My co-worker and I had a long discussion the other day about Good Friday, today. We were talking about how Easter is a huge deal. There are church services, the Easter bunny, families get together… Why don’t we also recognize Good Friday? That’s actually the day Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and saved us from our sins. Her and I both think this should be a   national holiday! Right up there with Christmas! Am I wrong? I’m pretty jazzed about the fact that 2010 years ago he did this for me.  I plan on taking some time out of today to just spend in his presence. I don’t do this nearly enough, but today, I’m going to make a point of it. Might even dust off some of the old worship music that’s been sitting on my shelf for years and give that a round on the guitar. What about you? Let me know if you plan on doing something special to remember this epic day.

Makah – Day 2

Today started off waking up, then immediately packing up all of our personal belongings and loading them back into the bus. The community was using “The Hall,” where we were staying, later in the day, so we couldn’t just leave our bags and sleeping gear lying around. After everything was on the bus, it we had a quick breakfast before walking down the street to The Assembly of God church where we would be having our services all week.

Just before service started, myself and the other men from our trip gathered in a bonus room to pray for the up coming service. This was an awesome way to start off the day, spiritually and simply from a unity standpoint. Once service got underway, there were definitely some cobwebs hanging around. A pretty slow start overall, very low energy and almost an uneasy, “what are we supposed to do” feeling. Things really picked up though when Tim grabbed the mic and started sharing the word he had prepared the night before. Unaware to me, Tim, who was sleeping 3 feet from me on the gym floor, was up till 2am preparing this message. His great energy filled the room as he preached about Vision. The rest of the service flew by smoothly.

As service ended Levi, Boaz and I were making an effort to meet some of the locals and try to break through the barrier of local vs. foreigner.  Little did we know that we would meet a man, who seemed almost completely deaf, and he would talk our ears off for almost an hour. He told us of his experiences in Bible College in Seattle, and how God had delivered him from death a few times. When he was young, he got sick and doctors had to operate on his stomach. They said he actually died for 32 hrs. He also shared how he had been run over by a car locally. It split his head wide open and he spent a few days in a coma. This man seriously had faced some challenges in his life, but that didn’t have any effect on how much he loved the Lord and how full of the Holly Spirit he was. It was pretty cool. Since he stayed around so long after service and the group was getting ready to sit down to lunch in the back room of the church, he was invited to join us. He sat with another group and it looked like he was running through the story again with them, unresponsive to any questions they had as well; again, pretty sure he was completely deaf.

The bus loaded back up after lunch and we drove through town to the Makah Museum. The museum owners were very generous and let us take a tour for free. In this community that was about two miles across by two miles deep, I was expecting a little one-room museum. Nope! It was huge! It ran through the history of the Makah people and talked about the ruins, which were covered by a massive mudslide. Most of the artifacts that were in the museum had been recovered from that site. One of the things the Makah people are most famous for is whaling in their culture. The museum walked through how the Makah would whale with a canoe and harpoon. Pretty impressive stuff that left me trying to fathom how much work that would be.

There was no agenda for the rest of the day, so we filled it just trying to relax and prepare for the work we knew we’d be doing for the rest of the week. We made a trip to the general store, some of the guys had a basketball game while most of the girls took a nap, it was pretty nice to unwind from traveling so much the day before. Boaz and I decided to walk around town with his camera after basketball to cool down. We ended up making a very cute stray friend along the way.

After we got back to the church, everyone sat down for a quick dinner and then gathered for an awesome night of worship. The spirit of the Lord was very present during that service. I ended up responding to an alter call with my apprehensions about the trip.  I knew the next few days would be a lot of work and I was a little fearful of how I would be able to handle it all. Many other people ended up responding also for pain, both physically and emotionally. I love those types of services where people are completely transformed. Myself, after having someone pray for me, all of my fears and apprehensions were gone and I had a new commitment and energy about the coming days.

After service, we played bump, which would end up becoming a regular activity on the trip. One of our guys got a little carried away with the bumping and ended up braking a light on the 30 foot ceiling … we all got a good laugh out of it and he ended up disqualifying himself, I think a mix of embarrassment and feeling bad. When the game ended, we decided it had been enough of a day for us. Back at “The Hall,” we unloaded the bus, a few of us grabbed showers, and it was lights out. Tomorrow we start our service to these people by helping with community projects and volunteering. I’m pretty excited to begin blessing these people.

Makah Day 1

6:30 am, I pulled into my buddy Boaz’s house to meet him, his wife Jessica, Kayla and Taylor so we could all carpool out to the church together. I had my Starbucks in me and was feeling pumped and ready to go on my first ever mission! This was going to be amazing! We loaded the bus up and headed out around 7:30. Our little group of 5 were some of the first to arrive so we got our pick of the seats on the bus. We chose the front two rows which were the only two that faced each other. This was awesome because it gave us foot rests and we could face each other to talk more on the long drive up to the furthest northwestern point of the United States.

After a quick stop at the Walmart in Woodburn to stretch our legs, we didn’t stop again until we were about an hour over the border into Washington. Our leaders had ordered a bunch of pizzas that we picked up, and had a giant picnic in a park. The weather was gorgeous in the park which allowed us to throw the football around. We stopped again in Port Angeles for a quick rest stop. The tiny little town of Port Angeles has become very well known from the Twilight books. It’s not quite as famous as Forks Washington, but it still had it’s very own “Dazzled by Twilight” store that the tourists who visit the small town because of the books can pick up their souvenirs from. Neah Bay, where the Makah reservation is located, is was only another hour and a half drive. We were told Neah Bay was technically a rain forest, and it was very evident when we hit the rain forest portion. We went from gorgeous blue skies to gray and gloomy rain in a matter of minutes. Despite the change in weather, the sceneray was unreal. Miles of rode run right past a giant crystal clear lake, home to at least a couple bald eagles that we saw, which we discovered later were all over that area and we saw one almost every day.

The last 20 minutes of the drive was spent in prayer and worship. When we started this, I think it finally set in that we were actually almost at this place we had talked about for several months. I definitely got a little more serious, I’ll admit, I may have been even a little nervous about what lied ahead for us. Again, this was my firsts missions trip and I really didn’t know what all to expect. We had discussed several times on our weekly meetings how we weren’t just going to a reservation, but we were going to a spiritual war zone. Our leaders talked about how much the enemy hates the fact that we are coming to this nation to share what Jesus did on the cross, and how every trip seams to have spiritual attacks come against it.While on the bus, we prayed for the community we were about to enter and that God would use us to our fullest potential. I’ll never forget the rush and confidence I had come over me. It was one of the coolest feelings I’ve ever had. I really felt the reason we were on this trip and felt such a presence of God on that bus. As we drove into the town, my heart ached for the condition of most of the houses they were living in. One of the legends of the Makah people involves the Thunderbird, which they idolize everywhere. We saw it on the sides of buildings, on totem poles, all over the place. It was evident that this piece of wood wasn’t doing much to bless the community, but we all know how wonderful the God we serve is, and what he can bring. We first just needed to introduce him.

We arived arrived at Living Waters Church in Neah Bay. This was the church the girls were going to be sleeping in. The entire church consisted of a 15×20 foot room, a small kitchen and a bathroom. Outside, there was a mobile home that was used for sunday school classes on Sundays during service, (you’ll hear much more about this later). Upon arrival, we were greeted by the pastors of this church, husband and wife Pastors Andrew and Andrea. They welcomed us and after quick introduction of the 50 or so people we had brought, it was chow time. BBQ burgers hit the spot after that long drive. After we stuffed our faces, we unloaded the girls stuff from the bus and the guys headed to “The Hall” aka the community center. This is where we would be sleeping all week.

After unloading the rest of the stuff off the bus and setting up our sleeping areas on the hard wood floors of “The Hall”, 5 us us decided we’d rather shower that night than wake up early the next morning. We hopped back on the bus, and a 5 minute drive later, got to the marina where we’d be showering all week. One of the small competitions we had by the end of the week was to see who could take a one quarter (25 cents) shower. One minute to do whatever you need to do to get clean. Happy to say, I was able to accomplish this once. (fist pump)

Falling asleep the first night was anything but simple. I had a million thoughts running through my mind about how we were going to minister to these people. What type of community service projects would I be doing? Would I be starting them tomorrow? It took some time, but eventually, I was able to get to sleep, and rest up for what tomorrow would bring…

With that said, here is a video of Mahayla McFadden that her dad made. She and her parents are my snowboard family and I feel so blessed to have them in my life (well 4 months out of the year). They’re the type of people you love to be around because they really love life and live it like the gift it is. Mahayla was 7 years old this year and it blows my mind to see how good she’s becoming.

Even though it seems like my snowboarding season is over, and that is a big deal, it isn’t the reason I started this post tonight. I do try to talk a little bit about snowboarding on this blog, but the main focus here and in my life is God. This missions trip is a big deal for me and I’m ready to dive into it 100%. I really hope we have the opportunity to make an impact on the Makah community and just be able to share Jesus’ love with them. I’m planning on keeping a journal while I’m up there so I can update this blog when I get free time or when I get home a week from tomorrow. Please be praying for myself and the other 30+ individuals going on this trip.

-Jason

2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

1: I’m gearing up for my first missions trip ever. About 20 of the youth from my church and I are going up to and Indian reservation in Washington, to clean up the community, paint some houses, and most importantly, introduce people to Christ. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous about it. Everyone who has gone before says it is a real spiritual battle. The only thing I can really do to prepare for it is pray, pray, pray, fast, pray and pray. So that’s what I’ve been doing.

2. I have a new passion. Well, it’s a passion I’ve had for a while. I love working with video! I used to make highlight films of my brothers sports teams and give them out to all the parents at the end of year party. I’ve always shot video of my friends and I on the mountain. I FINALLY have a program and computer that will allow me to really do what I’ve always wanted, professional editing. Every chance I get, I’m either taking online classes, reading forums, or just playing around with these programs to familiarize myself with them. I can’t wait till this summer, when I get to film two of my good friends’ weddings, and possibly one additional one. I plan on using the footage from these weddings to start my portfolio and my own videography business.

3. Still snowboarding. I got a chance to ride Mt. Bachelor for the first time two weeks ago. We went up two days and it was everything I thought it would be and more. We spent the first day on softer ground, great for lapping the park and trying stuff without the fear of getting hurt. This was amazing, since the mountain I’m used to riding has a park that consists of 3 boxes. woop-de-do. The second day was the highlight though. We had beautiful, clear skies that opened up the summit lift. I have had “helicopter snowboard run” on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Riding down the summit of Bachelor was the run I had envisioned for my eventual heli-run. I still can’t wait to someday jump out of a helicopter and ride down an untouched mountain face, but until that day, the summit of Bachelor will definitely tied me over. It was so cool.

That’s about it for my right now. I have to thank God for all the blessings in my life. I seriously have some awesome friends that support me with all of the things I listed above and it honestly wouldn’t be the same without them. I do have a prayer request for my mom. She’s going through a lot right now and this time of the year is already very difficult for her. Sunday will be the two-year anniversary of my dad passing away from cancer.

I’m excited to be back to the blog and am looking forward to everything God has planned for me. I leave you all with the two memory verses that we’re reading and memorizing daily before our mission trip. They are:

Joshua 1:8-9 (New International Version)

8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Romans 10:14-15 (New International Version)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

I think of my attitude sometimes when he calls me to follow him and I wonder if Moses ever felt the same way. I can just imagine Moses’ reaction when after traveling for miles and miles, probably sore and tired, he just gets his tent pitched and is getting ready for bed when God comes along and says, “time to move again, follow me.” I’m sure in that moment Moses was thinking, “Are you F*ing kidding me?! I just got done following you?! I’m sore, tired, exhausted and could really some rest.” I know I feel that way sometimes. It seems like God gets done putting me through one test, and the next thing I know is he’s getting me up for the next one. But after about two seconds of feeling sorry for myself and wanting to hit the snooze button on God, I remember who it is that’s calling me. It’s the creator of the universe. My creator. He knows me better than I will ever know myself. Even if i think I may know what I want, he knows better. All of the storms I’ve weathered up to this point in my life will be for a purpose. I’m stronger now, and in a closer relationship with God than I would have thought possible a few years ago. I’ve been lucky to have such a wonderful God to walk beside me. So, if his plan for me is to go fight another battle, alright. I’m gearing up.

So what is God’s plan for me? My guess is it’s going to require this strength. I believe everything God sets in place is for a reason, and if this is his plan, there’s a purpose behind it… only the future will tell

One of my favorite authors (see Bella Channing link to the right) uses music as an inspiration in her writing. I’m also very inspired by music, not so much in writing, but for life in general. I heard this song on the radio the other day for the first time and it’s lyrics are so inspiring. Perfect “weathering the storm” music. Take a listen.

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Fear is described as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.”

The impending danger I faced for the day was the risk of getting very hurt on one of the boxes in the park. Today was my first day this year running through the park. First time through, took it easy, checked the landings out, nothing new. Second trip… I wanted to boardslide the first flat box. This is a trick that I’ve always had some difficulty with in the past because you have to get the board sliding just right on the box. Too much on the heal edge, slides right out and you take a seat, but too much on the toe, you grab, and fly superman style right over the front of your board. Needless to say I was a little nervous about the trick. I gave myself a few runs to think it over but ended up deciding it needed to happen otherwise I would regret not trying it all week. I’d be sitting at my desk, frustrated out of my mind that I’d let my fear get the best of me. So I tried it… and I ate s***. Halfway through the box, my “I’m going faster than I want to” instincts kicked in, tried to dig the heals in (you can’t do this on a box or rail) and my feet went straight out from under me. Butt then hip on the box. Trick = epic fail, but it doesn’t matter, because I tried it. If only I could apply this “failure doesn’t mater so long as I tried” concept to my life outside of snowboarding…

Challenges in life (at least my life) always have very VERY clear risks attached to them. The risk of failure, rejection, pissing someone off, I’ll admit, has kept me from doing some things that NEED to get done. Why do they NEED to get done? Because they’re eating me up! For me, it’s 10X worse not knowing what will happen than having the worst case scenario actually happen! Luckily, New Years, the wonderful time for resolutions and fresh starts, is only a few days away! “Conquering the fear, not necessarily the challenge” is my main  new years resolution for 2010!

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”

God. God is the real constant in my life and the one I can always count on. I’ve had my share of ups and downs in this life. He always seems to humble me from the ups and pick me up from the downs. Learning to put my full trust in Him has not been something that’s come easy to me, but now that I do, I can’t imagine life any other way. He has been so good to me, and has blessed me with a major (sometimes obsessive) passion for snowboarding. I truly believe that God has a plan for my life, and all I can do is follow his path and I’ll end up fulfilling His will. I was getting the feeling this blog was the next step on that path. I’m blindly jumping into this new blog world, not sure where it will take me but I’m sure in time I’ll find out.

Stoked about it!

Mathew 6:33-34

³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.