, I think of the next tragedy... and I trust.

I admire a faith that finds itself writing such powerful words as those above. Complete trust. It's where I want to be... It's where I am going.

peace.
johno~

To all my friends following my ramblings...

Many of you received an email from me or have read my past blog outlining a project which would teach photography to students during my short stay in Uganda. After talking with the local missionaries, they feel, and I agree, that the timing is not right for such a project as previously described.

My heart is broke only because of the foothold the enemy has on so many African lives. Pray for Light. Jesus will win.

So where from here?

Look at my thoughts spins from other active organizations such as Cameras for healing and Kids with cameras - Zambia. However, it's purpose, as stated, is not only about photos, social awareness or learning a trade... It's life in Christ.

In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.

Giving children the chance to share where they see God working in the world and in the lives around them through the lens.

Right now I'm trying to re-work some "holes" in this project. Unrealistic ideas and tasks need to be visited. A sensitivity for culture needs to be in place and last but not least, financing.

Currently, I am working with a few other potential groups for 2008:
Portland, Central Washington and kids from the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

If you would like to volunteer your skill or if you know of a community that could be blessed by this project, please feel free to contact me.

peace.
johno~

To my friends and family,


A picture is worth a thousand words...

It has the power to freeze a moment, capture attention and strike emotion.

Photography isn't a "fixed" medium. It's an invitation for people to see the world through the eyes of another soul. A transparent look at someone's hurts, hopes, fears and dreams.

Dreams not only for America, but also an African dream.

A picture is worth a thousand words. It tells a story, shares lives and gives images of something more than self. It can be done, but most photographers don't take pictures of themselves... It's a bit awkward. The camera is not designed to be inward, it's purpose is outward, yet, it gives "images of their thoughts." The Gospel is also meant to be outward.

One of the greatest troubles in Africa today is the idea of a "prosperity gospel" which is no gospel at all. The idea that, "if I believe in God, he will bless me." "My goats won't die, my wife will have sons and I'll have clothes on my back." No one thinks, love my neighbor, instead it's, "love me, bless me... me... me." This thought must be defeated with Truth.

On December 27th, 2007 I will be heading to Uganda, Africa for a short term mission trip. I will be working with a youth camp started five years ago during our first trip. Among the many things on our list of "to do's", it is my goal to pull aside several leader students who will be willing to join the adventure of giving their lives through photography.

Several leaders will be chosen by local missionaries to take part in a 12 month photo training project. During my short term stay, I will be teaching stage one: photography skills to students and discussing photography techniques and biblical principles that will help leaders share a new Way of Life to their communities.

My hope is to teach the basic foundation that fulfills all the law and the prophets... Love God and love your neighbor.

Stage two will be under the oversight of local missionaries (Andrew Martin and Jeff Cash) providing film and film development for students during the year. Negatives will be mailed to me and I will review and comment via email on subjects, themes, etc. Students will continue to share moments of life in their communities through their pictures. Stories will be told. Lives will be shared. Memories made. Love God, love your neighbor.

What we need to do the job is camera equipment, batteries and portable printing capabilities.

If done right, I estimate $3000 needed for this project to be sustained for one year. This would be purchasing equipment and supplies needed for one year, including printing. My hope is a paradigm shift for leaders in their giving and receiving. With this, “Images of our thoughts” project will begin January 2008.

Many of us have a picture of our families. What joy those images bring. Will you share in giving that opportunity to an African dream?

First, pray. Our images of Africa have been ones of sadness, loss and hopelessness. Pray that God is enough and that we might see new images of Life.

Second, I'm asking for your financial support. Please pray about how you might be able to give financially to this effort. Do you have an extra 35mm film camera you would like to donate? We could use it. Film? Batteries? Digital cameras (5mp or higher)

The picture above was displayed in Time Square, New York on March 11th 2005. This little girl, the one photo has touch millions of hearts... I hope to find her again... She has changed my life.

Peace.
Johnathan Thomas

http:www.johnathanthomas.com
http:www.johno.org


Donations:
King's Orchard church of Christ
attn: Johnathan Thomas / Photography
PO Box 1019
Wenatchee, WA 98807

A good friend of mine asked me to consider something I might not ever have considered in my life... Running in a marathon. As I thought about it, I thought, "There are many who will never have the chance to run something like this." I, myself, struggled with asthma as a child and was unable to run free like many other children my age. Spared from having the same health condition now as in my childhood, I can run today without an attack that leaves me fighting for breath.

As I shared this task with another friend, he told me to watch a video... Team Hoyt.



It might take some time... however, I will run... but not alone.

peace.
johno~

Well, after my last post, which I know has been a while, I thought it would be nice to get things back on the road with a story and pictures from special treat the Thomas family took tonight. Believe it or not, Todd Agnew and Rush of Fools were here in Wenatchee. So I picked up some tickets for a chance to relive my youthful concert days. However, this was a little bit different concert than the ones I use to go to as a teen.

Rush of Fools are a group of kids who have some great talent to start with. I expect to see more of them in the future.

Todd Agnew was great. With the place to ourselves we had a great talk... I will add more on him later. Hint. Hint.

So here are a few pics of the Thomas kids at the end of their night


Rush of Fools and the Thomas kids


Todd Agnew and the Thomas kids

It was a wonderful family evening.

peace.
Johno~

Music is and will always be a part of my life. U2 has been the one rock band that I've enjoyed from my teen years to current. This music video, I found on youtube is one of my favorite U2 song and one of the best music videos I've ever seen on MTV... when MTV played music videos. It was 1987... I was 17... I can't believe it's been 20 years.

Ah! The Memories.

peace.
Johno~

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but... This summer has flown by. Most of the summers past I've been able to spend some time taking the kids to the park, swimming in the back or just chasing them around taking their pictures. It's August and it's cold. Today might break 90... the day we schedule dentist appointment at 3 PM for all the kiddos. Bummer.

Anyhow, I pulled out my camera and chased them all down. CLICK-A-TY, CLICK, CLICK.


Adam before his haircut


and after his haircut


Caleb was the hardest to pin down... can you tell?


Miriam always loves to pose for me... my little model.


Hannah... well, she's twelve and just thinks I'm a nut. Funny, she's just like me in so many ways. Look out world.

I love being a Papa. These are my gems. They are my life. I love each of them very much.

peace.
johno~

I realized after my last post, that today is August 15. This is my ninth year full-time ministry. I only promised five years and somehow, here I still remain.


I remember jumping on board to being the best youth minister I could be... As a teen, I wanted to be better that... Jeff Walling. I read all the books, ordered all the best curriculum from Willow Creek and other mega church groups. I remember my first Bible study with a family who after hearing all the "right" answers, said, "thanks for sharing... we'll think about it." WHA?

I remember the group of teens I "adopted." Teens anchored to church via activities and bribes. It was both fun and difficult. I entered this work in August with a remaining budget of $16 dollars and some change.

In the beginning teens didn't like to sing. One student told me we sing to much and it would be nice if we could play more games. I remember Sunday morning Bible classes. Key word would be "BIBLE" and most of the teens not showing up with BIbles. I started giving away Bibles the church owned. Better in a kids hands than on a shelf six days a week. I thought it was important to bring Bibles to Bible study class. After visiting with one of my mentors, Big Don Williams, I had an idea... It was gentler than his. It was called the "Bible Policy" by many. I just thought is was something to get active Christian students to bring a Bible to Bible class.

Needless to say... Some left because of this idea of "forcing children to bring "Bibles to Bible class" and sending them to class with their parents if they didn't. I have a 4 inch sealed envelope which contains many letters for and against my idea, including my response to the church leaders and families.

Dirt flew and all I could do was stand. I ask God why he made me come here? WHAT HAVE I DONE? I'LL NEVER LAST.

When the dirt settled I looked around and my enemy was gone. New families stepped up for the first time. From the ashes new birth began. The teens were no longer in charge.

I spent my time focusing on a mission statement, (which I cannot remember... I have had several over the years. However I think I will stick with the current mission statement... LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR) deciding what and where I would be going.

I continued to meet with the family I had first met with and a few short weeks later they gave their lives to Christ. Darren Coy is one of my closet friends today. I've never known a servant like Darren. He has so much to give and he gives more.

I also met a man named Steve Novak. He was a new Christian and not to involved... It was suggested to me I try to hook up with him and play golf. Golf? Could golf be a ministry? YES IT CAN. (although I suck at playing the game) Steve Novak and I would share a great journey. I will say that next to the "Bible Policy" thing, my journey with Steve has been a difficult journey.

I love Steve and I am so proud of him. It was hell to go through his divorce with him. I know most will still say, "it's not your fault" and "you don't really understand." I don't think anyone will understand the difficult time I went though watching my friend hurt like that. I am so glad to have watched him grow from that horrible battle and become stronger for the Lord.

After Steve's drama, I thought I might not make it though the year. This wasn't how ministry was suppose to go. I was hurt, I felt alone, I felt that I had failed.

It's funny the lies youth ministers believe. 1) Numbers count... the bigger the group, the better the ministry. (or the youth minister) 2) I'm strong, I teach Bible class, I know this stuff, I don't need to read the Bible for me... the Bible is me. 3) My relationship is great with my wife... I don't need to be accountable... it will never happen to me. (in 9 years, nine youth ministers have broken their vow and have been unfaithful to their spouse. Several more have abandoned their ministry jobs for a way of life that run contrary to even a worldly moral belief... let alone a Christ follower) 4) I give so much time to the church, I'm tired, they ask so much of me and I can't do everything. (Truth, many mismanage time, waiting until the last minute, bringing added stress and failure) I dare continue to write these lies. I only write what I know.

But the years move on and I met Dan. This may or may not be right, however... I have always called myself a "Jew". I am not a cultural Jew but a religious Jew, in the sense that I grew up knowing God. I was chosen. I grew up with the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I knew all the rules/law, the 10 commandments. I knew what was expected. I knew who was chosen and who was not. I was religious since diapers and I knew Jesus. (in reality, Jesus' rules are way harder to follow... it's because they are not rules but a Way of life)

Dan was and is great for me. It's because he is a gentile. (I dare write nice things about Dan because I know he reads this blog) When I was first told about Dan, he was described as "bizzaro johno" like bizzaro superman, everything that superman was, bizzaro superman was not. Everything Johno was"bizzaro johno, Dan" was not. We were the same but opposite.

Dan and I have many great conversation. Over 9 years of ministry, his baptism is still at the top of my most beautiful moments. Since that time, Dan has offered conversation that took me out of my "religious shell" and showed me God to the gentile. He has a wonderful spirit which is the Lord in him and he allows that to be used. I have so many great thoughts about Dan, I wish I could share them all in detail. (I might include them in my book)

It's funny that my greatest relationships have not been with teens, but the fathers of teens, like Don Wheeler.

Don grew up like me. Religious. He and I meet for coffee each Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM to share, listen and pray. I love his desire to explore God anew. I think Don is the one who can best relate to me and my background. We both find ourselves saying, "AH HA!" and things like, "you know, it really doesn't say that in the Bible." and "I've never looked at it that way before." Our journey is not over yet, I believe it's just getting started.

It's funny to think back when all I really wanted to do was make "SPIRITUAL GIANTS" out of the teens. I really don't know what that means today. What I desire and have experienced with these teens and these fathers is honesty.

Since I've been here there is another father I've come to know. He is at the top of close friends. He may not know how much he has caused me to search the scripture, pray and listen but my friend Nir, who lives in Jerusalem, has given me so much. An entire friendship via the internet. I would have never thought. (Nir, the stories you have shared with me about your son and daughters, you wife. You have given me an important image of the word father. You may not like it and we might not always agree, yet in all of this the Lord has worked through you to minister to me... and that's ok with me)

Though these men, God has worked. They each have challenged me in ways that have allowed me to see ministry differently.

To be honest, I really don't think I am very good at youth ministry. Actually, I surprised it's still a title on my business card. (I make my own business cards, so i guess it's my fault) As I get older I have a hard time keeping up with all the new music, movies, what's in and what's out. Clothes in fashion and those out. The latest lingo I'm afraid to use because I'm still not sure if "fo Shizzle" is a cuss word.

I do love teens, I can't see myself doing anything else. (although the opportunities always show their faces) I want to die working with teens... which could be sooner that later it I attempt anymore world record slip-n-slides or champion dodge ball tournaments.

I love students who are radical, irresistible and revolutionary. God started youth ministry in Numbers chapter 14.

26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected.

Nineteen and younger. God became a youth minister.

I've not made it to the end so the verdict is still out... However, it's been a God thing for nine years. Even in my rebellion against the things of God he placed certain men around me and the people who I came to serve, they served me. Never before had I thought of youth ministry being a father thing... (I had never had a biological father around) I'm thankful for the father ministry I've been a part of.

Luke 1 quotes Malachi:

16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

To make ready a people prepared for the Lord... It helps when the hearts of the father turn to their children.

Deuteronomy 6

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I'm not sure where the Lord will lead me beyond this point. I hope I am obedient to listen. (I'm very selfish and stubborn. Jonah 1:15)

I suppose this is what happens when you yield to post for two months. Call this post my "Peter Jackson" post... EPIC (Jas, you are not void in this story... your dirty paw prints are in every paragraph)

peace.
johno~

8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

~Proverbs 30:8-9

peace.
johno~

What do you do with all that video shot at your wedding? Edit it together and give it to your wife.



To my wife, my lover, my friend...
I love you more then ever before. Happy 15th anniversary.

Always and forever.
Johnathan~

I was just thinking about nicknames... I've had mine since high school... (Johno) Anyone else have a nickname that's lasted as long as mine? 20 years?

I think I received mine by default by hanging out with a guy named Dean... We called him Deano. Together Deano and I had a DJ group with two other high school friends, Darryl and Jeff. Darrylo and Jeffo didn't really click, but Deano and Johno somehow did. I kind of wish it had more of a story. Something with flair.

So, when do you out grow them? Is it OK if you want to keep it? Would it be bad to have it on your tombstone?

Anyhow, I was just curious about others who have nicknames... What's yours and how did you get it?

btw, my wife doesn't call me johno, she calls me JT, and when I'm in trouble she calls me Johnathan Matthew.

peace.
johno~