Jason Maupin

Day three and four in Ireland

2010-02-06T12:17:00.002-05:00

Last night I didn't blog because we got home around midnight and I was exhausted. You never really think about how many hours you put in when you're doing what you love to do but when I added it up, when this week is all said and done we will have worked 90 hours. Yesterday I spoke in 3 schools a total of about 350 students. All but one I was able to share my personal faith. Even when I can't talk about Jesus it has its way of coming across. This one particular school was called Westland Row located in the center of Dublin. They held the assembly in a 200 year old church called St. Marks. The history behind this thing is unbelievable! John Wesley spoke on the same stage that I spoke on (if you don't know who John Wesley is click on this link to read about him http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley). Ironically enough even though we were meeting in one of the most famous churches in Ireland this was the school that I couldn't speak about Jesus. This particular school wanted me to leave room for questions at the end. I have to be honest Im not used to taking questions at the end of my assembly presentations. At the end of the assembly, this one kid asked "how are you so confident." I said, "My confidence doesn't come from me, it comes from something inside of me." In my presentation I always tell the students that I love them, and the second question this kid asked was "How much do you love me?" I told him I loved him enough to give him a hug, he stood up and I gave him a big hug. I thought about that question after I sat down how that one question seems to be the question that all students are asking, "how much do you love me?" In doing what I do, I hear a lot of painful stories...the world just needs a big hug.

After the assembly the missionary here took us outside and said he wanted to show us something. We came to this huge metal cellar door that went down into the ground. It was a crypt that had been there just as long as the church. This thing was awesome! We went down into the crypt and there were caskets inside these tombs. Some of the caskets were open and there was still the skeletons of whomever resided there. One of the caskets had two adult skeletons and a small child one. The missionary said that some of them had died from typhoid or some other disease. I'll be posting pictures up on Facebook so stay posted.

The last school I spoke at was called Mount Anville, a private ritzy all girls school. I was told that I could talk about my faith. I shared my story and then talked about the Rich Young Ruler. They responded very well. In my message of the rich young ruler I made it relate to them my saying "Basically if the Rich Young Ruler was a girl, Jesus would of asked her to give up all her expensive shoes!" As I said that I heard girls in the audience gasp as if someone had just told them they had cancer! It was pretty funny!

Today I spoke at a leaders meeting, all the Ireland Assembly of God leaders came together and Derrick the missionary, Kevin Norwood and I spoke. I am so encouraged with the leaders of Ireland! The Ireland people are in good hands! Right now as Im typing this blog Im sitting upstairs watching dozens of youth file into this youth center as the dj is playing Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z. Its definetly a cool experience! Pray that God moves once again! Im so humbled to be able to be used by him. Please keep my wife Jessica in your prayers as she is in Florida doing worship for a women's conference. Until next time! Much love!!

Day two/Ireland School Tour

2010-02-04T18:39:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! Hope all is well! Thank you for all your prayers while Im here in Ireland, I can certainly feel them! Today went absolutely incredible! It started at 6am this morning as myself, Kevin, Derrick, Johnny, and Jude crammed into a Volkswagon Passat and headed to a town called Bailieborough, a little country town in mid Eastern Ireland. I have to say it wasn't the most comfortable ride but definitely worth it. I spoke to about 150 students. God moved incredibly! The Irish people are so hospitable as the chaplain insisted on us staying for lunch and tea. Everyone was extremely attentive as I shared my love for Christ and how He changed me. I saw their faces as I spoke about how Jesus was my friend, they looked as if they wanted the same relationship but couldn't see how Jesus would want that same relationship with him. Most Irish students view God as someone who is far off too busy for them. They haven't had the best examples in some of their spiritual leaders because some of them recently were brought up on child molestation charges. I feel for the Irish youth, their view of Jesus must be so skewed. Thats why we're here to show them that Jesus wants a personal relationship with them. Later that day we visited Trim Castle most famous for Mel Gibson's 1995 movie Braveheart. As I looked at this castle I couldn't help but hear the word FREEDOM that Mel Gibson's character yelled out at the end of that movie. Im believing for freedom for the land of Ireland! Im looking to tomorrow! Im speaking 5 times, 4 schools and a night rally. Continue to pray that more doors open for future ministry in this country, and that the barriers of religion would fall and that the Irish people would find a love and relationship with God. Please feel free to look at some pictures I posted on Facebook. Because of child safety laws put in place we are not allowed to post pictures or videos with the students faces. Until next time! Much love!

Ireland Update!

2010-02-03T12:11:00.002-05:00

First day in Ireland went great! Spoke to an all girls catholic school. God really moved! One girl left with tear filled eyes and simply looked up at me and said "thank you" I'll never know what that thank you really meant, but I praise God for it! Speaking at a youth group tonight. Thank you for your prayers! Much love! Looking forward to tomorrow!

Suicide in two separate communities.

2010-01-31T10:16:00.003-05:00

Received an email yesterday, from two different youth pastors in two different states of students in their community that tragically took their own life... For some reason these kids thought it was better to leave this world than to live in their pain. STUDENTS THAT HAVE THE ANSWER AND HOPE OF JESUS, YOU CAN'T STAND BY AND KEEP THAT AMAZING MESSAGE OF HOPE TO YOURSELVES! Here in the next couple of weeks I'll be going to these communities and doing school assemblies. Please be in prayer that this tragic event will be a chain reaction of something great! And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28.

Politically correct

2010-01-05T23:21:00.001-05:00

I was watching the NYC New Years' bash and having a great time bringing in the new year when the camera zoomed in, on two DUDES making out!! Yeah I have to say that made me cringe. I yelled out, "Oh my gosh!!!" It seems everywhere you look our society is trying to normalize the not normal. A little shot here of two guys holding hands in a commercial, a magazine here of two women kissing, it's like the media is trying to warm us up to it.

Ayn Rand, an atheist, wrote in her novel "The Fountainhead" on how to wreck a society. One of the rules she states is to teach the people to laugh at everything, including the sacred and sinful. Wow! That's probably the most sinister but yet true statement I've ever heard--teaching people to laugh at what is considered sacred.

I didn't laugh when I saw that gay couple kissing on the screen, I don't think homosexuality is funny, I think its disgusting. I don't think the person is disgusting I think the act is disgusting; there's a difference. In Proverbs 14:9 in The Message translation it says: "The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life."

It's not politically correct to say two guys kissing is gross. We're supposed to say, that's so cool they're embracing who they really are! It's not cool, its not all right. In Leviticus 18:22 it says: "Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." I don't know how the bible can be any more clear. Some say, "well that's the old testament we don't live by that law." In the New Testament 1 Corinthians 6:9 says, "Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." Yet you have ministers giving their stamp of approval by marriyng same sex couples.

I don't believe in singling one "sin" out saying it's worse than the others, I believe sin is sin, and my sin is just as gross as when I saw those two dudes kissing. I will not however sit on the sidelines cheering "sin" on just because I want to be "politically correct."

I respect those who stick with what they believe, those that stand out amongst the crowd when everyone else is cheering the wrong way, they remain steadfast in what they believe.

Homosexuality is not right, it's not cute, it's not cool. Growing up, my pastor gave an analogy one Sunday morning using two extension cords. He brought one of the youth up on stage and asked them to try to plug the male end of the cord into the male end of the cord. The student looked puzzled, tried and obviously failed. My pastor then asked the student to try to plug the female end of the cord into the female end of the cord. The student again looking puzzled tried and failed. My pastor said, "Why isn't it working?" The student replied, "It doesn't fit!" My pastor then asked him to take the male end of the cord and plug it into the female end of the cord. The student did, and said, "It fits!"

Homosexuality doesn't fit folks! Everyone has heard the analogy if God believed in homosexuality he would of created Adam and Steve not Adam and Eve. I have several friends who are homosexual and one family member. I pray for them just as I would anyone who I feel is misguided by sin. I love them, I don't and will never bash or make fun of them. They know where I stand and that I don't condone it. As time goes by in this New Year, just because our world is getting more sophisticated and technology is growing doesn't mean you have to throw your morals out the window. Stand for what you believe! Teach your kids the difference. Don't be afraid of gay people, extend your hand in love, and hopefully through a friendship you develop with them you will earn the right to speak into their life. When you earn that right, speak the truth in love.

What's keeping you from standing for what you believe? Is it peer pressure? The feeling that you might not be "politically correct?" I challenge you to find out what you believe and why you believe it and take a stand.

Much love!

THE ONE

2009-12-30T19:44:00.000-05:00

I moved from the East coast to the West coast about seven months ago. Life on the East coast is quite different than life on the West coast. People on the East coast have a very fast pace of life. Everyone's always hustling and bustling around, always busy doing something. Sometimes I think they don't even know why their busy. When you live that way for a long time you start to feel guilty for not being busy--you feel you need to at least look like you're busy.

I was a part of a discipleship program called Masters Commission for about nine years. I went through the program for three years then was hired and went on staff for six more years. My time in the program was invaluable. I learned a lot; one of the most important things I learned was a good work ethic. I accomplished things I never dreamt I could do, but because I was given the responsibility to do it I was able to do it. One time I remember working for a youth event called "Kingdom Bound." Kingdom Bound was a kind of Christian "Wood-stock" (minus the drugs). Several stages were set up in a huge field and about 50 different Christian bands would come and play throughout the weekend.  Obviously those stages didn't just get set up by themselves; no, they were set up by Masters Commission students. We "slept" at a local camp (we worked from about 5am to about 2am loading bands in and out--not much time for sleeping!)  Cool thing is I got to meet the Newsboys, Third Day, Rebecca St. James and a bunch of other Christian singers and musicians.  We would wait for one band to finish and then get the next band loaded in and ready to play in 15 minutes.  We worked that schedule for two straight days. And then after the last band finally finished playing, the real fun began!  Our job now was to tear everything down.  Everything included ten stages fully equipped with state of the art lighting, trussing, and speakers.  Believe me when I say that nothing--and I mean nothing--associated with staging stuff is light. All of it is bulky, awkward, and heavy! We worked from 5 am in the morning to 5 am the next day--24 hours straight! I have never, ever, been that tired in my life!! One of the girls working with us even started to fall asleep standing up!

When working in the ministry, one thing you need for sure is a strong work ethic. But at times I wonder if   our work keeps us from having a close relationship with Christ. In Ministry we are often event oriented. We move from one event to the next, to the next. Events are great, don't get me wrong. A lot of planning on how to reach and save the lost goes into events. We just had one for our Church here in Arizona. We hosted an event called "Movie Night at the Park" where we showed the movie "Polar Express" for Christmas. About 200 people turned out, most of which had either never gone or had quit going to church. It was a great event! Events aren’t bad but sometimes we can get so wrapped up in The Event that we forget about our purpose for the event: REACHING PEOPLE.

I've done it myself; I get tunnel vision, becoming so focused on getting each detail right that I miss opportunities for ministry all around me. Have you ever read the book "The Screwtape Letters," by C.S. Lewis? It’s written from the eyes of a demon called Screwtape. He's writing letters to an apprentice demon teaching him how to deceive people. I was thinking the other day, "man, we (Christians) are so fooled." We are out hustling and hurrying, trying to plan our next event. And in all of our busyness, we’re passing by people and God wants us to stop and minister to them. But we miss the opportunity because they’re not part of the plan; they’re not part of our event, our agenda, our whatever. What they are to us in that moment is an inconvenience.

Have you ever been talking to someone whose attention is elsewhere? When I first started out in ministry I was at a convention and began a conversation with another evangelist. I was asking him questions, picking his brain, wanting to learn from him. Yet the entire time we talked he kept looking over my shoulder. I went away with the feeling that I was just an interruption, just a blip on his radar, while he was searching for someone "more important" to come along.  I remember feeling like an appetizer being picked at while he waited for the main course to arrive. Even though I know I’ve been guilty of treating others similarly, I hope I never forget that feeling. God help each of us not to get tunnel vision in pursuit of our goals, our tasks, our events that we miss what Christ has in store; that we not forget that He is to be the main course.

Yet, it’s so easy to do! We work so hard planning these events so that thousands of people can come to know Jesus but we glance over the one with a need who stands “in our way” because they have nothing to do with the event. WOW!! The Devil isn't stupid. I can just see him down there with his pitchfork orchestrating a bunch of busy little Christians so focused on doing their busy, godly work--all the while missing God’s more immediate and more important purpose for them. "We're doing it for the Lord!" Even though your intention is to please God, please make sure you're not missing the "little things" in your zeal to finish your quest. Slow down, take a deep breath.

Often it’s like we're trying to earn our love and acceptance from God. Most people know my story. I was raised in a very strict home with a father who was mentally, verbally and physically abusive. I spent my childhood trying to earn his love and acceptance. One thing my dad appreciated was hard work. I remember one Saturday when I was a kid spending three hours on my hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. I scrubbed and polished tile by tile, making sure I could see my face in each one. After I was done I asked my father to come and see what I had done. I remember the feeling I had from his approval along with a feeling of accomplishment. I would have scrubbed for 4 hours or even 4 days for that feeling. The cool thing is we don't have to scrub any floors for God’s acceptance or approval. In fact in Isaiah 64:6 it says we are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. That may sound discouraging but it’s quite the opposite. We should be encouraged to know there is nothing we can do to earn God's love; all we can do is accept it.

Make the time to take a deep breath in the midst of your planning. The next time you get annoyed by someone interrupting your hard work, stop and take time for that person. Truth is they probably don't care about your event, but wouldn't you make their day if you were totally interested in them? What if you took time to silence your cell phone, look them in the eye and ask them “So how are you?” Growing up, that’s a question my youth pastor never failed to ask me: "So how is Jason?" It meant the world to me, and after asking the question you could tell he really wanted to know. It’s about PEOPLE, not about the events, not our busy agenda, not the next text message, or the next …next. It’s about the One. THE ONE.

Merry Christmas from Elevate!

2009-12-24T18:24:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope this letter finds you well this holiday season! Its been awhile since my last update. Things for Elevate and also my personal life have been very busy. This past June my wife, Jessica and I packed up our one bedroom apartment in Fort Myers, Florida and moved 2,289 miles to Glendale, Arizona! We absolutely love it out here! We are apart of a church plant called Destiny Church (www.destinychurchaz.com). Our pastors heart and love for people challenges me! We are very blessed to be apart of this great church!

2009 has been filled with many exciting opportunities for Elevate and Im very blessed to say that this past year I have had the privilege of speaking to 25,000 people in 10 different states. Of those 25,000 people several thousand have been transformed by the power of Jesus Christ! This year I was given the opportunity to speak for Steve Tripp at the Wisconsin Northern Michigan youth convention where 1,600 youth came together and gave their all, worshiping their creator. The first night when I gave the salvation invitation I couldn't see the audience very well because of the lights. Out of the corner of my eye I saw one student coming forward and thought to myself "I guess everyones good to go!" As I held my hand up to block the light, I saw hundreds of students flooding the alter. It was the conventions largest alter call for salvation they had ever had. Praise God!! The highlight for me that weekend was to have my beautiful wife with me, she blessed a lot of people with her music! Its so great to be doing ministry together!!

Alter call for salvation the first night of Wisconsin/Northern Michigan Convention.

Im excited for 2010 and all that God is going to do! My schedule is already getting booked with new and exciting things! This February I will be heading to Dublin, Ireland for the first time to speak in schools! Im excited to see what the future holds and how God is going to use Elevate to help students reach their full potential! I'm listing some dates below of when and where I'll be so you can remember to pray for me.

Words are never enough to describe my thankfulness to all my Elevate Partners out there who give of their time, energy, and finances to help students hear a message of hope! This last week I had the opportunity to speak to a maximum security prison here in Arizona where 20 prisoners gave their lives to Jesus! They could not afford to pay me but because of my monthly contributors I was able to do it anyway! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You have apart in everything I do!!
A couple of reminders: I have a blog I write that you can sign up for on my website. I also have a Facebook fan page that I recently created (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elevate-Industries/114387539064?ref=ts). If you have any pictures from recent events, you can post them on there or just leave me a note! Both the blog and the Facebook fan page you can access at www.elevateindustries.com or just click on one of the links to the left and it will direct you to my site. Also I recently gave in to the Twitter mania and got a Twitter account (http://twitter.com/Jason_Maupin) this is how you can find me and follow my "Tweets."

From my wife Jessica and I we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010!!
Much love!

Upcoming Dates:
1/10/2010-World Hope Worship Center-Salsbury, NC-704.636.9159

1/29-31/2010- Winter Blast-Susquehanna, PA- 856.308.3453

1/1-9/2010- School Tour- Dublin, Ireland- 918.274.0057

2/26-28/2010- Whiteout Winter Retreat- Minneapolis, MN- 952.997.2222 Ext. 233

3/3/2010- School Assembly- Wisconsin- 715.340.9367

3/7/2010- First Assembly West- Fort Myers, FL- 239.458.0813

7/26-30/2010-Assembly Park Bible Camp- Superior, WI- 715.374.2130

Out of control!

2009-09-29T18:17:00.001-04:00

About a month ago I was flying from Minneapolis to Phoenix when the plane started to have some issues. Smoke started coming into the cabin (which is always a bad sign), the plane started to shake, and people began to panic. The captain got on the intercom and calmly said, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please, the fan in our left engine has just quit working and we are going to have to make an emergency landing in Denver, please remain calm. Flight attendants please prepare for an emergency landing." Needless to say that confirmed everyones fears. I zeroed in on his words "please remain calm." Remain calm I thought, hmm, that's some great advice, why isn't anyone taking it! I always wondered how I would react in a time like that. Would I begin flailing violently, screaming at the top of my lungs, "we're gonna burn! oh my God we're gonna burn!!" Or would I remain calm and be a help to those around me? I'm happy to say although I was afraid on the inside, I remained calm and focused on keeping those around me calm. There was a the lady sitting in my row along with her seven year old daughter. The daughter sat next to the window and when our plane tilted up on its side she said with excitement, "look mommy you can see the ground!" I almost laughed out loud! All her mom could say was, "yeah honey, isn't that something." Seeing she was afraid I began to ask her questions, doing my best to calm her. As she and many others gripped the armrests I thought to myself what can I do to help this situation? If I was Superman I would run to the bathroom change into my tights and cape and carry the plane safely to its destination. I wasn't Superman; I was just a man, and the realization came over me... I can do--nothing. That's a hopeless, humbling feeling. Its especially difficult for a guy to admit they can do nothing. I thought, "there is nothing I can do to keep this plane from crashing." If it was going to crash, it was going to crash. It was oddly calming to realize I could only control how I responded to this situation, but I couldn't control the final outcome. Well, we landed safely on the Denver runway; ambulances, police and fire trucks rushed in to make sure everyone was safe. As we all got off the plane you could feel the collective sigh of relief. Sensitive to the trauma we had all just experienced, the airline gave each of us a $5 coupon along with their apologies. "Ladies and gentlemen we're sorry we almost killed you today, please except this $5 coupon!" Ha!! That was funny! Seriously, can you even get a cup of coffee for 5 bucks at an airport?

Being in control is something I like. I like being the one in charge. I like to know I can control the outcome. I don't like when I can't see what's coming. Take the ocean for example: I like the ocean if I'm on a boat or on the beach, but treading water in the ocean freaks me out because I can't see what's below me! I'm a planner. I like to know I have several options. I feel bad for saying this, but being on that plane was almost freeing knowing I wasn't in control anymore; knowing I couldn't fix anything. I had to completely surrender my fears, hopes, dreams, future, everything and everyone. What will happen to my wife if I don't make it through this? What will my brother and mother do? All my what ifs' were completely put to a slamming halt when I realized I was completely helpless. I felt like a baby needing someone to feed or change me--completely and utterly helpless. And you know what? It felt good! I felt like in the midst of the smoke coming into the cabin and the plane beginning to shake that I could relax. Sounds crazy right?

There's something to be said about not being in control, or better yet being able to admit you're not in control. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." The key is His will not our will; there's a big difference. I love in Luke 8 where Jesus and his disciples are in a boat crossing the lake. It says that after they started across the lake Jesus settled down for a nap and then a violent storm hit. The disciples woke him up shouting, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" In the message he says, "Why can't you trust me?" I guess you could say their plane's engine failed, all hope was gone and they were no longer in control. What would have happened if instead of waking him one of the disciples stopped them and said, "hold up! This guy's done a lot today, he healed a Roman officer's servant without even going to his house, he healed a man with leprosy, he raised a widow's son from the dead, healed Peter's mother-in-law, and then cast out several demons from people! He's tired let him sleep. Besides if he can do all of that then he can get us safely through this storm." Now that would have been faith. Trusting that God's will would be done. It's easy to say, but much harder to practice.

What if God's will is for the plane to crash, or the boat to sink? Would we be fine with that? You can tell a lot about someone's character when they're not in control. How do they respond during crisis? Are you a control freak? Do you have to always know the plan? Can you give the controls over to the pilot and say, "you're trained for this, I'm not, you land the plane." There's something freeing about not being in control. Give up the controls of your life to the ultimate pilot, Jesus Christ. I promise you, you will be less stressed knowing he's flying. Much love!

The journey to your destination.

2009-09-01T00:20:00.000-04:00

So this guy's on his way to a really important meeting and the train is late to pick him up. He's really ticked off 'cause this meeting could mean a really big promotion for him. As he's waiting for the train, he looks around and sees everyone else without a care in the world. Kids are laughing and playing, parents are joking--no one seems to be worried that the train is late except for him. It frustrates him that everyone else doesn't seem to mind so he stomps his foot, huffs and puffs and grumbles in a loud voice, hoping someone will see his frustration and catch on to the fact that the train is late. Some people acknowledge his frustration and it begins to make one or two others angry as well. The rest couldn't care less, they're having the time of their lives! An hour and a half past the scheduled time the train finally arrives. The conductor says all aboard and begins taking people's tickets. The frustrated man, along with his converted frustrated clan, push their way to the front. After a cutting remark to the conductor and a nasty look to a smiling little girl, he takes his place in his seat. He pulls down his shade and folds his arms wishing he could make time go faster. For the next two hours all he can do is grow angrier and angrier at the ignorantly oblivious passengers. They're looking out the window, pointing at the sites, laughing and enjoying the ride. All the angry man can focus on is how he will not be happy until he arrives at his destination. He won't have to deal with these people, he will finally get that promotion, he will finally make his mark in the world. The final minutes seem like hours and as the train finally pulled into the station, he jumped up and excitedly declared, "at last, we're here at my final destination!" Pushing his way in front of the passengers he jumped off the train and fell flat on his face. As he picked himself up and looked around he realized this place wasn't all that fun. He realized it was the journey that would prepare him for this destination if only he had taken it in. This time the man was not angry, but instead he sadly wished he could turn back time. He wished he could go back to the that station and not be so impatient. He wished he would have enjoyed his surroundings and smiled at that little girl, he wished he would have opened his shade and marveled at the magnificent sights and scenery. But it was too late; the journey was done and the destination wasn't all what he thought it would be. He wasn't ready for his meeting; he wasn't prepared for this new place because he didn't take in the journey and learn what it had to teach. The other angry passengers looked at him with hate. He made them miss their journey because of his terrible attitude. He never thought the journey would be the lesson he needed to learn, he never thought the journey would prepare him for his final destination. The man was hopeless and felt deep remorse for how he caused others pain. He wished he had another chance to make things right, to start again. He went to his meeting and pulled it off but didn't get the promotion he wanted. The next day he went to the station and waited for the train to arrive. When the train was late he began to grumble, and it was like dejavu. He huffed and puffed and kicked and stomped, angry again that he wasn't at his destination. How quickly he had forgotten the pain he caused and the lesson he didn't learn-- that the journey was what would prepare him for his final destination.

Awhile ago I watched a movie called Click, starring Adam Sandler. This movie, as with most Sandler movies, has its crude parts. However, it did make a great point and I was really impressed with Adam Sandler's acting. It tells a story similar to the one I told above about a man who is so eager to get to his destination and will do anything to get there. He neglects his wife and kids and becomes a workaholic. When time doesn't move fast enough for him through a series of events he gets a remote from a weirdo scientist played by Christopher Walken. This remote is amazing! Or is it? It not only controls the T.V. but it controls EVERYTHING else! He's able to pause, rewind and fast forward through the boring parts of his life. What he doesn't know (it's always the things we don't know) is that the remote has a memory and remembers the things that you don't like and fast forwards them for you automatically. Before he knows it he's 65, divorced and his kids have turned into workaholics just like their old man. At the end he's lying on his deathbed wishing he would have enjoyed the journey and not had been in such a rush.

Six years ago when I started Elevate Industries I was passionate in wanting to win the lost. I knew God had called me and was going to open up the flood gates and in no time I would be speaking to stadiums full of people. I wish I could say it happened like that! Actually, it all started at an alternative school of about 15 kids. I spoke my heart out and then I waited for the next event, and then I waited....then I waited some more......then some more....then, you guessed it, waited some more. I knocked on doors (figuratively speaking) called people up and then...... I waited! Come on God what the heck is this! You called me! You told me I would be used by you to win the lost--where are the stadiums!? Where are the huge crowds? I remember one time speaking to a youth group in Wisconsin of about 10 kids. I booked about 8 services in Minnesota and Wisconsin and rented a car and drove from place to place. With my flight, car rental, food, (I like food), lodging and gas, it averaged out to be $90 per place just to cover my expenses. At this one particular place in the middle of Nowheresville Wisconsin after I spoke, the youth pastor came up to me handed me the check and said "Im so glad you came! We have such a hard time getting people to come to this little church and speak." I thought to myself "I'm just glad there were people!" I thanked her and put the check in my pocket without looking at it, as I still do to this day. Later when I was at the place I was staying (I know you're thinking he's a big time evangelist so he probably stayed in the Ritz Carlton or something! Nope, my friend's parents' basement, the price was right and the food was good!) I looked at the check and it was for $50. It felt like I got the wind knocked out of me. Here I am giving my best and I was going to be going back home only to look at my wife and say, "sorry honey, we actually didn't make money on this trip, we didn't even break even, we're in the hole about $400!" It wasn't that bad I actually ended up coming out on top $200 and that was for two weeks.

What happened to the huge crowds, the stadiums...yeah tell me about it. Needless to say the first two years on my own were pretty discouraging. In the first year out on my own I spoke to 10,740 people. Of those 10,740 people guess how many of them were in stadiums or huge crowds? A big fat 0, none, niente, nada, and however else you say it in every other language. I had to fight for those 10,740 people, I had to pound my fist on the ground till at times it was bloody for those 10,740 people, and you know there were times I would start feeling sorry for myself. I would doubt my calling, I would wonder if I was really cut out for it. There were times I wish I could have fast forwarded till I was speaking to the stadiums. Then I came across a short but yet powerful verse in Luke 16:10 that says: "Unless you are faithful with the small you will not be trusted with the larger." I'd read that verse before ,but now it actually meant something to me. I remember God speaking to me when I was on a four-month sabbatical, not by my choosing but because I didn't have any place to speak. I was feeling sorry for myself and God said, 'Hey, why don't you use this down time to prepare for the stadiums?" Have you ever had someone tell you something and it's totally obvious and after they tell it to you, you feel stupid for not figuring it out yourself? Yeah, well that's how I felt. I climbed down off of the feeling sorry for Jason shelf, dusted myself off and began to prepare for the greater things God had in store for me. I started not to worry about the bookings and instead began to get ready for what God would bring. It's amazing because when I got my mind off of "I gotta get places to speak!" and instead focused on "I need to be ready for when God gives me places to speak!" doors opened up! Instead of praying "God please provide financially!" I began to pray "God open up the doors so I can win the lost!" I changed my perspective and overnight my outlook changed.

I no longer think about what's next. Don't misunderstand, I prepare for what's next but I live in the now, learning what God has for me so when I get to the next I will be ready! I've known several people in my life that are never satisfied--they are always wanting higher pay or a bigger home, more of this or that. They are never content and you know what? They never will be. I'm so blessed to be used by God to speak to his people, Tomorrow God may choose to take it all away, but Im fine with that because it's his dream that he has entrusted to me not my dream. Learn to be content, learn what God has for you now, to prepare you for the later.

Much love!!

Camp Rivercrest!

2009-07-31T00:20:00.003-04:00

What up to all my peeps from Camp Rivercrest! I had a great time hanging with all you guys! You guys are so awesome! I had a blast! From doing the huge swing to throwing the smack down on you in Paintball ;) every moment was priceless! My favorite times were watching as you gave your all, and laid your love down at your makers feet! I believe in all of you and I know if you stay close to Jesus he will use you for the impossible! You are my heroes! Stay in contact! Much love!!

Be the change you want to see!

2009-07-29T23:13:00.001-04:00

Since the arrival of my first ever Elevate Shirt, I have been even more challenged by the quote on the front, "BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE." The quote is by a man named Mahatma Gandhi. He is considered by many to be the "Father of India." I remember a movie a while back with Kevin Spacey and Haley Joel Osment called "Pay it forward" it was about a little boy that took on a class project to see if he could do something nice for someone and have them pay it forward to someone else. What does "BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE" mean to you? What is the change you want to see in the world? I get tired of hearing a bunch of old farts on the news always blaming someone for something. No one likes to take responsibility for things, everyone wants to point the finger at someone else. What if we all took responsibility, and became the change we wanted to see? Even though I do not fully agree with all of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophies, I think thats a great quote! Tomorrow, try to be the change you want to see.

New Elevate T-shirt!!

2009-07-21T21:22:00.002-04:00

What up everyone!! Just an update for you. The first ever Elevate Industries shirt is hot off the press! This limited edition, collectible shirt (don't laugh!) is only $15 and is available on my website! Go to www.elevateindustries.com and click on the store tab on the left. You can purchase it on the website with a credit or debit card or you can mail me a check and I'll ship it to you, hey, whatever is easiest! For those big guys out there I have XXL, but that size is limited in number so get it fast! They are American Apparel shirts! For those that don't know who that company is, they make great quality shirts and they're made in the Good ol, US of A! Also keep in mind they are form fitting and run small. For example I wear an XL usually but in this shirt I wear a XXL. Maybe I should lay off the donuts! All the proceeds will go to provide school assemblies for schools who can't afford it! So its not only a rockin shirt, but the money is going for a great cause! T-shirts! T-shirts! Get your first ever Elevate T-shirt!! You gotta say that in a New York accent! :) Thank you all for your support! Much love!!

Being thankful!

2009-07-08T05:43:00.002-04:00

Usually someone expresses thoughts of thankfulness around Thanksgiving time; yet sitting here in my new apartment thinking about all the ins and outs and how God has provided for me and my wife Jessica these last few months I can't help but be thankful. Recently Jessica and I left our home of nine years in Fort Myers, Florida to pursue the calling of God and moved out to Glendale, Arizona. It's beautiful out here! You could be having the worst day and all you have to do is look at the mountains and your problems melt away like wax. The true beauty comes from being in the center of God's will. After two weeks of painting, organizing, selling, buying, and hanging decor on the walls, we finally have our place looking like home. Jeremiah 29:11-14 says "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the Lord, "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations were I sent you and bring you home again to your own land."

For the first time in a long time I feel like I'm home. If you're struggling to hear the voice of God then seek him out. He says you will find him when you seek and he will listen to your prayers! Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that the creator of heaven and earth, the one who is the I Am and who will always be, cares for me and wants to bless me. Seek his will for your life! Crave him! I promise when you're resting in the center of his will there is no greater place. Thank you God for your unfailing love! Thank you for your blessings! I don't deserve the love you give but you give it freely... thank you!

The big news!

2009-04-20T01:29:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! This newsletter is to update you on Jessica’s and my future. For the past nine years we have been a part of First Assembly ministries here in Fort Myers, Florida. We both came here right out of high school to attend Fort Myers Master's Commission. It’s so hard to believe it has been nine years! Time flies! We both attended the program for two years. I decided to do a third year internship and she decided to attend North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. My third year was priceless! I had the amazing opportunity to be trained by one of my heroes, Reggie Dabbs. Reggie showed me the ins and outs of what he does and how he does it. I would not be where I’m today without that internship and his help.

After my third year I was hired on at Master's Commission to do a number of things--promotion, stateside travel, drama, media, and start a school assembly program (Elevate Industries). Jessica was hired on to run the academics and start a worship program which became Interface. For the next three years we both had some amazing opportunities! We got to travel stateside and abroad ministering to literally thousands of people. I spoke in International schools in Amsterdam and Brussels, led teams of 25 people across America, and in one 2-month stretch put 14,000 miles on a rental car promoting FMMC. I've tried all the energy drinks out there to help keep me awake while driving (Green Monster is my favorite!) I've had the opportunity to put together productions and dramas, using full-scale video and lighting. Needless to say I've had some amazing experiences and opportunities!

Almost three years ago I branched out from FMMC and pursued speaking full time. The first year out with Elevate God enabled me to speak in 46 churches, four schools, and two summer camps with a total of 10,740 people being reached! The next year that number doubled. I’m so humbled that God would choose to use me in this way. I remember when God called me to step away from FMMC. I was scared of the unknown; I didn't know if I was going to succeed or fail, but when God calls you, he will equip you. I remember as I wrestled with the decision I asked God to please help me! I heard him say, "Jason if you stay in FMMC I will bless it; but one day when you stand before me I will show you what you could have done if you would have had more faith." That was all I needed to hear. I have no doubt that I will make it to heaven, but I do not want to miss out on the great things God has for me because of my lack of faith! It has not been easy these past three years, but it has been so rewarding. As I stay in God’s will, he has been so faithful in opening up the doors!

While at FMMC my wife--I introduce her as my Beauty who makes me, the Beast look good--started a ministry called Interface. Jessica has been more than just a worship leader but has become a pastor to the guys that were in Interface with her. Interface has recorded four professional albums, two of which are available on iTunes. They've traveled the world leading countless of people into the presence of God. Last year they played in front of 7,000 screaming students at the A/G Minnesota and Wisconsin youth conventions. They also traveled to Honduras playing for a women's retreat. For the past five years she has led worship for all ages, races, and denominations as well as being very involved singing for our home church in Fort Myers. She is very grateful for all the experiences and opportunities she has been given.

Since stepping out of Master's it’s been a challenge to make my schedule and Jessica's line up. We set up a limit of no more than two weeks that we could be apart and by the grace of God we have been able to keep that commitment. I promised myself that when I left FMMC I would never influence Jessica to do the same, knowing she could hear from God just as well as I could.

Over the past year I have noticed Jessica going through some of the same things I went through before leaving FMMC. God has been giving her dreams beyond herself and in receiving those dreams we have been forced to ask the question: "God are we where you want us?" I could see that our times of separation were becoming harder on the both of us. Knowing the dreams we both had, we realized we needed to seek God for direction, so we, along with our families, began to pray in earnest. One valuable thing I've learned these past few years is that no one is going to guard my marriage; I have to be the one who protects it. Other people are thinking about their marriages and God has called them to a different plan and path than he has called us to. It is never fair to think that what works for one couple should work for everyone else as well. Jess and I began to find out what would work for us. We began to dream big! We have always had a desire to do ministry together and when we have had the opportunity to minister as a team it’s like a missing puzzle piece being found. It makes everything complete! Her musical talents complement the message God gives me.

Now the news everyone has waited so patiently to hear. In our prayers we feel God leading us out west to Glendale, Arizona! I grew up in Arizona as a kid and her grandparents and dad live out there. We have never seen ourselves settling down here in Florida and the times we have tried to make things more permanent doors would close. Every year we vacation out in Arizona and have talked about moving out there and have decided this is as good a time as any! This will be Jessica's last year in Interface and FMMC. Although this is hard for her to leave Interface, after many months of prayer we both know this is what God wants for us.

The best way I can illustrate it, is through a book I read a while back. It's called "Who Moved My Cheese?" It’s a leadership book that focuses on two little mice that have been lost in a maze for a long time. Finally as they’re about to starve they turn a corner and find a pile of cheese. They rejoice and begin to eat! The cheese lasts them for many months, but finally it begins to run out. One of the mice begins to freak out saying, "what will we do, we're gonna starve!" The other mouse decides to put on his running shoes and go in search of more cheese. The mouse that’s discouraged decides to stay and wait for the cheese to come to him. The mouse that stayed tragically ended up starving, while the mouse that went and looked for more cheese ended up finding the city of cheese, and he never had to look for cheese again. The point being we both feel like our cheese has moved, and now we're on a quest to find the city of cheese!

You may think that’s a funny or odd story, but it’s the best way I can convey what we're both going through. It’s by our nature as people to think that something is wrong or something has happened to force this move, but I assure you nothing bad has happened. We are just following the voice of the Lord and come May 29th we will be heading for Arizona.

A lot of people ask me if I will continue speaking and keep going with Elevate, the answer is YES, YES, YES! I have no desire to do anything else and I will continue doing evangelism as long as the Lord wills! My wife wants to finish her schooling and get her degree in accounting. With her being the treasurer for Elevate that degree will help tremendously! She will continue with her singing (I told her that’s a given) and eventually release a solo album. As I said earlier we love doing ministry together and now she will be available to do just that! If any of you need a worship leader for these events just let me know! We will be based out of an A/G church in Glendale, AZ called Destiny church (www.destinychurchaz.com) it started seven years ago as a church plant. The pastor, Arvle Knight, was my senior pastor when I was living in Owasso, Oklahoma. We are so excited to be a part of this and look forward to being able to serve them in any way we can!

I apologize for the length of this newsletter, but wanted to be clear on everything. This past week Jess and I went out to Glendale, to locate an apartment and get a PO Box for Elevate. I will be updating my website (www.elevateindustries.com) with all the new contact information. We will be keeping our same cell numbers and Jessica’s new email address will be Jessica@elevateindustries.com. The new mailing address for Elevate is below. Please don’t send mail to the Glendale address until June 5th. Please pray for us in this move! Pray for safety, finances, and that God would continue to open up many doors for ministry! We both have an excitement for this! We feel like we're kids again and it’s the night before Christmas or something! Thank you all for your support in this! Please let me know if you have any questions!! Much love!!

Elevate Industries
PMB #237
7942 W Bell Rd, C5
Glendale, AZ 85308

Good friends vs. true friends

2009-04-06T15:14:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago my wife and I were able to spend some quality time with some friends at a lake house in central Florida. We had a great time! I thank God for close friends, true friends. To me a true friend is irreplaceable. I heard someone say their closest friend was their dog, because a dog doesn't care how much money you make or how popular you are and he's always there for you at the end of the day. A true friend sticks by you through thick and thin. A true friend could care less about your social stature; they don't always look to personally benefit from your relationship. A true friend cries when you cry, laughs when you laugh, sympathizes when you're hurting and rejoices when you succeed. A true friend will tell you the truth no matter how bad it hurts, but will always do it in love. With all that said, true friends are really hard to find and if you have someone that meets the above criteria hold on to them; treat them well and tell them how much their friendship means to you.

Growing up I didn't realize how blessed I was with the friends God gave me. When I was 13 my parents split up and my mom packed my brother and me up and we moved to Oklahoma. It was a long trip and all three of us were carrying our share of baggage, (and no I'm not talking about the bags in the U-haul trailer). I was a broken, hurting, boy who had little security and what fragile security I did have was found in my one true friend and I had to leave him behind. Transferring schools mid-stream is never good. The new kids from the beginning of that year have already made their friends and you are the odd ball that gets thrown into the mix with everyone staring at you. As if I didn't stick out enough I didn't help myself with what I wore to school the first day. I don't know what I was thinking--I don't know what my mom was thinking to let me leave the house this way! I wore a pair of green sweatpants with my doc marten boots and I believe a black t-shirt. The shirt isn't as clear as the green sweatpants and boots. I'm positive I wore the green sweatpants and boots because I remember as I walked into school some kid said, "Oh my God! Look at this dufus with his green sweatpants and boots!" If he had commented on my shirt I would have remembered that, too. You know the phrase, "I was so embarrassed I wanted to crawl in a hole and die"? Well that phrase doesn't even come close to what I felt! See if I had crawled in a hole and died that would leave everyone standing around the top of the hole, laughing over the corpse of the new kid--lying dead in a hole wearing green sweatpants and boots! What I wanted was for everyone else to fall in a hole and die! That way I could have laughed at them and said, "Who’s the dufus now, huh? Bet you wish you would have wore your sweatpants and boots!" That one event pretty much summed up my year; needless to say seventh grade was awful. I still get chills up my spine when I walk into a junior high cafeteria and smell tater-tots! Eighth grade didn't look like it was gonna be any better. I was still the new kid and the cafeteria still smelled like tater-tots. Do schools have tater-tot scented air-fresheners or something?!

But then one day a girl named Jenny Rutherford invited me to her Wednesday night church youth group. I literally looked over my shoulder thinking she was talking to someone else! As that Wednesday rolled around I began to feel kind of nervous wondering if the kids in this "youth group" would accept me. My family rarely went to church, but when we did my mom dressed us to the nines! So naturally, I figured I'd better dress up...Yeah you know where I’m going with this. I wore my khaki slacks, a dress shirt and a brand new vest my mom had got me. I remember walking in and seeing everyone else wearing jeans and t-shirts! I'm pretty sure one guy didn't even have a shirt on! Once again I felt out of place. I stood cringing; waiting for the "dufus" remarks to start when I was greeted by this college guy who gave me a huge hug and said "we're so glad you're here!" It brought tears to my eyes, because for the first time in a long time I felt accepted, needed, and loved. That one hug changed my life. I ended up going back to that youth group again and again and ended up making the greatest friends anyone could ever have. They were all older than me and it was crazy how we met. We were all hanging out at a house and they thought I was funny so they kept inviting me to hang out with them. Over the years we developed a deep bond. We hung out 24/7. Every weekend we were sleeping over at one of our houses, wrestling to the flashes of a strobe light, toilet papering houses and laughing until we thought we would throw up!

I have never laughed as hard as I did than when I was with those guys! I always wondered what put us together, I know now it was God. God used those guys to keep me alive. There were several times I thought about ending my life, but my friends gave me hope. I have to be honest, at first I didn't go to church because of God, I went because I felt accepted and I knew I would see my friends. One thing we all had in common was we came from broken homes. We each had our pain, and there were many nights we would all cry our eyes out not afraid of showing our weaknesses to each other. On several occasions I remember making a pact with them that we would be better fathers to our kids than our fathers had been to us. They stood up in my wedding and I stood up in theirs. If I was ever in a war they, along with my brother, would be the ones I would want to get my back. Never have these guys thought less of me, tried to use me, or betrayed my trust. They aren't perfect, but they are honest and true. I remember getting together with them and praying for hours. I remember the time I thought I had bit my tongue off playing slaughter ball in the pool and they helped me look for it. There have been times when I've been afraid, but I knew I could call one of them, no matter what time of day or night it was; knowing I wasn't an inconvenience; knowing they had my back. Today we're scattered across the United States. Even if years go by when we don't see one another, when we reunite it's as if we've never been apart. They are men of Character, men of faith. My friends.

Proverbs 18:24 says "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." It may sound weird, but as my faith in my friends grew my faith in my God grew. I thank God for his true friendship and for placing these friends in my life at such a needed time. It was through their love that I began to see His love. God knows what we need and when we need it. If you have a true friend, take some time today to tell them how much their friendship means to you. Life's to short not to tell the ones we love how much they mean to us. I hear a lot of people say they have good friends and when I hear that I always say to myself "but not as good as my friends." While many people have good friends only a few have true friends. Be thankful for them!

PS: To my true friends, I love you guys! Thank you for always being there for me! SF forever!

The Dance

2009-02-04T16:16:00.001-05:00

One of my wife's favorite movies is "Footloose". It's a cheesy early '80's film starring Kevin Bacon. I watched it with her once. It was all right I guess...ok that's a lie. I would rather watch "Dances with Wolves" than see that movie again. Basically, you have Kevin Bacon and a bunch of no-name actors, wearing ridiculously tight pants, dancing little jigs here and there. Hey, if you like it, more power to you. I don't consider myself a very good dancer. I mean I can keep a beat and all, but when it comes to taking that beat and making your body gyrate to it, (there's a nice mental image for ya) well, that's another story! I've seen the show "So You Think You Can Dance" and those guys can dance. They can take nothing and turn it into something! I heard a quote that says: "dance like no one else is watching." I like that quote! Too many times we get overly concerned with what "people" will think--to the point that we never really find out if we can dance or not. We get paralyzed by fear...fear of failure or of humiliation. We tell ourselves it's better to play it safe than to dance. One thing I've observed is you can't dance without music; you need something to carry the beat. Whether it's you humming softly to yourself or if it's cranking up the sound system and jamming out: dance needs music.

I've learned that life is one big dance. Sometimes you lead; sometimes you follow...that's a song, but so true! Our music is our joy in life. Sometimes we don't hear the music because we have no joy. Sometimes others come and try to take our music because they don't have any of their own. There are people that live their whole lives not hearing a single note. They think their music lies in money, success, power or in climbing the social ladder. They believe once they reach the top rung of that ladder they will finally be able to enjoy the music. The sad thing is, when they get there they don't hear a thing. Not everything in life is great, but it's the joy we find within those circumstances that keeps our music playing and, more importantly, keeps us dancing. Why do we let circumstances, people, fears and countless other things, hold us back from dancing the dance God has created us for? How often do we lie to ourselves saying, "well this is just what I have to do." We grow up, have a dream, go to school, are told to stop dreaming; we come back to reality, graduate from school, go to more school, get a job we never wanted so we can pay off the school we never wanted to attend; we get married, have kids, get a house we can't pay for, work 30 plus years, all the while being miserable trying to find security financially so when we're old and gray we can retire being bitter at the world for making us bitter, old and gray! Whew! When it's laid out like that it seems really bad! Yet, I think not reaching our full potential and not fulfilling the purpose God has for us--that's what is really bad. We are people of excuses! We have one for everything and what's crazy is we convince ourselves that our "excuses" are legit. I love when I see people who defy all odds. I have a Rocky poster that reads "His whole life was a million to one shot!" Those kind of people learn to play their own music and they dance to a different beat. It's a beat that makes "normal" people feel nervous because it's a beat that's not safe; a beat that's risky.

I was in Barnes and Noble the other day. I was reading in the cafe area because as I was running for one of those precious few comfy chairs, a lady whisked in and took it from me! I had to laugh at the whole thing. Even if I did beat her to it what would I have said, "sorry lady, ya snooze ya loose!" Yeah right! So I went to the cafe area. As I was reading my book, out of the corner of my eye I saw a lady sit down. She appeared to have her arms tucked into her shirt, like she was cold or something, but as I looked closer I realized she didn't have any arms. I'm serious there was nothing there! The lady from the cafe brought her a danish and a drink. I truly didn't want to stare, but I was wondering how in the world she was going to eat her danish and drink her fancy drink! I watched as she took her foot and wrapped her toes around a straw, peeled off the paper and put the straw in her drink! She then picked up her fork with her toes, and began to eat her danish! I was so amazed by what she had done I almost yelled out, "Yes! That's awesome!" I caught myself and realized that probably wouldn't be the best thing to do. Yet, I was so humbled by this woman. Here she was living her life to the fullest. I felt like God said to me "so what's your excuse."

My mother-in-law is one of my heroes. She's going on (this is where I know to not insert her age because I want to live to see 50). Most of her life she has worked on staff at a church handling all the bookkeeping and administrative work (stuff that would drive me crazy). She is very good at it, too. She's always been a leader; it seems to just come naturally to her. She's also an entrepreneur! She wouldn't say that, but she is. She's always had a desire to have her own business. She never really shared this desire with anyone, but one day she just decided she was gonna do it! She went to school to learn how to do nails with the intention of eventually opening up her own nail salon. She had no clue what was going to happen when she stepped out on the dance floor--all she new was she needed a change in her music because the dance was getting old. She put in her notice at her "safe" job and now works full time doing nails and is happier than ever! The point is, if you're not happy with the music playing in your life--change it. If you don't like the dance you've been dancing, learn a new one. You'll probably fail a few times, you might even embarrass yourself, but you know what, you will find your dance. Even when people say "I told you so" and "it can't be done" recognize that they are people without music, content to just sit on the sidelines watching you play!

A few years ago when I stepped out to do Elevate, it seemed there were people lining up at the door telling me it couldn't be done. I remember one pastor in particular saying, "you can't do this, who do you think you are? Take a youth pastor position and work your way up." What he was really saying was, "play it safe, don't take risks, I know because I've tried and I failed." I feel sorry for people like that. I remember when I was praying about stepping out in faith to do the ministry that I do now. I asked God what He wanted me to do and He said, "Jason if you stay right where you are I'll bless it, but one day I'll show you what you could have done if you would have had more faith." I'll never forget that! It gave me chills. That's my biggest fear, arriving in heaven, Jesus looking at me and saying, "well done my good and faithful servant" then adding "but this is what you could have done if you would have had more faith."

Life's a dance; it's up to us to choose the music and live our lives to the fullest, taking risks and stepping out in faith. Don't expect it to make sense all at once, you have to practice a dance to get it down. Don't expect it to be easy, if it were, more people would be dancing. Know this: God will honor your faith! Dance your heart out!! Dream big, dream the impossible. Live your life! I promise you'll never be happier!

Tipping the scale

2009-01-05T11:51:00.001-05:00

Getting into shape is hard work! While it may come easy to some people, for the majority of us it is hard work. It takes dedication and discipline. Those six packs don't just naturally form, they come at a price. My wife is someone who can eat just about anything she wants to without gaining a pound. I'm pretty sure she's eaten an entire box of Twinkies and actually lost weight! I on the other hand, have been known to gain weight just by breathing too much air!

About five months ago I purchased a gym membership. I've been against gym membership because statistics show that 85% of people who have memberships don't even go to the gym. But seeing as it was only $10 a month, I said 'hey, why not!' I'm not one to go to the gym and pump iron, but I have been faithful for about five months now. It took about two months before I started seeing some results. I was feeling pretty good about progress and then Christmas came. Yeah Christmas...enough said. You have the apple pies, and the cherry pies, and the marshmallow fudge and then there's sugar cookies. Oh yes, let's not forget the sugar cookies! All those cute reindeer and snowmen topped with vanilla icing and sprinkled with colorful delight! I tell you people, if sugar was illegal, I would be in prison!! I love sweets! I've tried to tell myself I don't really like them, I've tried to convince myself it's all in my head. But the truth is, I love sweets! There's a weight loss saying that goes "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Ha! I don't know if that's true or not because I love sweets more than getting into shape--when Im eating it, but afterwards, I feel like dookie! I think, man all this hard work lost to this stupid (albeit it delicious) sugar cookie!! I've come to realize that working out isn't enough, you have to eat right as well. Statistics show that as much as 85% of getting into shape is simply eating the right things.

Seems like our whole life is spent trying to find balance and getting things into shape. Whether it's your marriage, work, or weight--sometimes the scale is tipped to the right and at other times it's to the left. Every now and then you get it balanced out. There are times you believe you're doing everything correctly, then you discover you have to eat right, too. I guess that's part of the adventure. You can't get frustrated about it you just have to keep tipping the scales and when it comes to your weight you hope it tips to the left!

Life is hard work but hard work results in a great pay off! The best part about the work is not the end result, but the journey it took you to get there. I hope I never get so focused on the end result that I lose sight of the journey. Learn to laugh at yourself. When you fail (and you will), be proud that you tried, then try again. What's the journey you're on? What do you want for this new year? I pray you will enjoy the journey on your way to your destination! I pray you will take a chance and step out in faith into the unknown. Don't keep looking at the past focusing on your failures--your would of, could of, should ofs. Look to the future and trust in the Lord to balance out your scale!

Now I got to go get on the tread mill! ;)

Real deal or imitation

2008-11-26T15:36:00.002-05:00

I have a friend who likes Dr. Pepper. Actually, that's the understatement of the year. I really believe he would lay down his life, maybe even his family's lives for the drink! He loves it so much that when we eat at a restaurant that doesn't offer it or if they try to offer him Dr. Thunder or Mr. Pibb as an alternative, he looks at the server as if they just committed blasphemy as he says "no thanks, it's just not the same." Needless to say he is a die hard obsessed fanatic! He wants the real deal. You have to respect that. It's kinda hard to respect the person that takes the original of something and dilutes it to make a buck or two. Ripping off someone else's idea, where's the honor in that? I know someone else that will not buy the generic of Q-tips. He insists that its just not the same. My personal ear-cleaning choice is the cap of a pen! There are some companies that have been so effective in selling their product they have literally changed the name of what it once was called. Instead of, "could you pass me a tissue", we say, "could you pass me a kleenex". Instead of, "I need a bandage", we say, "I need a bandaid".

Im a huge Mac fan. I speak so highly of the product, I feel Steve Jobs should be paying me! His product has simplified my life. People ask me why do you like Mac over PC? The best answer I can give them is, "it helps me get more things done, in half the time", There's something to be said about the product that gets the loyalty of a person. The product has to be great in order for the person to not only like it, but sell it to his/her friends. I think about my Christianity. I wonder, is it the real deal or an imitation? Is it Dr. Pepper? or is it Dr. Thunder? Is it a Mac? or a PC? Would it simplify their lives, or make things more complicated for them? I know the Christianity that Jesus started would defiantly sell! People loved that guy! The people that hated him were the imitators the "Dr. Thunders." He sold a product that was valuable, not watered down. Somewhere along the way we've diluted the power of Christ. We've taken a name that was great and turned it into something it's not. I heard that Coca-Cola is so protective of their secret ingredients that only a handful of people even know how to make it. Of those handful, none of them know every ingredient. Without the other ingredients from the other people, it would not be Coca-Cola. I like Coca-Cola, it's good, it's a quality product. Coke recognizes that value to the point that they lock the recipe up! Jesus comes and shows us this awesome product--a product so awesome that nothing else compares! Mac, Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola--nothing holds a candle to Jesus. And get this, he gives the recipe to us! He entrust us with His recipe. Some have taken the original recipe and made watered down imitations, they've taken what tastes good to them and poured out what they didn't like. That's just it though, if you take one single ingredient, out of Coca-Cola, no matter how insignificant you feel that ingredient is, it's no longer Coca-Cola, it's an imitation, an impostor, a fake.

I want to live my Christianity in a way that says I'm the real deal. No one (besides Jesus) lived it better than Paul the Apostle. He literally tells people to "follow me as I follow Christ", (1 Corinthians 11:1). This guys was beaten with whips five different times, three different times he was beaten with rods, and once he had large stones throne at him! Once he spent a whole night and day adrift at sea! (2 Corinthians 11:23-30). C'mon people! If anyone was the real deal it was Paul the Apostle! I crack up when people say there is no God! If there was no God, Paul was one stupid man to suffer for nothing! We each discover if we are the real deal when we persevere through the trials that are sent our way. Anyone can serve Christ when circumstances are going their way...but it takes the real deal to serve Him when everything's crashing in. It's the trials and circumstances of life that shows us what our ingredients are and what we are made of.

I hope when people look at me they see the real deal; ultimately if they do, they will only see Christ.

"He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less." (John 3:30)

More than a feeling!

2008-10-09T15:43:00.003-04:00

I like feelings...most of them at least. I've seen these girls walk around with t-shirts that say "Drama Queen" on them, indicating
they're really emotional (which, girls, throws a red flag up to every guy 'stay away! 'she's a basket case!'). Often when people are talking to me about God they'll say "I don't feel Him," or, "He used to feel closer!" We equate feelings with the ability to gauge if God is near--we desire to feel that he loves us. I remember growing up and going to church camp. It felt like God was right there. As I got older it was as though I no longer felt or experienced Him in the way I used too. Why was that? Was it my pride; was I more distant from Him than I used to be; was it sin in my life? What triggers the "spiritual goose bumps?" There have been times when I felt He was right there kneeling next to me. But then there are times where I feel He's so far off, a million light years away, and I'll never be able to reconnect with Him. There's a story I heard of a woman that had been saved for 30 years that saw how God was blessing another woman who had just gotten saved. Out of frustration she asked God why He blessed this person that had only been serving Him for a couple of months. She had been serving Him faithfully for decades--why wasn't she reaping His blessings? God answered simply, "I bless her because she is new to me, and if I don't she'll leave me. I know you don't have to receive gifts from me all the time to love me, I know your love for me is not based on a feeling or how I bless you." This story has always challenged me. I never want my love for God to be based on a feeling. Im so glad that
when He died for me he didn't let His feelings control the situation.

Many of us are selfish in our relationship with Christ. We want it our way, on our time. In reality this is not a relationship at all, but instead is a dictatorship--with us in the role of dictator. If God never answered another prayer for me, and I never felt those "spiritual goose bumps" ever again, God would still be sovereign. He would still be a God of love and grace. He doesn't owe me anything. Yet, He already gave
me the greatest gift He could ever give...His life. I pray He helps me to live my life for Him whether or not I "feel" Him or not.

There could be many reasons why you don't feel Him like you used to. It could be there's sin in your life; it could be that you are just too far
away to hear His voice; but it could be that you aren't doing anything wrong. It could be God is letting your faith become stronger. James 1:3-4 reads, "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." The sad thing is most of us don't want to go through those trials to become stronger; we wan it to be like zap--fast and easy. That's just our human nature. The truth of it is, nothing has a lasting impact without a testing. God is always there, no matter how far away He feels. It says in Psalms 139:7-8 "I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there, if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there."

Take time to examine your heart and ask yourself why He feels far away. If it's the way you're living, ask for His forgiveness and come back to Him. If you're just in a place of testing, stand firm and hold tightly to His truth (the Bible). Let us be people that love Him not for what He can give us, but for what He has already done. Thank you Jesus for feelings, but let my relationship with You be more than a feeling!

Who am I?

2008-09-16T21:09:00.001-04:00

My freshman year in college I went on a Missions trip to Amsterdam, Holland. It was a trip that would change my life forever. We teamed up with a missionary, and our primary job was to be released on the streets of Amsterdam and witness! I don't know if you've heard too much about Amsterdam, but let me break it down for you...people don't go there to hear the gospel of Jesus! In Amsterdam drugs are legal, so people (mainly Americans) come from all over the world to experience the "freedom" of doing drugs right out in the open. I remember when I first got there, looking around and seeing coffee shops every where! I thought to myself, "Man these people must really love their coffee!" When I went into one of them I received two menus one for coffee and the other for marijuana! I immediately looked around thinking I was going to jail just for walking into the place. I watched wide-eyed as people would go up to this guy behind a wall of smoked filled glass and place their order for their marijuana. He would roll it up for them then take a hit for his tip. This guy had to be high as a kite, all he did for eight hours was smoke weed!! I quickly learned that all those "coffee shops” were not just your regular Starbucks!

After the initial shock of thinking "Oh my God I'm in Sodom and Gomorrah!" I began to go up to people and present the gospel of Jesus Christ. Person after person I would tell of how God loved them so much that He gave His Son so they could have eternal life. They would listen intently, hanging on every word. I thought "Man this is going to be easy." Then I would ask them if they would like to accept Jesus as their personal Savior they would say, "No thanks. That's great it works for you though--thanks for talking with me!" Each time it was like someone took my ice cream cone and threw it on the ground (I can relate to food not balloons). I was extremely discouraged but kept up with it, sharing my story and telling how Christ loved me and saved me.

One day as I was walking down the street, I began to witness to this guy. He was a short, African-American man and looked very busy. When I asked if I could talk with him he said "Sure--walk with me." When I began to share Christ with him he immediately stopped and looked at me with wide eyes. He was surprised that I was in Amsterdam, doing something productive.

He asked who I was with. I told him I was here with my college and was spending a week sharing our story and how Jesus saved us. He was a producer that worked for a reputable television station in Europe. He was doing a documentary about backpackers in Amsterdam. He said he had four stories and all of them were about people coming to Amsterdam to do drugs and see the red light district. He was looking for a fifth story and asked if I would like to do it. So from that brief meeting, I and my friends Colby and Dave along with Art VanZanten the director of our college spent a day being filmed as we witnessed on the streets of Amsterdam. We were fortunate that our director Art was a native of Holland and fluent in the language, so if the filmmakers were trying to pull any funny stuff we would know.

We were put up in a youth hostel named the "Flying Pig." If you don't know what a youth hostel is, trust me, you don't ever want to stay in one! Imagine a frat house where everyone thinks not showering is cool. But it's a really cheap way to travel Europe and does put a roof over your head. You never quite escape the feeling you're gonna catch something once you walk into the place. The idea was to put us up in the hostel and the next morning they would start filming us. Art and I were in one room, Colby and Dave in another. The room was about as basic and nasty as you could get. You received your sheets for the bed at the front desk when you checked in. I remember thinking "the only thing that's missing is the rats and crack head lady in the corner." Sure enough, I looked over and there they were...just messing, but you catch my drift.

We awoke at 8:00 am to a knock on the door and when we answered it, there was a camera in our face. Art and I were standing in our jersey shorts and messed up hair. I was thinking, "I sure hope they're not recording", but the red blinking light erased that hope. Great! Let's start the day off looking like idiots! We quickly got ready and went to get breakfast. We went to a corner market where they were selling these huge waffles. Not your regular waffle, these had whipped cream, cherries and chocolate on it and it was about the size of a small boy! We were passing it around and as it got to Dave he fumbled it, flinging the whole thing all over me. As my temper began to swell, the camera zoomed in. I looked at Dave and thought "Jason, don't say what you're thinking 'cause it's really bad and you need to be a good witness." So I forced a cheesy grin, looked at Dave "Hey, that's okay, Dave, Buddy, ol pal, accidents happen!"

We were outfitted with wireless mics and everything we said could be heard 30 feet away. For the first time in my life I thought about literally every word that came out of my mouth. I wish I would live as if I had a wireless mic on me all the time, it would save me from getting into trouble with my wife!! For hours we were filmed as we witnessed to people. Amsterdam is a unique place, with a variety of different people from all walks of life. On one corner you would see a bunch of tourists taking pictures like you would see at Disney World, while across the street you would see a man shooting up heroin. It seemed everyone I spoke with was surprised I was talking to them about Jesus and not drugs or sex. Amsterdam is known for its "red light district," a strip of street located in the back end of the city. Women in lingerie stand in windows, red neon lights posted above their store signaled to others they were in business. While prostitution is the main focus, drugs are also prevalent. The film director wanted us to go down to the red light district to do our witnessing. He wanted to see how we would react to that situation. Art looked at him and said "No we don't need to go down there, anyone that goes down there also comes back up here." You could feel the rest of us sigh in relief! The objective was to witness on the streets of Amsterdam for a couple of hours then meet up with the rest of the team at an event where we would be doing a service. On our way to the service we tried to board a tram. I say tried to because when the tram stopped we failed to push the button that says "push this button to open the door." It was so funny the film crew was on one side of the tracks waiting to get on the train and we were on the other side waiting, waiting and waiting for the door to open. We figured we did something wrong when the train pulled away, the passengers looking at us like we were morons! The film crew jumped out of their train and had a good laugh at our expense...jerks! We made it to our event and when we finally were ready to call it a day after 12 hours of filming, the director wanted to get one last interview with us.

He sat us down in a room and said he wanted to ask us an impromptu question. He asked who would like to go first and I raised my hand. Immediately I thought "wait a minute why the junk did I raise my hand!!" It unnerved all of us to be asked a question we didn't know before the cameras were rolling. No time to prepare just bam there it is! He started to record and then looked at me and said "who is Jason Maupin?" It seemed that red light on that camera was blinking a million miles an hour...maybe it was my heart. I had never been asked that before. It's one of those questions you don't ask people, you know? That's definitely a conversation killer. Can you imaging you just meet someone; they ask you your name and then ask you but who are you? Kind of weird! I thought for a second then said "Jason Maupin is a sinner in need of a Savior that was saved by grace." I don't even remember what everyone else said I just kept thinking who am I? Who am I? That's one of those questions that will make you think, because there is so much to it. What are your motives, what do you believe, when the day ends and you're by yourself who are you really? After they got done I spoke with the camera man who was actually from New York. I asked him who are you? I think he gave the most honest answer when he said "I have no idea."

It's easy to put on a face and be someone you're not, pretend you're doing ok and most of the time those people end up fooling everyone else into buying it. When it's all said and done though you have to look into the mirror and deal with the person looking back. I know some people who live their lives trying to fool everyone else around them. I guess it's easier for them to be someone they're not rather than actually live with the person they are. No one's perfect but I respect the person who sees he isn't, admits it, and then deals with it. At different points of my life I've gone through some soul-searching. I really took some time after that question. In Psalms 139:23-24 King David prays a prayer that says "Search me oh God and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts, point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life." That's one of my favorite verses. I don't think it’s wrong to not have an answer to who you are; I think King David prayed that prayer so he could find out who he really was. So many people look to the things of the world to give them their identity: drugs, alcohol, sports, clothes, their job, their looks, etc. The only one that can give purpose and identity to something is the maker of that thing.

So, back to the documentary. I asked if they could mail me a copy after they completed it. When I didn't hear from them after about six months of calling them, I began to wonder what was up. I'm pretty persistent, but after a full year of calling and not hearing from them, I just figured they trashed it and didn't want to tell me. Seven years later I was back in Amsterdam speaking in a couple of International Schools. I was on the trolley with Art when he looked at me with a surprised look and motioned for me to look behind me. He said, "That’s him, that's the guy!" Sure enough I looked over and it was the director that filmed us seven years earlier! It felt like a Seinfeld episode!! I immediately jumped to my feet and went over to the guy. I said "do you remember us? We were the guys you filmed seven years ago." He got this wide-eyed look that said "oh man these guys are crazy!!" I know he was thinking "these guys are Americans they won't be back over here so I don't have to give them the video." Well folks, God sure has a sense of humor!! He said to stop by his office and he'd get it for us. It makes me laugh just thinking of it! What are the chances!!! Art and I practically cornered the guy!! After seven years of frustration! "You wanna know who I am huh! I'm a crazy persistent grudge-holding dude that will fly over here seven years later to get that video!!" I didn't say that to him, but I'm sure he was expecting me to say it. I'm thankful it happened that way. It shows me that God cares about the little things!

The guy ended up giving us a bogus tape. Im sure he thought he'd better give us something or we wouldn't leave him alone. Im glad we didn't get the tape the first time, that guys face when he saw us seven years later made it worth the wait! I've thought a lot about that night, when I was asked "who are you?" When all is said and done I still stick with the answer I gave 7 years ago. Jason Maupin is a sinner, in need of a Savior, that was saved by grace. I know its a constant journey finding your true identity, what you like, what you dislike, but I know Im committed to that journey and all the great times that come with it. When you're alone take time to ask your self--and more importantly--ask your maker the question of who you really are. It's all right if you don't like the answer. Just continue to be faithful to following the steps He (your maker) lays out before you.

New additions to the website!!

2008-08-30T00:22:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! There has been some new additions to the Elevate website (www.elevateindustries.com) a couple of which include the Elevate blog (my random thoughts) and also the Elevate news letter (what's been happening on the road). In order to not be redundant the news letter will be different than the blog. If you would like to receive the News letter or the Blog please visit www.elevateindustries.com and sign up for it. The Blog will also be posted on my Myspace, Facebook, and Xanga, automatically. The Newsletter however will be sent to only those who sign up for it. Thank you to all my supporters, I could not do this without you!! Much love!

Remember When?

2008-07-14T16:07:00.001-04:00

Many times I think back to my first encounter with Jesus Christ. I was at the top of a four-story parking garage, contemplating whether life was worth living. My parents were just separating, my brother was doing drugs and running wild and my mother was on her death bed with Lupus. It appeared that life wasn't as precious as people spoke about. I was only 14 and already had bought into the lie that I was born to fail. I remember reaching up to the heavens with one last desperate hope, saying "God if you're real you better show me, please help." And then He spoke. He took time to speak to me, or maybe I was finally at a point where I was able to hear. When Christ speaks it changes you. From that day forward I knew He was real. Have you ever had one of those times where you remember the time and date where you realized He was real? What He did for you? The pain He took on Himself, so that we could live. I began to cry...no, I began to bawl! You see there's crying then there's the ugly cry! That's when you're crying so hard that you can't breathe! You're choking on your snot, feeling you may just die. But I didnt care! Because someone chose to love me, despite who I was. But then as time goes by you become more dignified, you learn how to form your prayers the "right" way--praying the prayers that everyone likes. You become adept at learning what to say and what not to say and how to say it. You forget about the time you did the "ugly cry" or if you do you remember it's with a tinge of embarrassment. You forget about how messed up you were when He first found you. You even might start to say "I'm really proud of where I came from," forgetting it wasn't you who brought you out. That's why I like to remember the time He first came to me, it brings me back to what's important--back to who's important. Take time to reflect, to remember when. Much love!!

Florida Camp!!

2008-07-06T14:59:00.002-04:00

What up everyone!! Just wanted to say hey to all of you at Florida camp! Thanks so much for making me part of your family! I had a great time!! You all scared me to death when you charged the stage to give me a hug!! I've never been hugged by 200 people at once! Whoever pulled my hair is gonna get it! Black team your the best even though you tried to drown me!! Im heading up North now to another camp! Keep loving Jesus and always remember when the devil is picking on you to look back at him and say "BRING IT ON!!!!" Much love!! :)

Jason

My Calling

2008-07-02T13:56:00.001-04:00

A lot of times when I travel I get asked the question "how do I know that Im called?" I believe a persons calling is very important. Your calling is what keeps you going when you feel like throwing in the towel. A "calling" is when God calls you to do something. Its like a christians thesis statement when writing a paper, it keeps you on track. Without being called I doubt Peter would of been so courageous to not only be crucified for Christ but to' say "I want to be crucified upside down!" I remember my calling like it was yesterday. I was 15 and was in a band called Carbonated Society, (yes I know, you don't have to say it, I know the name rocks). I didn't contribute much to this band as far as playing or singing, I mostly helped set up and give a laugh or two. The band was comprised of some of my best friends. We really thought our music was going places, we thought we were really good. When you play for mostly your friends and parents, you to would think you were good. Your mom is never a good judge when it comes to getting an honest opinion, she's the one who thought it was cute when you threw up as a kid. She's also the one who tells those "special" people on American Idol they have a unique talent and can sing like and angel! In all seriousness we stunk! Our intentions were good though. The times I remember the most, were the prayer times we had. I was 15 and we were practicing in my friends garage. This garage was nasty, it looked and smelled like something out of the movie the goonies! I remember all of us freaking out because there was spiders everywhere!! I mean everywhere! It really kept you from falling asleep when praying! At the time I saw a lot of my friends graduating and doing the whole 2 year community college thing. Not that it was bad but most of them were doing it because they had no purpose or direction on where to go. I remember praying "Oh God please give me direction give me purpose for my life!" Coming from a past of rejection and abuse my future didn't look so bright. But nevertheless I knew I wanted to be used by God. That day in that damp, moldy, spider infested garage God spoke to me clearly as anyone has ever spoken to you. He said "speak." He didn't say anything else just one word "speak." He didn't scream it he just spoke real softly. I remember feeling such joy and excitement because I knew God had called me. I can't tell you friend, how many times that one word has kept me doing what Im doing. Its not always easy, sometimes you wanna quit but you know your called and that calling keeps you in the fight, it keeps you swinging for one more round. It says in James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer... If your struggling with your calling have God reaffirm it to you, there's no problem with that, and if you don't know your calling take time to fast and pray and ask God to speak to you on what to do. Trust me its worth your time!

Committed to a change!!

Jason Maupin

New Elevate Blog

2008-06-28T18:37:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone this is the new Elevate Blog! This is different than my newsletter. I will be posting stuff at different times. Mostly my thoughts and whats happening on the road. Keep checking back to see what the word on the skreet is. Much love to all my supporters!!

Committed to a change!

Jason