A Journey to Mars

last post. new blog for the new season.

2008-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this is weird. Tomorrow is the last day of 2008 and this will be my last post on this blog. This blog has been documentation of many miracles in my life over the last year. God has done some amazing things and they are recorded here, it has been really wild to go back and read some of the entries...

Anyways, to curb the danger of rambling, I will simply say this in parting: Jesus is good, He has never failed me or let me down. I leave this blog as a testimony to His work and His love. As I start a new blog for the new season, I start with eager anticipation of logging in a new light what God has in store. I pray that you will continue the journey with me, you can best do this by visiting www.redsonmissionary.wordpress.com and subscribing to the feed or bookmarking the page. This new blog will be less autobiographical and more editorial/journalistic regarding the mission that God has for us in the Capitol Neighborhood of Seattle. You will find more information about this there.

Finally, I want to thank all of you who have supported us through prayer and finances. You have been the answer to our prayers and I cannot fully express our gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely yours,
Joel and Sarah

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

December?!!! geez.

2008-12-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

The picture is of the Seattle waterfront, only 2 blocks from the church. Its beautiful here.

Walked into work this morning, like I usually do, after grabbing coffee to celebrate December and making a deposit at the bank. I didn't have my ipod so it allowed me some good time to imagine what people do in their eternally interesting jobs as I walk by office windows and try to inconspicuously peek in. I imagined that there where talented people making lots of money and toasting each others latest accomplishment at the local martini bar. I thought it would be really cool, for a second, to have 'break-room' friends who didn't know that I have a hard time staying disciplined but only that I have wicked graphic deign skills.(I dont) Then it all came crashing down like a vacant building as I began to think about my day, what was ahead of me by 5 or 6 blocks. I started to get warm and unbuttoned my vest as I started to think about the people who I would call and ask if they would like to get connected to a community group, the meetings I would have discussing the Sunday services. I noticed the wind as I quickened my pace, becoming more excited about the stuff I have to write this week: ministry proposals and discipleship curriculum. The truth is, I love what I do. I've been an intern for almost a year, working for free, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have the honor of taking care of a building that God has miraculously provided for us in downtown Seattle, I get to spearhead the mission of mars hill in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, I get to disciple several guys and walk with them weekly as they grow in Jesus, I get to provide biblical counseling to people in pain, I get to meet extremely interesting people who have been given amazing gifts from God, I get to paint on occasion and talk about art and music with other like minded people, I get to read and study and teach, and I get to do it all for for the glory of God, by the work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit!

So that said, Ill move on to the topic that most of these posts consist of: the purpose of all this, what it is leading to, and what is going to happen for sure. As its the last month of my internship, some prospects have developed, although Ill have to wait to give more details till the end of the month. Ill start with the purpose, to reiterate. The purpose of this internship has been to better develop my obedience to Jesus and His calling for me to pastor. This purpose has been more then accomplished this year, not say that I won't keep growing in this because I will of course have growing and learning to do for the rest of my life. But I am more confident then ever that my life on earth is meant to be spent as a shepherd of Jesus' bride. Now by prospects, I mean opportunities that will further enable this growth, not an opportunity to make money. So as I draw near to January, I can say that I will be able to continue my role here at MH in a manner that will allow me to maintain my responsibilities. I will be here part time and will also be working in the marketplace part time to cover bills. I also think that my main role will be transitioning a bit which is exciting. Ill also give more info about that in January.

As we enter this last month of raising support for December and January's rent, I would like to say thank you to all of those who have seen us through this year. I cannot express our heart's gratitude for all those who have financially supported us. You are the hands of Jesus in our lives and I pray that He blesses you infinitely. One thing I am taking from this year is a huge conviction to be generous. God has provided in magnificent ways and I will never be able to say again that I have anything that is not His. So again, thank you from the depth of our hearts for your generosity, prayer, and encouragement during this tough year.

Please pray for rejuvenation during the next month and for Gods will concerning what kind of part time job Ill have to find in January.

Grace, peace and blessings to you.
Joel

first video blog ever. meet some people I work with.

2008-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

joy in suffering

2008-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

This season of my life has been very tough as I have been put into positions that have exposed me to very graphic and painful realities of sin. The more that I experience this weightiness, this realization of the seriousness of sin, the more sensitive I become to it. I feel like an open wound that, when touched, has a magnified sense of feeling. I am absolutely ok with all of this as it requires of me that I draw near to God, I find joy in the fact that in spite of all of the suffering in the world Jesus is sovereign and good.

What I need prayer for is the ability to communicate this to others, I really want to be able to humbly share this in a way that draws others to the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection. I want to be able to effectively communicate that in the midst of our greatest sorrow, our greatest need for Jesus is authenticated.

ministry update 10.13.08

2008-10-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Its Monday. Its the kind of Monday that I don't care to use punctuation or capitols... but I will.

You probably haven't had time to notice that I haven't had time to post on a weekly basis about the riveting adventure Sarah and I have been having in China. Just kidding, we are still in Seattle. Thought you missed something didn't you? But anyways, I'm on the once a month posting schedule now. That said. Not much has changed since my last post. But Ill go over it anyways.

Its fall in Seattle. That means 75% chance of rain, clouds, 50 degree weather and a leaf sticking to the bottom of your foot as you walk down 1st avenue. But it also means apple pie, picking pumpkins and the transition to dark beer. And even more than that it means snuggling under heavy blankets with Sarah and more time indoors which means more time to cook hearty meals full of roots and meat with rich gravy and wine under the cast light of candles with good friends. mmmmmmm......

Man Im hungry now.

Fall has also brought upon the last quarter of my internship. Its been 9 months of intensity and dependency on God that I wouldn't trade for anything except just for Jesus to come back. Ive grown in more ways then I care to attempt to describe but I will tell you that the rest of my life will be forever shaped by this year. My relationship with Jesus, my marriage, my ministry, my friendships and my future all have dramatically changed for my good and God's glory. You can pray for me that I would finish these last three months strong, accepting whatever God has next for me.

Some of you may be wondering 'what does God have next for you?' Well, Im going to be serving Jesus in the greatest capacity I can at Mars Hill for hopefully many years to come. Its too soon to say more than that at this point so please be praying for me in that regard. (I know its kinda vague... know also that while I am being vague its not because I want to be, its just the nature of things at this time.)

Other stuff is going really well. I'm organizing a coat drive, completing the biblical counselor training this winter, completing the deacon training this month, Ive started working more within the community group department and have been really enjoying my role as an intern.

Sarah is doing well, she has her jewelry for sale on etsy which is awesome. She's been given more responsibility at work is enjoying her coworkers.

I think thats about it for now...

love,
Joel

new website for my art

2008-09-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Its been forever since Ive posted anything. Ill give you a quick recap of the last month:

1. Ministry at Mars Hill Church is going great. Check out our new fall sermon series! I have spent the last month remodeling our storage room into a lounge at the church. Its pretty much finished and I think its awesome. A lot of volunteers put in a lot of time to make it happen.

2. Sarah is doing well, still working as a manager at the bead store and has her web storefront up to sell her jewelry, it's awesome so you should check it out: unveil.etsy.com

3. With the help of a couple (1)(2) great friends, I have my website up and running for my art. I am showing at the corporate lobby of Dry Soda Co. during October and at a bookstore in Fremont during November. I am hoping to sell some pieces to supplement our income as we ramp up for winter. Check it out here: redsoncreative.com

4. I turned 24 this month, so thats cool.

5. God is good, Seattle is beautiful, and we are doing better than we deserve.

We love you, drop us a line!

life update/reflection/green paper that everyone concurs has value

2008-09-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

What a year 2008 has been. I'm sure you can agree. As you know, I have been interning at Mars Hill Church in Seattle for almost 9 months. This has been a full time position, although it is not a paid position. To make ends meet each month we depend on the financial support of our family, friends and church body. There is no way I can describe to you in words what we have been learning through this, God has been very faithful to reveal to us our false idols, our false securities, our false comforts... He has also revealed to us unparalleled grace, peace, forgiveness and His pursuit of glory in our lives.

Just a couple weeks ago we went through the dirtiest and darkest time of this season as we planned for a vacation; yet again the money we saved had to be used for rent, how were we going to take a much needed sabbath? How were we going to celebrate our wedding anniversary? Our expectations of 'what we deserved' and what sabbath means were smashed... it wasn't until we were broken before Jesus, accepting that our sabbath and vacation may mean a week at my parents house, that God put it on my heart to actually ask someone for help. Friends gave to us graciously and abundantly and we were able to have a great time of much needed rest, visiting friends and family in CA.

So here we are again; the beginning of the month and rent is due. I again am brought to my knees, the place were battles are fought. I wrestle with my pride, my preconceptions of the comfort that I deserve. Then the Spirit provokes grace in my heart towards myself. Yes... I do need to pay rent, but really Jesus is the one who pays the rent. (it makes me sad, angry, and laugh at the same time!)

That said, I would like to ask you to consider pledging a monthly sum of support for the next four months. This would greatly help Sarah and I finish strong in what God has called us to without being distracted by the financial stress to the degree that we have recently been experiencing. It can be as little or large an amount as you feel called to, please don't think you wouldn't be of valuable help because you can't give much. Every dollar is a blessing.

Currently, we are about $600 dollars short of rent for September, the check is due tomorrow at 5pm. This is pretty standard each month and we know God will provide by the end of the day tomorrow. Please prayerfully consider if you could help us through January to relieve some of this burden.

We are eternally grateful for your support through prayer and finances.

Lots of love,
Joel and Sarah

death by love

2008-08-17T19:16:00.001-07:00

ministry update 8.14.08

2008-08-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

This morning a lady stopped me on my walk in to the campus and asked me for "any change or anything that could get her a drink, like a soda pop or something..." I told her I didn't have any change or cash (cause I didn't) and that I was sorry I couldn't help her. Then I started think about how much I get approached... for money, change, crack.

Everyday.

Everyday I am approached by somebody asking for something, and half the time they're honest. "Hey man I'm going crazy and I really need to get a fix... can you spare any change?" The other half of the time they have this really elaborate story about how they got stranded here but if they could only get back to where they came from where their dog has been left unfed for weeks and mom is on her deathbed... but when I offer them a bus pass or a ferry ticket they get angry and reject it. The truth is, I don't really carry cash or change because I rarely need it... I have an ATM card.

But thats not the point. The point is that this whole thing got me thinking. With people constantly asking me to give them something I started to ponder just how much I ask from God. I realized that often I ask more from God than for God. The bottom line is that even now as I'm super stressed and asking God for things, the things won't make me not stressed. When I'm relying on those things I'm worshiping those things and not God. I need God, I need to ask for Him, for His grace and strength, I need His will to be done.

Please pray for Sarah and I during this season, we've both been really stressed and are looking forward to taking a break next week. Continue to pray for God's provision.

God is good and He is teaching and stretching us like never before.

Grace, peace and blessings to you.

Redson Creative Prospectus

2008-07-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

It is my mission to use Redson Creative as a vehicle in which to transport the thoughts, experiences and emotions of my life that I have put onto canvas into the homes and work places of others. My intention is to share these thoughts, experiences and emotions with people through color and shape.

I have been painting for 8 years and have been learning much throughout this time. Over the past 8 years I have developed my own style and I hope now to spend the rest of my life developing this style. Throughout the years I have given away many pieces and have also donated to different organizations including Invisible Children, an organization seeking to stop children from being made into soldiers in Uganda. I have never sold a piece of art as I have always felt that God has wanted me to bless others freely with my paintings until now.

As of recently I have felt released to pursue using my art as a source of income. To do this I must get my art into places that people will see it with the opportunity to buy it. To start this process I connected with some local artists who spent over two hours with me giving me feedback on my art as well as tons of information about how and where to get plugged in. I hope to continue building a relationship with these two local artists.

According to these artists (Chris and Kate), the Seattle art market is a great market to get into for several reasons. First, there is an art culture here that is much more laid back and accepting than other art markets such as NYC, San Francisco and LA, which tend to be very snobbish and ‘high-brow.’ Here in Seattle, it is very widely accepted to show art in many places besides galleries such as cafes, pubs, and salons. According to Chris and Kate, some of the most prestigious local artists show in cafes, not high end galleries. Secondly, there are many events known as ‘art walks.’ These are nights that occur monthly in which galleries of all kinds (including salons and cafes) stay open later than usual so that people can walk around to various locations and see many exhibitions all at once. These art walk nights happen in all the neighborhoods including Pioneer Square, Downtown, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Ballard and Fremont. These neighborhoods are also my target market as they are the city hubs of culture. Needless to say, there are many opportunities to get my stuff out into the public eye.

Success for me will take up to a year of developing not only my art, but also relationships within the local art community. I am starting now by moving into more ‘professional’ medias such as oil paints. I plan to start two new acrylic and two new oil paintings this month for the purpose of beginning to build up my portfolio. Chris and Kate have offered to continue to give me feedback as I grow and expand into this new endeavor. Please pray for me as I seek to bring blessing to others through creativity.

For now, you can refer people to myspace.com/redsoncreative until I get my website up and running.

a large drunk woman, the blood of Jesus, life as normal.

2008-07-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

July is already here. Its gone so fast. We've lived in Seattle for 10 months.

I went across the street today to hand out sandwiches to the day laborers, dealers and prostitutes. I saw my buddy Ramone. I chat with him every so often, usually he has the fog of alcohol on his breath, but for some reason, not today. He spoke at a normal pace today too which was nice as usually he's slurring so bad I cant really follow his train of thought. I asked why he wasn't drunk today and he said that he has to check in with 'someone' everyday because he got in a fistfight with a police officer a couple weeks ago. He plans on drinking later tonight after the fact. He went on to tell me some more of his story that I haven't heard before... about how he has lived on the street since he was 11 years old. I cant imagine.

We were interrupted by the loud shout of a fairly large woman walking in our direction. "Hey ya'll!" she said. Ramone turned and gave her a hug, greeting her like a ex-girlfriend whom he's on good terms with. He turned and introduced me as 'H'oel... Joel with a Spanish twist, I think. "Hoel!" she exclaimed, "so nice to meet you!" All the while popping my bubble of personal space and moving around quite jittery like... I had to keep shuffling my feet so as to not be bumped into. Ramone stepped aside as she introduced herself: "My name is Sherrell, but you can call me Mama Dee!" Nice to meet you Mama Dee" I said. Ramone told her that I was from the church across the street. "Have you ever been to Mt Zion baptist church?" She asked. "No." I answered. She went on to tell me about how she sings in the gospel choir there, how she grew up in church and the "Holy Spirit, not the Holy Ghost" had gotten ahold of her as a child. She had been "washed in the blood of Jessuuuusss! saved by the power of Jessuuuussss! sanctified by Jessuuussss!" Continuing she said that her father was the pastor of the church... "Mr., Dr, Reverend, Father TD Wright!" She said that she wasn't trying to make "no claim to be famous, she wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth you know!" Although she is married to Bill Gates...

All the while she was preaching me the gospel, getting more and more gregarious, a man walked up behind us. He was wearing a basketball warm up suit and staring at his cell phone. Finally Mama Dee said "Baby! Introduce yourself to this young man!" "Hi, I'm Tuffy" he said. "My man!" Mama Dee said.

By man, she means 'customer.'

They left.

I left too, the crack dealer a couple feet away seemed to be more and more agitated by our discussion by the minute.

Sarah and I are doing well. We're both adjusting to her new full time schedule. I've started to think about how I'm going to bring in some income after my internship and I feel that God is telling me to pursue my art. I'm working on a website, Ill post the link when it's available. I'm also meeting with some local artists on the 16th, they're going to give me the rundown on the Seattle art scene, critique some of my stuff and perhaps give me some pointers on how to get into some galleries up here. Galleries are usually booked 6 months out so I need to start now.

I've been going through the Lay-Counselor training here at MH, I'm learning a lot and I would like to share a quote with you that stood out to me today in the book "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands" by Paul David Tripp.

'The Church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness, and sanctification center, where flawed people place their trust in Christ, gather to know and love Him better, and learn to love others as He designed. The church is messy and inefficient, but it is God's wonderful mess - the place where he radically transforms hearts and lives.'

This stood out to me because it is Mars Hill. As much as MH is about theology, we have love. We care about people and I experience these sanctifying relationships on a weekly and daily basis. Sarah and I are so blessed by the people who support us with friendship, prayer and finances.

We love you all.
Grace and peace to you.

Ministry Update: June 22nd, 2008

2008-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm at church. The topic this week in the 'doctrine' series is stewardship. It's so refreshing in a Christian culture of prosperity to hear that God doesn't give us money to improve our standard of living but rather to improve our standard of giving. Mark is talking about how we rip off God; He gives us resources to do His work and then we totally waste it... It makes me think about how sometimes I don't give money to people on the street because I think that they will spend the money on alcohol or crack. Its humbling to think that I'm that crack addict to God. He blesses me so much knowing that I'm still a sinner. He gives me grace everyday yet I still neglect to spend time with Him. God gave himself to the world, the greatest gift ever given, and some people unwrap it only to throw it under the bus.

We as Christians give to others because Christ gave Himself to us. We are bought with a price and have no right to claim ownership to anything.

We are doing well. I have the day off tomorrow because Ive worked every day since the 9th of June. Im pretty tired. Sarah started working full time as a manager at the bead shop and is pretty tired as well. Hopefully next weekend we'll be able to get out of town and have a good time together.

Some cool stuff coming up. We are hosting a block party for the fourth of July, live music and food vendors, even a tattoo artist coming out to do tattoos with sharpie pens. Its cool that we are downtown and close to the water as we will be able to see the Elliott Bay fireworks from our parking lot. Also, we are partnering with the city of Seattle to spearhead a community cleanup day; picking up trash, pulling weeds, painting graffiti. The city is of Seattle is pretty excited that we are actually getting involved in the community, I guess its unprecedented for people of faith in Seattle to do these kind of things.

Summer arrived finally. The first week of June was stormy but I think we made it. I was really excited that we are going to start having good weather until I realized that its downhill form here as we passed the longest day of the year, we're already heading back into fall. Thats northwest weather for ya I guess.

Shoot us an email or phone call, we love hearing from you.

Grace, peace and love you.
Joel and Sarah

my identity

2008-06-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

My identity in Christ means many things. First and foremost it means that my standing before God is justified by the propitiation of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He lived the life I could not live so as to die the death I should of died so I could reconciled to God. It is in Jesus my confidence is found and Jesus whom I live for through obedience, confession and repentance. Furthermore through the regeneration of my heart by the Holy Spirit I seek to conform myself to His image, seeking in all things to imitate Him. (Romans 5:12-6:14, 8:1-30; Colossians 2:6-15, 3:1-17)

Secondly, to find my identity in Christ means I am a part of His body. As the church is ‘the body of Christ’ I am in Christ by being in the church. This means fulfilling my calling as a disciple of Jesus to grow into Him who is the head and through which the body is held together, so that the body builds itself up in love with all humility, gentleness and eagerness to maintain the bonds of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

apples, oranges, grapes.

2008-06-03T10:20:00.001-07:00

Things have been going well. On May 25th we had our first baptisms! Seven people signed up to be baptized and we had three who spontaneously felt compelled by the Spirit and they came up in their clothes and all! One girl I met afterwards said she was only in town to help a friend move, then she was going home to Illinois. They just so happened to attend MHC while she was here for the weekend and she got saved! Talk about providence. It was awesome to hear the testimonies of how God has moved in the lives of those who have suffered through major sin. He has healed people of addictions, lives of crime, expiated the torment of guilt and depression, it was so cool. It was also very encouraging.

This past weekend the downtown campus leaders got out of town for a couple days and spent a lot of time in prayer, strategizing and fellowship. I don't think Ive ever shared who I work with so Ill list them out now. This way you have names to pray for when praying for our church. This is the core ministry team: Tim Gaydos, Dave Kraft, Tim Reber, Eric Eberlien, Caleb Davis, Will Little, Nick Mangini, Wes Oaks, Jeff Bettger, and me. Anyways, we went away and talked about what we want Mars Hill Downtown to look like in the year 2020. We then reverse engineered it and developed some practical tangible ways we can see our hope happen. Ultimitly it will take being faithful to Jesus and His call for us to make disciples. This happens through relationships. We don't have a lot of 'programs,' we have a few and we do them well, the focus being relationship. If the ministry doesn't revolve around serving people, its a waste of time. We came up with some cool ideas and we may be starting a non-profit organization soon to minister to the poor of our community and serve the city. This would allow us to do things that as a 'church', which also non-profit, we cannot do.

Continue to be in prayer for us as in two weeks we will be hitting the half-way mark in my internship. I cant believe that six months has already blown by. God has been so faithful and we have been so blessed. We are still continuing to raise monthly support and praying for 'daily bread.' Our rent was raised this month to $1020, it is due on Friday, we still need $400.

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. Feel free to give us a shout anytime!

grace, peace, and blessings to you!
Joel and Sarah

2008-06-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
So far this book is great, Miller relates searching for affirmation to our nakedness in the garden, as we no longer dwell with God we seek affirmation from everything but God. Fashion being his main example (as God made the first clothes for us) he explores what life could be like if there was no competition in the world, no sense of subjective human value, racism, hierarchy, no us and them... just us and God.

View all my reviews.

new birth.

2008-05-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had some friends from CA visit us for memorial day weekend and we had a blast. We were able to do lots of sight seeing and ate at some cool restaurants. We are looking forward to our visits to CA this summer. We miss our family greatly.

Sarah and I are doing well and are continuing to learn a lot. Mostly lessons in grace and finding our identity in Jesus. Its been really cool. Its always hard to identify the idols in our life, the things that get in the way of living a worship lifestyle, but it always seems to relieve stress and lift burdens. Its funny how we often think that to live a life glorifying of God will be more burdensome than living a life glorifying ourselves. But when we seek Him, He takes our burden and we praise Him for it, pointing to Him in our joy, finding contentment and satisfaction in Him as He is glorified in us.

Through this, a preacher named John Piper has been very insightful. I have thinking lately about the role of grace in which orthodoxy has long referred to as the 'new birth' and was reminded today, listening to Piper on my ipod, of my own 'new birth' and the grace that God has continued to show to me. I was ransomed because I was a slave, I was captive, and through the ransom of Jesus liberty was given to me. Without the life, death and resurrection of Jesus there can be no gift of reconciliation. My guilt has to be removed and God's wrath has to be poured out, both of which happen through the cross: the blood of Jesus spilled as the propitiation for my sin which scripture calls 'precious.' He lived the life that I cannot live and died the death I should of died, defeating Satan, sin and death, granting me a 'new life' in which I enter into through the 'new birth' of faith and salvation. A life of freedom from the bonds of sin, a life of eternal communion with God, and all built upon the foundation of grace. Grace, grace, grace. It blows me away.

I asked Jesus to live in my heart when I was 7. I left the church and denied God in my heart when I was 16. His grace beckoned, and at 19, I turned aside my idols, repented, and have tried to make Jesus number one since. I don't know if I chose Him or He chose me, all I know is I wouldn't have it any other way.

Grace and peace to you.
1 Corinthians 1:20-25

Ministry Update May 15th, 2008

2008-04-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all.

Well, in this one year internship I'm four months through and looking toward another eight months. These past four months have been amazing and I've learned more during this time than in any other ministry environment. God’s grace has been more than sufficient and His provision has been more sure than northwest clouds.

Today I specifically want to share with you where Sarah and I have been financially and what God has been doing with us during this time.

I’ll start by saying that thus far we have been able to pay every single bill and rent only because Jesus has poured out overwhelming grace to us and has moved the hearts of those whom we fellowship with at Mars Hill to gift us with cash, groceries and hospitality. Our families have also played a huge role in supporting us through finances and prayer. No matter who signs the checks, we know it has all come from Jesus and we praise Him for this. It is our prayer that it will be made fruitful for the kingdom of God.

About a month ago I went through my hardest time yet. I came to this point of extreme frustration as I had been seeking ways to make some extra cash on the side; I was scheming up ways that could bring some relief from the anxiety such as learning the stock market, (I laugh now but I was getting desperate), building art easels and selling them at the local community market, working at a metal shop, finding a barista job in the mornings or a restaurant job in the evenings, selling my art online or in a gallery, mowing lawns for people in the neighborhood and so on and so on. I tried to think of anything I could that would provide some extra cash. The weight was becoming unbearable. The problem was this: I was frustrated that we were barely making our financial obligations every month and nothing was left, we couldn't go out with friends or afford gas to get out of the city. But the root of my frustration was that I was constantly tempted to be distracted from my ministry, to pretty much rebuke the calling I had been given by God. I was constantly lusting over a pair of shoes that I would see in a store window and coveting those who were enjoying sushi as I walked home from the campus on 1st avenue. I was becoming bitter and I hated it. If only I could make a paycheck.

I have since come to the following conclusions through much prayer and meditation on scripture including 1 Corinthians 9, Philippians 4, Hebrews 13 and 1 Timothy 5:

First. I was living in sin and have had to repent of my covetousness and discontent. Hebrews 13:5 says "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have," for he has said 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say 'the Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?”

Secondly. I do need to find a way to provide for Sarah and I so that we are not distracted from what God has called us to. It is my responsibility to provide a standard of living for my family as 1st Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Third. I need to do this by raising support as I don’t believe God is calling me to get an outside job but rather to serve the church full time. This calling has been confirmed in three distinct ways which you can read about here. Practically, working an outside job would severely impact my ability to serve in the capacity that I now do, working at the campus 40 hours a week developing a ministry and training ministry leaders, leading two community groups and carrying the study load of a part time student as I go through the MHC deacon process and receive ministry coaching.

As there doesn’t seem to be a suitable transition Ill state it plainly. For Sarah and I to be faithful to what God has for us we must raise support. I would like to humbly share our need with you in the hope that you would partner with us in seeking the Gospel known in downtown Seattle. Here is the breakdown of our financial obligations per month:

Rent $1020
Car Payment $160
Credit Card Payments $175
Car Insurance $120
Utilities $95
Groceries $400
Bus Fare $20
Gas $60
Cell Phones $80
Laundry $30
Home Internet $40
World Vision $35
Entertainment $40
TOTAL $2275

A huge blessing is that Sarah has been given a promotion at work and will begin working full time in June, her monthly income after taxes will be about $1460. To have a bit of a cushion we would like to raise $1100 dollars every month.

We would like to ask you to commit to a monthly pledge for eight months, whether it’s $10 or an amount you may feel called to. This is very easy to do by donating through our paypal link on the right side of the page at the top, or through either of the following links:

$10 a month

$25 a month

This is the desire of my heart, that God's glory will be known and my faith will be grown during this season of trusting in His promise. Please pray that God would continue to build us up in faith and that we would be fully convinced that God is able to do what He promised. Also pray with us in confidence that God would move the hearts of those who are partners with us for the gospel, that the Spirit would remind them of us.

God is good. We have been absolutely blessed by those of you who have partnered with us and we thank God for you. We look forward to testifying of God's continual enduring grace and work.

With thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

Grace, peace and love to you.
Joel and Sarah

Ministry Update: April 24th, 2008

2008-04-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since we've posted anything, and unfortunately I cant say much now as I haven't had time to collect my thoughts. Soon (hopefully next week) I will actually post something substantial and let you know what Jesus is doing in our life.

For now I wanted to share a story with you that was written by a member of our church. It is only one of the many stories that we are hearing about in which God is changing lives. I hope you are encouraged as we are. Many blessings to you as you continue to support Sarah and I.

Last week a unsaved friend of mine decided he would come check out this church I kept talking about. It just so happened the sermon was on creation. He was intrigued about the concepts and we stayed up talking about it until four in the morning. The next night I invited him to a friends house and we talked about what it meant to except Jesus into your heart. He stared in silence for a moment than began to weep. That night he gave his life to Christ and asked for forgiveness. He had spent the last six years smoking pot, drinking heavily and snorting coke to name a few. On Wednesday he was accepted to a year long drug treatment facility and would be admitted in one week. He was repentant of his sin and wanted to make things right with his family. We spent the next week visiting his family and friends. His parents are Christians and they were filled with tears when they heard what the Holy Spirit was doing. Last Sunday he was beginning to try to talk himself out of treatment, "It wont really help me, I'm not that bad"... that night we went to the evening service downtown; after the sermon paster Tim read from a passage of scripture and spoke about the significance of communion. Tears poured into his hands as he covered his face. As E-Pop began to play he shook violently as he sobbed, I asked him if he was ready to take communion, and if he understood what it meant. He wiped his nose and eyes, he nodded yes. He later told me as he took communion his legs felt like jello and he felt shivers down his spine, he tried further to explain it but couldn't find the words. He just said "these shakes were way worse than I ever got from coke." On The drive home he said, "I don't care if the treatment program is two years long if its what I need to turn my life around." Tomorrow he is heading off to a Christian treatment facility. I will not see him for a while but he knows he is not doing on his own strength alone.

Video Update with Pastor Tim

2008-04-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

Ministry Update: April 8th, 2008

2008-04-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Its been a hard couple weeks lately. God has continued to pour out His grace and is teaching us much. Please remember us in your prayers.

Ill borrow the words of Paul to share with you both the praise and tension of my heart.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:10-17,20

Dear Mars Hill Downtown

2008-04-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Spring is showing its face here on Western Ave in Belltown. I walk to the campus most days and today I especially noticed the new leaves and blossoms on the trees. The pigeons were cooing, the sun was shining and it seemed things were coming alive all around me. The cracks in the sidewalks that had previously fallen into the gray of wet concrete popped and the water of the Sound glimmered like a little kid showing off his freshly brushed teeth through a proud smile. As I was thinking about these things it occurred to me that spring has long been, as I experienced it today, a sign of new things to come.

You see, in winter most plants lose their leaves and go into hibernation. During this time they seal themselves up to fend off the cold and darkness, they grow very little and spend hardly any energy on seeking sustenance from the soil. In fact, they almost die. But then the earth is pulled back towards the sun in its cosmic tango and the axis of the earth begins to come around in favor of our hemisphere and the rays of the sun morph from daggers to swords piercing the atmosphere reaching the earth reviving the almost dead of our hemisphere and life is revived!

Amazing.

I find it no coincidence that the Mars Hill Church Downtown Campus has been, it seems, ushered in by spring. The transformation of a night club has taken place in a dark and cold season only to emerge among the leaves as a building in which the church will gather to worship Jesus. We have brought Jesus, the Light of the world, into Belltown - a neighborhood whose inhabitants have long been surviving a winter of sin.

I would like to make a grandiose analogy of how Jesus gives new life to hearts much like spring brings life to the northwest, but I think you get it. Instead I’ll leave you with this last thought: Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” This is my prayer in writing these thoughts; that as we begin to pump Jesus into our community as a heart pumps blood, we would take time to examine our hearts. The excitement of a new campus has dwindled and we are now in it with both feet. We are susceptible now to ignoring motivation and discipline and to fight off those things we must focus on Jesus and the truth of His gospel. We must reflect on the grace He has given us and the transformation the Spirit has brought into our lives. We must repent of our sin and love Jesus. We must get involved and join the mission of Mars Hill Church to bring new life to Belltown through the atoning work of our Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace to you this spring.

Benefit show for New Horizons Ministries featuring Everclear

2008-04-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 5th Mars Hill Downtown has the privilege of hosting Everclear as they play a benefit show for a local Seattle homeless ministry. The proceeds from this event will go to support New Horizons Ministries, a Christian service agency whose mission as a multi-cultural organization is to be in relationship with homeless and street involved young people, serving and loving in the way of Jesus, equipping them to leave street life.

Showtime is 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 5th and doors will open at 7:00 pm. All tickets are for general admission seating and will go on sale at 10:00 am on Thursday March 24th. Tickets available exclusively through www.ticketweb.com for $15 plus service and other fees.

Ministry update: March 25th, 2008

2008-03-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Greetings. If I was talking to you face to face... in person... right now... I would give you a hug. I would really like to do that.

This update may be long as I have several things I would like to share with you that I feel are important in regards to the investment you are making to Sarah and I by financially supporting us.

First, a short snippet. This past couple weeks has been a very hard yet very rewarding couple weeks. About two weeks ago I became very overwhelmed with all that had to be done in ministry, as well as with finances. Instead of resting in the power of Jesus to assure things ran smoothly and we were provided for, I put it upon myself to work hard and get things done. After putting Him off for almost a week God brought me to a point of absolute brokenness. I had no confidence in my calling and had never had a greater awareness of how wretched I was. I was intensely worried about what people thought of me I slept horrible at night. Finally during a prayer time at our community group, after hearing about all the sin and despicable corruption in the lives of those there and those who we work and live with, I broke down. I started sobbing in front of the whole group because I couldn't stand it any more. I had been trying to carry all these pains and responsibilities on my own back and finally my knees buckled... the final ounce being the slight shove of the Holy Spirit to send me over. The next morning I spent time in prayer repenting for neglecting God, my apathy towards His scripture, my pride, and failing to go to Him to trade my burden for His.

I feel I have since recovered although I have now a tender area of my heart, as a wound that has just healed, that is sensitive to His prodding. I am thankful for this and have already learned several things. First, I absolutely cannot do this ministry without spending time in scripture first thing every morning. Secondly, I am completely undisciplined and have a lot to work on within that. Lastly, I care far too much what people think of me. This has been so far this year the hardest personal trial for me. I would ask that your prayers for me would be for humility and discipline.

Moving on, I would like to finally lay out for you the plan of action I have for what I would Like to see tangibly as the return on both yours and my own investment in serving Mars Hill Church for 2008. My hope is that it will give you a better idea of what your prayers and finances are going towards and what it will return.

I will say first that I have learned more in these last three months than in all that previous ministry experience has taught me. It has been an absolutely crazy ride in learning what it is to completely trust and serve Jesus. Know that you have made this possible as through your prayers and financial support we have yet to miss a bill payment, rent, or meal... although sometimes these payments are made hours, if not minutes, before they are due. It seems Jesus likes to not let us get comfortable. Also know that 10% of what you gift to Sarah and I is then tithed to the Mars Hill Church general fund.

Here we go:

I have identified 4 major areas of my life that I want to see growth in this year as I intern at MHC. I have then created action plans in which to measure growth within these areas. These action plans are on my calender and are a priority.

1. Ministry. Acts 2:42-47, Mathew 25:31-46 Obviously as this year is centered around serving Jesus and His mission in Seattle through MHC, ministry is my main focus. I desire to see growth in my ability to disciple others, teach, study scripture, lead and follow God's will. Now that we have officially launched the campus, I have been charged with directing and managing the facility. Aptly, my title is 'facility manager.' Through this responsibility it is my duty to create a ministry, in which there is a theological foundation and initiative, that creates an environment at the MHC downtown campus in which people can encounter and be equipped by God. This means creating teams to serve on Sundays as well as for mid-week operations such as cleaning and other general facility logistics. It is my responsibility to cultivate and disciple the people who serve with me so as they may in turn be equipped to fulfill their own calling within the body of Christ. Ways for me to measure growth in my ministry are as the following: Bi-weekly meetings with campus pastor Tim Gaydos to receive coaching in all areas of my life. Daily devotions and journaling in which Sarah keeps me accountable to. I schedule weekly times to get together with those who serve with me to create friendships of accountability and discipleship. I am currently on track to be a deacon at MHC and will hopefully finish the process by June. The process includes reading lots of books and writing lots of essays. As well as showing capability in everyday actions.

2. Education. Ephesians 4:12-13, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-14 This year I desire to continue in my education so as to pursue knowledge of God and of this world so that I may bring the two together among those around me on order to see Him glorified. Over the last month I have been seeking God's direction for me in education and it seems that the next move (it seems obvious but it really wasn't) is to finish my bachelors degree. What this looks like and how to pay for it I don't exactly know. Not that it will stop me... Thursday I am going to an information meeting at the U. of Washington. I have on my calendar deadlines in which to know the answers I seek concerning where and how to pursue education. In my private pursuit of knowledge I have committed to read at least one gospel centered/theology book a month. I have scheduled daily devotional time every day.

3. Faith. Galations 3:2-5 I desire to have a supernatural certainty in uncertain situations. I know without a doubt that God has called us to Seattle and to minister at MHC, but that doesn't mean it isn't scary. I desire to trust Jesus more through this year, and to see Him respond to my knocking. Action plans to measure growth in faith include talking to a stranger about Jesus at least once a week, spend time in prayer every morning, memorize scripture everyday, take a retreat day once a month to seek God's continued will and direction for Sarah and I in solitude, prayer and meditation, and finally, I have committed to taking a sabbath every week as I am inclined to do otherwise. I must trust that God will see done what needs to be done.

4. Marriage and Romance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-9, Ephesians 5:25-32 My vision here is to constantly grow as a husband as I grow in Christ. To love my wife as Christ loves the church. I have committed to spending at least four evenings a week with Sarah, one of which is an official date night, praying together every night, modeling leadership by seeking God every morning in scripture and prayer and making God's Word the authority and center of our family.

All of these things surrounding the main points of focus have been put on my calendar and will be held accountable to me by Tim as we meet every other week. You also may check in with me to see how I am doing and where I am experiencing growth within ministry, education, faith and marriage. I also am keeping in the back of mind other areas of personal development such as cultivating my artistic gifts, becoming disciplined, and rigidly stewarding our wealth. These things I have not put on my calendar so as not to overwhelm myself but still will play a part in our growth this year.

I hope this allows you to see better what we are going through and what God is doing with us as we continue to serve Jesus in Seattle. I truly believe this year will be the foundation on which the rest of our ministry will be built upon, and in that this year is paramount.

I cant thank you enough for your support, we miss you all and remember you in our prayers.

Grace and Peace to you.
Joel and Sarah

The Day of Atonement

2008-03-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

1 The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they approached the LORD. 2 The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.

3 "This is how Aaron is to enter the sanctuary area: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. 5 From the Israelite community he is to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.

6 "Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household. 7 Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 8 He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. [a] 9 Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offering. 10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat.

11 "Aaron shall bring the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household, and he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering. 12 He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain. 13 He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the Testimony, so that he will not die. 14 He is to take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the atonement cover; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the atonement cover.

15 "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the curtain and do with it as he did with the bull's blood: He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. 16 In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting, which is among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 No one is to be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, his household and the whole community of Israel.

18 "Then he shall come out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the bull's blood and some of the goat's blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. 19 He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.

20 "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert.

23 "Then Aaron is to go into the Tent of Meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there. 24 He shall bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his regular garments. Then he shall come out and sacrifice the burnt offering for himself and the burnt offering for the people, to make atonement for himself and for the people. 25 He shall also burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.

26 "The man who releases the goat as a scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may come into the camp. 27 The bull and the goat for the sin offerings, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; their hides, flesh and offal are to be burned up. 28 The man who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may come into the camp.

29 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves [b] and not do any work—whether native-born or an alien living among you- 30 because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. 31 It is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance. 32 The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments 33 and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the community.

34 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites."
And it was done, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Driscoll interviews Pastor Tim

2008-03-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

"this is my mind" - ministry update 3.11.08

2008-03-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

Its raining. Actually its pouring. And I love it. It rained yesterday too. I sat on my porch overlooking the city, read a book, smoked my pipe, and thought about water... pretty amazing stuff... when you think about it.

A friend asked me this morning if Ill live in Seattle indefinitely. "I cant see Sarah and I ever living anywhere else" I told him. I feel at peace with that, but its up to God.

My heart hurts. I cant pinpoint the reason but I can think of some things that may be playing a part. First: my pride. It gets so intense and I become so ashamed and I want to hide under a heavy blanket. Humility hurts and I feel like Eustace getting his dragon skin ripped off by Aslan. Second: The physical reality of sin I encounter on a daily basis. Everyday I see people shaking as they walk down our street (which according to a local police officer we talked to is known as 'crack corner') looking for a fix, I walk literally ten feet from people as they lift the crack pipe to their lips and light up, or sniff white powder off a razor blade when they think no one is looking. Sunday morning I walked the streets picking up trash... condoms covered in vomit (they hide drugs in them and then swallow them, only to vomit them up later after transporting them), beer cans, cigarette butts, needles, soup cups, and gospel tracks ironically enough. The tension of wanting to scream "STOP, DONT GO ANY FURTHER, GRAB MY HAND!" at them as though they were on the edge of a cliff about to fall to their death and also not wanting anything to do with them at all... wishing they would just leave. I live in this constant tension of absolute grief and sorrow for their condition as well as a hateful judgment of them. Loving homeless who are truly out on their luck due to uncontrollable situations is one thing but loving junkies is hard. Third: I read this verse this morning: The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. -James 1:9 Oh' my Lord! How am I supposed to do this?! This is so hard! I feel as though I cant stop rubbing my chest, trying to rub away the painful sanctification of living by faith through God's provision. Fourth: This whole election thing is driving me nuts and Ive been absolutely mourning for the 'political' state of our 'Christian culture.' Not the American culture mind you... as the American culture is not Christian, and our government is anything but... a post Christian nation we are indeed. The conversation in my heart has been a debate over justice and grace in social change... what will bring about a turn around? I believe that grace, not social policies or Christian bureaucrats, will bring change. The Church must be the Church, offering a grace so scandalous that people cannot resist it. What this looks like tangibly I will spend more time on later. Bottom line is Im a sinful guy living in a broken sinful system and just want heaven and Jesus to come!

MH downtown is going great. This weekend we open to the public and expect a large showing. Hoping for 500-700 people I think. People are really excited about what we are doing and how the spirit is moving, in fact we've been getting emails from people literally around the world who have been listening to the sermons online and tracking our blog. They say they are praying for us and one girl from the Eastern US told us she feels called to serve at our campus and is moving out here as soon as God provides a way. The lead singer of a band called Everclear called Tim last week to tell him he's excited about the church and wants to play a show at the campus. We've been in the local paper although this particular paper tends to lobby for whatever is on the ACLU's agenda. That means theyre not in favor of us...

Over all Im tired, but God's grace is sufficient and He makes my day, everyday. The light of His glory shows my way as I seek to see His name lifted high in downtown Seattle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support. Blessings, grace and peace to you all.

Ill end this update with the following encouragement from this guy you may have heard of named Paul:

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

video update with Pastor Tim

2008-03-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 55:12-13

2008-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

You will go out in Joy and be led forth in peace. the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This is the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed.

This is my prayer for you today.

so cool.

2008-02-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

A very important sermon from Mark Driscoll

2008-02-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

2008-02-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Pheewww. (thats a big sigh)

I don't even know where to start, this past couple weeks has been absolutely crazy. Its been full of long days and hard work, lots of laughs and some hard moments too, but most of all its been full of God's grace. From the moments that I get to spend with Sarah to my morning walks to the church when I look out on the water and the sun breaks through the clouds and He speaks to me through the music in my headphones. It occurs every day, His grace is indeed sufficient and has never been more real.

God has also been providing for us in ways that we never would have thought. From people dropping off bags of groceries to complete strangers giving to us online, He has been doing a mighty work and has not let us down. The Church has never been more real as we have not been in need. (Acts 2)

The exciting news is that we had our first practice services yesterday, with over 300 people in attendance! We have been blessed with an excited and large core group of people who will help ensure a smooth public launch on March 16th. We are beginning to advertise and we expect local media to show up soon asking questions. Continue to pray for us as we move forward towards our public launch March 16th.

Part of my internship at Mars Hill includes life/ministry coaching in which I am currently creating 'life accounts' in which I will deposit 'actions' that will gain interest over the next year. For example, I previously posted a new painting, this painting was the result of an 'action' that was put on my calander in regards to my 'personal development life account'.... kinda confusing I know but I will be explaining all this in more detail as I wrap it up. Its going to be really cool and will provide tangible ways for me to track growth in my ministry and personal life.

I took these pictures yesterday at our first service. They aren't that great but they give you a little glimpse of the almost finished building. Enjoy.

We miss you all greatly (those in CA). Feel free to give us a ring any time.

lots of love, Joel and Sarah

art

2008-02-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

Well, Ive decided to pursue my art more seriously this year... trying to have one painting done a month. This is my most recent.

Acrylic on Canvas. 36"x24"

update - 2.13.08

2008-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

I havnt been able to write much this past week as I have been very busy, although Sarah and I are doing well and God is providing for us on a daily basis. We love you and thank those of you who have invested in us... grace and peace to you.

Check out this :blog: and enjoy the pictures of construction from this week.

video update with Pastor Tim: episode 2

2008-02-08T14:18:00.001-08:00

My band's album is finally out!

2008-01-26T23:06:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I played in a band called Until Daybreak, we played lots of shows in the Oroville California area and had a great time. This last summer before we disbanded we decided to record some of our songs as we had long wished to do. Well, after much time and seemingly an endless process, the album is finally here! It was so much fun to record and I learned a ton in the process. The songs don't bend the laws of musical reality but they come from our hearts, they are songs of worship and love for our God and savior. We are now selling these albums for $11.

Thank you Jeremy, Michael, Brian, and Shannon for sharing this experience with me and teaching me what it is to play music with other people, it is truly a gift. Kevin Prince, you are an awesome producer and friend, I thank you.

update - 1.25.08

2008-01-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

About to wrap up my third full week working at Mars Hill full time. its going really well. Its really weird and overwhelming to think I still have over 11 months of living in this environment of faith building intensity.

Construction is going well. The floor upstairs is done, stained and sealed that is... most of the paint both upstairs and downstairs is done besides some touch up here and there. The electrical and plumbing is going in surely and steadily. Next week I am going to begin building the welcome/reception desk and the coffee bar in the kitchen area. I am learning a lot and I enjoy working with the other contractors.

Recently I have been most weighed, or convicted... Im not sure which, with the blatant physical reality of sin made apparent to me through the constant encounters with the broken and lost people of the community surrounding our building. Across the street from us is a 'Latino day workers' crowd of about 30 guys. Most of these guys are homeless and inclined to addictions like alcohol and pot. They work a couple hours a day to make enough to buy a beer or a joint, then disperse to the areas in which they sleep, housing or otherwise. Ive met a couple of them, one whose name is Ramone. Eric and I were moving lumber into the building when he ran across the street and just started helping us without saying a word. We asked him his name and told him he was welcome to help although we couldn't pay him. He helped for a while and as we began to talk he shared that he had been to church before and his sister taught children's Sunday school. We asked him if he had shelter and if he had any contacts in the area. He said he slept under the I-5 bridge and he hadn't spoken to his family in 4 years. Eric asked him if he knew his sister's phone number, he said yes... Eric asked if he would like to call her, he said she would probably be shocked to hear from him, Eric took out his phone and asked for the number, he gave it to Eric, he dialed and handed the phone to Ramone and we waited for someone to answer. No one did. Ramone handed back the phone and had tears in his eyes. He wouldnt open up much but admitted he missed his family. We told him that he was welcome anytime. He asked if we would pray for him and we did. We bought him a sandwich for lunch and gave him some bus passes. He's come back a couple times and we chat, this morning he waved from across the street and I waved back. He ran across and the first thing he said was "Im still alive." The way these guys depend on others for their daily provision really challenges me, whether I agree with their means or purpose of getting money, it reminds me that even I should be thankful "Im still alive."

I met another man named Amadou. We were trying to meet our deadline with some sandblasting work and ended up working straight through the night. It was two in the morning and I was taking a break standing in front of our front doors. he walked up and in a thick African accent asked if i could give him 5 bucks to buy a pack of cigarettes, he also said he was willing to work. I asked him if he was hungry because I may be able to give him some food but he said that he wasn't hungry and just wanted some cigarettes. We talked some more and he ended up telling me that he was a political refugee from Zambia in Africa. He had been in the US for 3 years and had until recently been working as a street cleaner for the city of Seattle. Six weeks ago he was laid off and subsequently lost his apartment. he had been sleeping at the local mission but couldn't get a bunk that night. He worked with us until 6 that morning and he was actually a very hard worker. I paid him 20 bucks and he was blown away that I would be that generous. I told him it was 5 bucks an hour and that was less than minimum wage! He must have said "God Bless You" about 50 times. I told him he could come hang out anytime he wanted and he did a couple days later. He got warm and took a nap in our office before heading out to get a bunk at the mission. Eric gave him a bible before he left.

In the last month Ive seen guys peeing on the sidewalks, women crying in ally ways and on street corners, wailing in despair, Ive seen drug deals go down and the shooting up that follows. Ive heard gunshots and seen people curled up next to buildings and under freeway passes. Ive cleaned up human feces in the ally behind our church. Ive been approached on a daily basis with people asking for change, food and blankets. I do what I can in the moment and later just hold my head in my hands and pray. Needless to say that Jesus is showing me amazing things and the physical representation of sin I see around me reminds me even more of how dark my nature really is and without Jesus, how ugly and wicked my soul would be. The despair I encounter daily reminds of the cross and the anguish and dashed hopes that entailed, but also of the redemption. The work that was done through the horrible suffering of Jesus is a saving work, a work that has saved me from my deserved penalties and has now enabled me to share this glorious news with people such as Ramone and Amadou. When I see the despair on the streets I remember that Jesus wants to redeem these people as well, and that is my purpose. I am where I am and I walk the streets I walk because Jesus has called me to be His light in a dark place, a messenger of hope in a world of tribulation. I'll forever be learning what this means but for right now I believe I'm in the best place I can be to learn: Planting a church in Seattle; Mars Hill Downtown.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. -Romans 11:33-36

video update with Pastor Tim

2008-01-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

The next step

2008-01-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

I received the email this week that Sarah and I are officially members of MHC. We attended the 7 week Gospel Class and completed our interview. Being members means that I can officially be called an intern and start the process of becoming a deacon. This also allows me to start 'life training' - a program for interns in which you meet with a life coach every other week to discuss your marriage, finances, life, everything... its sounds pretty cool.

Ive never been a member of a church before, but I see great benefit to both the church and the member in this way of structure. The member is held to a standard of service as prescribed in scripture, but also reaps the benefits of belonging to a body of like minded believers who are on the same mission. Access to the fellowship of this body grants you prayer, support and accountability like no other. It really brings 'the Body of Christ' to life. What it means to be 'the church' has really lifted off the pages for me as I see it at work in our lives in MHC. Truly a blessing.

Construction is going good. We got up the major framing projects this week, and started grinding the concrete floors yesterday for the acid stain that will be applied. The electricians have been busy as well. Ive been learning a lot.

We do have an immediate need of cash. Please pray and ask if God would use you to support Sarah and I in this year of ministry.

Thanks you so much.
Love, Joel and Sarah

Starting agian.

2008-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

These are onion goggles. I got them for Christmas. They seal around your eyes so that when you cut onions you don't cry. (unless you're making lasagna... for one.) French onion soup is on the menu tonight, so I'm trying them out.

Tomorrow is my last day working for 'Display Maker Productions.' I cant wait. Although at the same time it's bittersweet. Ive made some great friends working at DMP, and I'm going to greatly miss our conversations. Looking back, as frustrating as it has been, it has definitely been a season with purpose that God has brought me through. He has taught me more about who He is, who I am, and who others are. He has taught me humility, faith, and endurance. He has shown Himself to be faithful and shown others to be key players in the lessons He has for me. It's going to be tough, as much as I hated the work, to not see the friends I have made on a daily basis. Let me tell you about some of them.

Pasha - The first guy I met. Pasha is half Iranian and absolutely loves jazz music. He's hilarious and cracks me up all the time. He has a great heart and has taken me out for a beer on several occasions. He told me he wants to come to the church once we get it up and running. Matty - Matty is an extremely intelligent guy who will make the world a better place. We have had some amazing conversations about religion, Jesus, music, and the world and all it's thoughts. Our conversations I will greatly miss, and although we don't agree on everything, I greatly respect him. I got him Blue Like Jazz for his birthday and he commented over a beer recently that "he has begun to view Christianity with a different perspective." Max- The old awnry Russian guy. Max migrated from Russia in the 80s. His wife is Irish and he has grandchildren. He doesn't give any excuses for his ways. He's one of the most kind people Ive ever met and has let me borrow his entire classical music collection. He is also a very funny guy and loves to tease us 'kids' in the shop. He offered to help me with the remodel we are currently doing for our new church building, even though he hasn't stepped foot in a church in over 15 years. Jorge - The gregarious Mexican guy who has such a thick accent I often have to ask him to repeat things. He's constantly telling jokes and whenever he's around we cant help but be in a better mood. Last week we were talking and he started to tell me about how he tries to follow Jesus. I had my bible with me and I was able to point him to some scripture. He too wants to help me in remodeling our church.

I am absolutely blown away.

I could tell hundreds of stories about these guys, discussions we've had, laughs we've had, things we've done. God has truly done a work. I feel I was there to bless these guys but I look back feeling as though they blessed me. They have each taught me something and have played a part in my journey following Jesus. For this I am extremely thankful.

I will say my goodbyes tomorrow and look to the future, the year we have ahead of us as we serve and follow Jesus' plan for our life. I will carry with me the lessons learned and hopefully retain the friendships made. I'm not sure how it will go but I know God will be faithful.

I'm not sure how to end this. But that's OK because this story will continue. be sure to check back in.

Construction has started (please read previous blog enrty)

2007-12-29T16:24:00.001-08:00

This will be the kitchen/cafe area. (above)

This is the main service area. You can see the old orange and the new creme color. (above)

Hard at work. (above once again)

Update

2007-12-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone.

In my reflection recently on the year we have ahead of us, and as I have started full time with MHC, several things have come to my attention. I would like to discuss these things with you, as arduous and awkward as it may be. (read previous blogs if you are out of the loop, some of you have received letters, some have not.)

First, asking for money is hard. I hate to even bring it up because, to be completely honest, it make me feel kinda lame. In deeper reflection on this emotion of lameness, I have come to the conclusion that this weight has both righteous and unrighteous antagonists. The first being my God-given drive and instinct to provide for my family, to be the bread winner. That is a righteous thing, to want to be the provider, and to do a good job at it too. Although at the same time, my mind cant help but wrestle with what I believe to be an unrighteous provocateur of lameness... the weight put on all people by the systematic sin of society: materialism. There is a lot of pressure for a young guy like me to be done with college already, on to my post grad, and if not, to be in a successful corporate job with a bright future and room for advancement, as well as to have a sweet plasma tv on my wall. Both of these pressures have weighed on me. The problem is, my tendency to rebel against the cultural and social perception of 'school=18 years, work=50 yrs, retirement=20 yrs, then die' may encourage me to also rebel against my calling as a husband to make sure my family is provided for.

So this what I have come to and I believe is important to share. First, I absolutely have to be humble in all ways, every step I take towards Jesus and His call must be taken in total humility. Secondly, I desire for you to know, in humility without any pretension, that I have not and will not regress my duties as a husband as I fulfill God's call on my life. This tangibly means a couple things. As I will be working full time for Mars Hill Church, I'm currently pursuing a part time evening job to supplement our income. This will provide another income on top of Sarah's part time job. This is to make sure that the pressure of providing for our family does not fall on her. I believe that this will be hard, and I will be tired, but Sarah and I have agreed that this is the best. We believe and hope that God will honor our obedience and hard work and, with your partnership through support and prayer, will continue to provide for us. Secondly, I have created a budget for this next year of living expenses. We need exactly $2240 a month to pay all of our bills, buy gas and food. Sarah currently brings in around $500 a month, and hopefully I will be able to do the same. This means that we will need approximately $1200 a month in support. This would go towards our rent and utilities. I have also contacted a financial adviser through our church and we are currently setting up a meeting time in which he will be able to coach us in how we use our limited resources. All of this to say I really desire to be wise with the provision that God gives us. I want to be transparent with what we are doing with our support and open to questions at all times.

Now, you may be asking, 'What does our support get? What will be the return on our investment?' I would like to lay out a so called 5 year plan to give you the best answer I can to these questions. First, the reason I am spending one year working at MH for free is because that is the only way to be hired as a pastor. MHC does not hire from the outside and all pastors who are considered for hire first go through a year of volunteer service. Currently 30 pastors have done this very thing before me. This opportunity is beyond words. To pastor at MHC is more than a good pastoral position, it is to be part of a movement. God is doing amazing things at MHC, our attendance has grown by over 1000 people in just the last year. We went from 4 services at 3 campuses on Sunday to 11 services at 5 campuses, and our downtown campus will be launching at the end of February. And its not just an increase in attendance, hundreds are coming to know Jesus as their savior. All of this is happening in the least churched city in America. The Spirit truly is doing something, and we have the opportunity to be a part of it. The learning and serving opportunities are endless. This opportunity will shape me as a pastor and will form the foundation for the rest of my service in the Kingdom of God. I plan on being at MHC until God calls us elsewhere, only He knows when that will be. So in one year I hope to be on paid staff. For the following 4 years I hope to continue to learn as a staff pastor, finish my degree, hopefully attend seminary, and have kids! MHC doesn't believe in the 'starving pastor' and they pay based on your needs (not your wants). This means that hopefully MHC will provide the opportunity to buy a house, allowing room for kids and making our parents proud. I know that my purpose in life is to pastor and disciple others, I can think of no better place in which to learn this than MHC.

Next, I would like to list not a statement of beliefs but rather a statement of action. These are things that Sarah and I have agreed to commit to during this next year. By sharing these it will allow you to hold us accountable and will give you the main things in which you pray for.

1. Love God. This means spending daily time with Him.
2. Love each other. This means spending time together and being creative in our date nights. This also means making our marriage a priority before serving and knowing when to say no.
3. Live simply. (*see note at bottom) We will not live in excess, any support that comes that we don't need will in turn be given away. We will not indulge in expensive meals and outfits.
4. We will love people and follow God's calling. Simplicity is meaningful only inasmuch as it grounded in love, authentic relationships, and interdependence.

This list may grow, but these are the things we are committing to as we serve this year at MHC.

Finally, I want to thank you. I know it sounds cliche, but honestly and truly, your support and prayer exemplifies Jesus in our life. You have no idea what it means to us to see the Body of Christ at work on a personal and intimate level. We have made it easy to support us financially with the 'donate' link on the right. This will take you to our pay pal account where you can use most debit and credit cards. We love you all and are looking forward to sharing what God does in and with our life. Please feel free to call or email us at any time.

Blessings and peace be with you.
Joel and Sarah

*When we talk of simplicity and materialism, we must always begin with love for God and our neighbors, otherwise we're operating out of little more than legalistic, guilt ridden self righteousness. Our simplicity is not an ascetic denunciation of material things to achieve personal piety, for if we sell all that we have and give it to the poor, but have not love, it is meaningless (1 Cor. 13:3). As I said above, simplicity is meaningful only inasmuch as it grounded in love, authentic relationships, and interdependence. We believe this will allow us to grow in our faith and fall deeper in love with Jesus as we see His body at work. This has brought me to understand a new theology; theology of enough. This is an understanding of God's economy that comes from Proverbs 30:8-9: 'Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'who is the Lord?'"
Read Shane Claiborne's book Irresistible Revolution for more on this topic.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great, I wish it was still going.

After an amazing time opening presents in the morning we had an even better time eating Sarah's cinnamon rolls and then an even better time laying around the house, it snowed for a while and we just enjoyed basking in all of God's blessings and beauty.

We went to our friends house (Tim and Cameron!) and had a wonderful roast dinner, followed by wassail and playing music! Tim taught me 'O Holy Night' on guitar, that was fun. Then we came home and crashed.

We really do have it good here. By here I mean the US. We were informed that this pass week a church planter who works with the A29 network ( the planting network of pastors we worked with as we moved up here) in India was caroling with his small congregation and were mobbed and beat very severely. One man is still in the hospital. We were then told that they planned on going out again...

I encourage you to thank Jesus this season for all He has given you. Often in the busyness of the holiday we get swept up and don't take time to stop and really appreciate all that we have, even without new presents.

I'm thankful for my wife, for her love and support. I'm also very thankful to all who read this blog to stay along side Sarah and I as we endeavor in this new season that God has for us. I pray for your hope and faith in this new year, that Jesus would continue to be ever-present in your heart and mind for the transforming of your life. Blessings and peace be with you. Merry Christmas!

You've probably watched the news...

2007-12-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

Not to worry. We survived the first storm, all is well. We had some wonderful snow. It was awesome. Only a couple inches in Queen Anne. No flooding here either. We havnt been much affected by the weather and have actually enjoyed it. I guess we'll find out in 5 months if we still enjoy it.

Did another night of demolition tonight at the church, its coming along, We hope to launch in Late February, We are pulling permits with the city right now to start construction. Its really exciting.

Keep us in your prayers!

Love,
Joel and Sarah

clarifier

2007-11-14T22:01:00.000-08:00

Many have asked so I thought I would post a quick reply to clear things up...

Sarah and I are now partnering with Mars Hill Church in Seattle; pastored by Mark Driscoll. This church is not affiliated with Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan; pastored by Rob Bell. They both have the same name although they are not related. Both are beautiful communities of people seeking to see lives transformed by Jesus but are not related.

Love you all, thanks for your continued support and prayer.

Joel

tonight we bring you... the story so far.

2007-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I emailed several of you a couple weeks ago and asked for prayer as God was doing huge things and we really needed His clear direction. I'm writing tonight to tell you God loves to surprise. Ill start from the beginning:

We moved to Seattle as God had made it clear He wanted us to plant a church. We started working with the acts 29 network (explained below) in going about this process. This included training, recruiting a core team, raising funds, networking with other pastors, designing a website, scouting a church location etc... In the meantime we started attending a community group through MHC (explained below) At the same time we started hearing about a new MH campus that was going to be planted downtown. This to us seemed cool but didn't spark any draw: we were in Seattle to plant our own church. The following week our community group leader Jonathan asked us a question that would end up redefining what it meant for us to plant a church in Seattle: "What do you think about partnering with Mars Hill?"

I had no idea, it had never occurred to me. I talked to Sarah and we started praying about it. A week later I met with the downtown campus lead pastor Tim Gaydos. I told him about why we moved up here and about our plans to start a church. He asked if we would join him in the mission to plant a new MH campus.

To be completely honest I was extremely torn... I knew we were supposed to plant a church but kept asking myself "is this what it looks like?" In the following week God did three things in my life:

1. The day after my meeting with Tim I received an email from a dear mentor with the subject title 'is this YOU guys?!!' She had found the online newspaper article about the new campus which you can read here. This caught my attention because no, this was not us, although at that very moment we were praying about whether it should be.

2. A couple days later while praying I asked God for more conformation. Immediately I felt as though He was saying "haven't I given you enough?" I went home and told Sarah, she brought from our room her journal in which that very day she had felt God had said the same thing to her... "Haven't I given you enough?

3. As I could not sleep that night I came to the living room to read my bible. I opened to Deuteronomy 1. Verses 1-8 spoke of God commanding the Israelites to advance into the land God had promised them. I thought to myself "oh, thats kinda like MH taking over Seattle. I read on... the next heading was 'appointing leaders.'

Part of MHC taking the city for Jesus was to appoint more leaders. It clicked.

I met with the a29 network director and told him what had been going on and about our church plant quagmire. Turns out Tim had already talked to him about me and he was very excited about the opportunity that had presented itself to Sarah and I to partner with mars hill church. He gave me some great advice and encouragement in regards to my maturation as a pastor and the great venue that MH would be for that season. He gave me his blessing.

The next day I met with Tim and told him we were on board.

So what does this look like? How does this change our plans for ministry in Seattle? The good news is we are still planting a church, we just aren't the people leading the charge... which I'm totally OK with and quite relieved. Here is where we are at right now: please be in prayer for us as we navigate the next month of planning and seeking God's will.

1. Sarah and I are in the MH membership class that ends the first week in December. As soon as we are members we will be able to fully dive in. At this point I will start going through the process of becoming a church deacon.

2. As a deacon I will then be able to head up a ministry at MH downtown. This specific ministry has not yet been decided. In the meantime my priority is to serve in whatever capacity I can from cleaning toilets to swinging a hammer for the remodel to doing whatever. One of my main objectives in this season is to meet people and get acquainted with the leadership of the church. This will take place over the next couple months.

3. This brings us to the most stretching aspect of our calling: raising support. MHC doesn't hire from the outside and all pastors who are now on paid staff have been tested and tried through a year or more of volunteer service. The process is tough but ensures that the pastoral staff is committed to the mission and they really want to be there. We know our home is MHC and see God using and training us in this amazing church for several years at least. The year we have ahead of us will be trying but invaluable in our growth and equipping as pastors. We know God will provide and look forward to partnering with those who will support us as we minister to the city of Seattle.

Please feel free to ask any questions at all contact me at joelfariss@gmail.com. As things continue to develop we will post blogs to update you! Thank you for your continued prayer and support,

Love and peace,
Joel and Sarah

I know I know...

2007-10-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

I'm so lame; I haven't posted anything worthwhile in weeks. Although I do have a cool essay in the works titled 'God Hates You.' Yes you read that right and no its not what you think, Ill try and finish it within the week.

Anyways, some hugely exciting stuff has come our way today in regards to planting and ministry. We are really stoked about it but we really need your prayers. We cant say much now because there are still some things coming together and connections to be made. Just pray that God would give us discernment and wisdom during this time.

If you want to read a good blog, check out my friends: here.

Talk to you soon hopefully.

Peace,
Joel

2007-10-16T23:18:00.001-07:00

Romans 1:20

all qiuet on the northwestern front.

2007-09-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well everything is going good, meeting lots of new people and learning the city. Looks like February will be our interview with acts29 and we will launch our church next fall. Other than that, not much new news, but Ill post something this week probably concerning scripture or theology. Good night.

here, but but still to arrive.

2007-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

We just finished dinner on our fourth night in Seattle. Spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage, focaccia and a California zin. The Decemberists play in the background.

Awesome.

So far we have settled in pretty well. I have to set up the TV and such tonight but other than that we only have about 3 boxes to unpack… all stuff that doesn’t really have it’s own place. The weather has been great, in fact a few have said that we must have brought some California with us: temps in the 80s all week. We both love our place and are looking forward to having new friends over for good times. Our new apartment will be a swell dwell when the rain comes. Today we had to go downtown to get a temporary parking permit and got a good idea of where the shopping is downtown. At the parking permit office we met a nice lady who told us stories of peeved Seattleites screaming about city parking and slamming fists on her counter. “I didn’t take kung-fu for nothing.” She said.

The picture above is taken from our deck. We can hear the seagulls and see quite a bit of scenery. Mt. Rainer is visible only slightly as it is mostly covered by skyscrapers. We will attend Mars Hill Church this Sunday evening and hopefully a community group this next week. I am looking forward to making new friends, although I already miss my California friends greatly. The following week Sarah and I will be meeting with the pastor of Seaside Church in Bremerton.

We love you all and appreciate your support more than you know.

Peace with you,

Joel and Sarah

yep. its really happening.

2007-07-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

I'm nervous... but Ill have to come back to that.

I'm in the airport in Seattle waiting (7hrs now) for my plane to be fixed so I can go home. I came up on Friday for the purpose of finding an apartment. Here we go:

I began my journey Friday afternoon by looking at an apartment (basement) in a beautiful gingerbread house neighborhood in N. Seattle. It didn't work out. Journey continued Saturday with 8 hours in the car driving to every corner of Seattle only to strike out at every turn. Sarah had done research the week before and had given me a list of places to visit, but to no avail I was unable to contact anyone or get inside any of them. I checked out a couple places on Sunday with the same results.

Monday morning, 3 hours before I have to be at the airport, I embark on a last ditch effort. 1 hour left leads me to Queen Anne Hill in N. Seattle. I'm driving up a street and see a for rent sign. I pull over and call the number. I ask what he has available to rent...

" a studio, 400 square ft, 750 a month" he answers.

"ok," I said, then continued "Do you happen to have any 1-bedroom properties in the area." Being optimistically frustrated.

"Yeah actually we have one that just vacated yesterday over on the east side." He answered.

Taken off guard by his affirmative response I stutter "well, is there any chance I could take a look at it?"

"Sure, we'll have it cleaned up by Thursday so you could drop by then."

"Actually I'm from California and I have to fly out this afternoon, so can I see a floor plan or something?"

"Ill meet you there in 8 minutes." he answers.

HA!

I drive up to a building nostalgic of the 50s and pray. The man from my phone conversation arrives and introduces himself as Jim. I introduce myself and thank him for giving me a show... "of the apartment" I add quickly realizing that sounded kinda weird. I follow him upstairs and shake my head. Jim is super cool and makes small talk as he opens the door.

Hardwood floors, lots of windows, adequate storage, a giant deck... with a view of downtown Seattle and the space needle, cozy kitchen, and the morning sun reflecting off the creme white walls. Jeez..... us... thank you.

I filled out the application and paid the deposit. Ill get a call tomorrow to arrange fedxing the lease.

Jesus hasn't failed me yet.

So why am I nervous? Because I'm exactly in life where God wants me. Sunday I got to meet again with Tyler, a pastor and associate director of the Acts29 Network, a church planting organization run out of Mars Hill Church Seattle. He is going to be placing Sarah and I with a pastor of a current church plant in Seattle to apprentice with and learn the ropes of starting a church from scratch. We will be doing this for about a year and will probably begin our church next fall. I cant wait. But I'm freaked out.

This next year will be a year of recruiting prayer and financial support, as well as our core team. This season is pivotal and will likely attract much spiritual attack, I humbly ask you to commit to praying for Sarah and I as we enter this stage of our ministry. Specifically pray for spiritual and moral endurance, and for unity in our marriage.

August 28th is closing in and we will be on our way, we love you all and will miss you greatly. To check out Mars Hill and Acts29 follow these links:

Mars Hill Church Seattle
Acts29 Network

peace with you,
Joel

my art

2007-07-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

'crackus drivewayus michiganus'
36''x36'' acrylic on canvas

Seattle Update

2007-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

A week from today I will be flying to Seattle to find housing for Sarah and I and hopefully a job. We will primarily be looking in West Seattle, Queen Anne and the U District. The closer to downtown the better. I would like to be able to walk to work or take the bus. We want to go to just one car to save on gas, payments, insurance etc... so Ill probably sell my truck.

Most importantly this next weekend I will be talking with Tyler, a pastor fromn the acts29 network whom we met with the last time we were up there, to continue discussing getting started on our church plant. Sarah and I will probably work with another church plant in the area for a year or so to experience the process and learn, we will then be sent from there to start our church. This is the most exciting as well as scary thing for me. The cool part is that God is already bringing people into contact with me (or me into contact with people) to join in this endeveor. Its really cool to know that right now, somewhere, God is moving someone's heart to have a desire to plant a church as He already has done in my heart. I look forward to meeting these people with whom I will be ministering with. By the way, our relationship with Jesus is what makes us christians, our relationships with others is what makes us the church.

Sarah and I would love if you who read this would pray for us as I travel to Seattle this next week... both for my meeting with Tyler and for finding a house and job. Also pray for our families as we get close to moving 2 states away as it will become hard for our parents.

Thank you so much to those who have already supported us in countless ways, you truly bless us.

peace.

His Story

2007-06-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

If you could disprove the existence of Krishna to a Hindu, would it make a difference?. Hindus have thousands of gods, to excuse one god would have no effect on the philosophy and way of life of a Hindu. Hinduism does not intrinsically revolve around the existence of Krishna.

If you could prove that Buddha never lived, never existed, one could still practice Buddhism. The credibility and philosophy and belief of Buddhism does not require that Buddha exists.

If you were to ask a Muslim if Allah could have given his revelation to a prophet other than Muhammad, they would answer "of course, Allah is sovereign, he reveals through whom he chooses. Muhammad is not the revelation, simply the means of the revelation." Therefore the Koran and the belief of Islam does not rest on the existence of Muhammad. It could of come from anyone...

This is interesting because Paul says in Corinthians 15 "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." I bring this up because so many prominent evangelicals seem to say "my faith would not be swayed if it was proved that Jesus still lies in his tomb because he has risen in my heart..." Didn't we talk about this with our friends when just recently there was a giant buzz about a program on the discovery channel that set out to prove that Jesus didn't rise from the dead? I mean, I understand one's desire to pursue Christ even through the midst of unthinkable ends... Peter most famously told Christ he would never deny Him.

But Paul doesn't look at it quite this way. He insists on a much larger idea, that it is not our faith in Jesus that saves us but rather Jesus who saves us. Jesus was not the means of God's revelation but rather Jesus is the revelation.

Part of the validation of faith is the object of faith. In our case Jesus, who as God outside of time and our understood reality, came into our history and revealed himself according to our understanding. His story thus cannot be disconnected from history.

This doesn't have much of a practical everyday application. Although for me it brings into perspective the weight of belief in Jesus. I believe with all that I am, but I cant prove Him. I can simply point in His direction, and point back where he has worked in my personal history. The weight lies in walking in this belief, risking as Paul says the pity of all men.

Well, I guess that's faith.

Die

2007-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

I just watched this movie the other night called 'The Fountain.' It wasn't really my kind of flick and I thought it was going to a lot better than it really was. I give it thumbs down.

Anyways, one thing that stuck out to me was this theme of death being an act of creation. It stems out of a Buddhist reincarnation philosophy which says that when you die you simply become something else. Kinda interesting. That got me thinking about Christianity....

Paul in scripture says that we must die to ourselves so that Christ may then live through us. Our bodies are dead because of sin but our spirit becomes alive when we are born again through His righteousness. In 1 Corinthians Paul talks about the resurrection of the body being turned into a body that is fit to dwell with Jesus and even in ecclesiology the church is seen as the incarnation of Christ, we are the 'body of Christ.'

Why is this important? Because it seems to me that the church in America has become institutional... a business. Something that you become a member of to receive spiritual insurance like an HMO. But according to scripture we are supposed to be incarnational. The Body of Christ is not an institution in which we need to have catchy marketing and attractional products... the body of Christ is to be incarnational, in other words 'being like God to Pharoah' in Exodus 7. Performing works of service as in Ephesians 4 so that we may become unified in the faith attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. The fullness of Christ means to be an exact replication. Contextually this means that when people experience the church, they can say "I know who Jesus is because of the way these people live, not the way they market him."

The church was never for 'Christians' but rather the church is for those who don't follow Jesus.

So die.

Die to your flesh, your sin, your selfish desires. Ask Jesus to rain on your parade. Ask Him to completely wreck you.

I promise if you do, you'll live like you never thought possible as you fulfill your divine calling as an ambassador of God's kingdom.

Moving to Seattle

2007-04-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Sarah and I will be moving to Seattle on August 28th, 2007. We knew there was something about Seattle that was calling us the Christmas of 2005 when we visited Sarah's sister Chelsa, and her husband Adam. They took us around the city and we fell in love with the people and the culture.

When we got back to Rocklin after our weekend in Seattle in 2005 we talked with excitement about how cool it would be to live in such a grand city, and for Sarah what a joy it would be living close to her sister. We didn't talk much about it after that for a couple months.

One day in the spring of 2006, the idea of moving to Seattle came up again. I was totally up for the idea, mostly because I have lived in Rocklin my entire conscious life and have been itching to get out for years. We decided to pray about it and see what God would reveal to us on the matter. As I started including the idea of moving to Seattle in my daily prayer over the next few weeks I began, more and more, to come to peace with actually moving. It wasn't just my own desire to move but also that God actually had a will and purpose for us to move to Seattle. I knew the answer, but I didn't say anything to Sarah as I trust her discernment and did not want to sway her decision and influence what she may have heard from God. One night a couple months later as we were almost asleep she rolled over and said "Joel, I think we're supposed to move to Seattle."

That then began the avalanche of brainstorming how and when and what would have to happen... there were lots of questions and we both suddenly became a little frightened to be completely honest.

Skip several months of day to day living strictly by faith to our trip to Africa in August of 2006. (which itself deserves a whole book worth of stories and journeys in faith) The trip nailed down 2 things for us: that we were supposed to move to Seattle, and the journey I had been on to become a pastor was in fact right were I was supposed to be. I had never been so confident in who God had called me to be until that point.

Shortly after our trip to Africa God told me that he would be using me to plant a church in Seattle. My first response was literally "yeah right." Then after he smited me with a bolt of lightning for my disrespect and lack of faith, he gave me confirmation which could not be denied.

Since that time I have wrestled with the implications of starting a church at such a young age. The doubts occasionally flood in: I'm too young, I don't know enough, I don't have enough experience, I don't have a college education, I'm a young married broke dude from suburbia! Thankfully Jesus has always pulled through for me and has yet to let me down. He has always filled in where my abilities cease and I believe he will continue to do so. Not to say it still isn't scary or intimidating.

In February of this year Sarah and I went to Seattle to meet with a pastor of the Acts29 Network, a ministry ran out of Mars Hill Church in Seattle that plants churches all over the world. He told us what it took to church plant and the path we need to take to get there.

The plan currently is to return in July to make housing/job arrangements and meet with Pastors of current church plants in Seattle to find one in which Sarah and I could come along to learn and experience church planting for a year or two before we ourselves spearhead a church plant in Seattle.

We will be using this blog from now on to keep everybody updated with the move, the church we will eventually be planting, and any other 'Joel and Sarah' updates. Kids are still a couple years out in case you were wondering. I will also be posting my thoughts on basically about everything, especially faith/theology, philosophy, and thoughts on life. Maybe every once-in-a-while a review on a good brew, book, band, or something else starting with a 'b'.

Thanks so much for your love and prayers.

Peace with you,
Joel

ps. subscribe to this blog to be notified of new posts

Tozer rocks.

2007-04-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

To know the Holy as a Christian is to study the attributes of God. These attributes are things that he has revealed to be true of himself. The number of attributes God has is debatable, but we must know that God in his infiniteness has attributes we could never comprehend. We must also remember that God, being God, is the creator, and we are the created, thus to bestow created qualities upon him would be to condescend his being. Humans deal in the realm of change, growing and learning and adjusting to life as it comes. As a result we are a sum of experiences that make up our character. God’s holiness on the other hand is not the product of experience and choice, it just exists. “An attribute, then, is not a part of God. It is how God is.”1

1) Tozer, AW . The Kowledge of the Holy

I suck but thats OK because Jesus doesnt.

2007-04-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

I get torn on what I should share with everybody or just keep to myself, or only tell certian people like my wife. Anyways, the thought occured to me that I would have to be selfish to not tell others what God is doing in my life, in my heart. I mean, what use is it if it cant be shared for the sake of others, isnt that my purpose?... to share how God has completely transformed my life so that they too may experience his massivness.( not like heavy massiveness, but more like a mysterious massiveness that envelopes you with peace and and an aweing sense of content but also a frustration because of the realization of your own miniscule finiteness...) anyways...

This is what I got from God today: 'Joel, be less of you"

I dont know about you but sometimes I get in the way of myself. How crazy amazing cool would this world be if we would care less about ourselves, our taste in music, our clothes, all that crap that builds our egoes and just loved people like crazy. completly and selflessly, expecting nothing with the mindset that no one owes us anything because Jesus already paid for it.

Join me.

Its a daily struggle but lets try.

You can judge true character by observing how one treats another who can do nothing for that person in return.