August 13, 2024 - Ministry Update

Since my last update, it's been an exciting couple of weeks. I've been busy with support raising  appointments, network visits, youth ministry coach trainings, 1-on-1's, a week of Capernaum Camp, and family schedules. And though it has felt a little overwhelming, I can honestly say, I can't wait to be fully-funded and working full-time with youth leaders and students.

We're just about to turn the corner to a new and familiar season of life, back to school. Our youngest is getting ready for her Sophomore year of high school. No 4, is getting ready to start his first year of college. And Amy and I are looking forward to getting back to our school year routines. But as we look towards the quickly approaching school season, I am also getting excited to get back to support raising and connecting with youth leaders in the Ohio Valley and Western PA.

Our goal and prayer, is to be funded so we can begin full-time ministry with NNYM. this fall. I am looking forward to the upcoming appointments where I will have the opportunity to share my ministry and invite folks into partnership with me.

I will also have the opportunity to share in a couple exciting events. On Thursday, August 22nd, I will travel to Harrisburg, PA to meet up with with a couple of my NNYM teammates, and a bunch of youth leaders for Accelerate PA. Accelerate PA is a one-day event where we will celebrate what God is doing among students, while cultivating strategic relationships that will help youth leader reach the next generation. I ask that you would join with me in prayer for this event. and the youth leaders who will participate. You can learn a little more by clicking here, Accelerate PA.

Second, I have been asked to preach at St. Paul's EP Church, in Somerset, PA. St. Paul's was our church home when we lived in Somerset. We started attending in attending there around when Asher was born. Then in 2007, I joined the staff as the youth pastor. I'm looking forward to preaching on Sunday, September 1st, at both the 8:30 and 10:00 AM services. 

Then on Tuesday, September 17th, I will be partnering with Pine Springs Camp as we host the Highlands Youth Leaders Network. It will be a great time as youth leaders from Somerset and Cambria counties meet at Pine Springs for lunch, a tour of the camp, some ministry discussion, a book swap, and a few more fun surprises in the works.

On August 1st, my monthly eNewsletter, Appalachia Update, found it's way into the inboxes of my current ministry partners and supports.  I was able to share about the first of my four focus points for the 2024-2025 year.  If you missed the eNewsletter, please reach out and I can help you sign up to receive my monthly updates.

Lastly, as we draw closer to the fall and the start of many youth ministry calendars, I'd like to ask you to join me in prayer. This week, NNYM is sponsoring a prayer event called, Footprints on Campus. The event encourages youth leaders, church leaders, parents, teachers, neighbors, community leaders, and anyone else, to meet up on the campuses of their local schools to pray for the upcoming school year. I can think of no better way to begin the school year but with it bathed in prayer. If you would like to know more, click here Footprints on Campus,

I want to thank you for your continued prayers as I embark on this new and exciting ministry path. If you would like to become on of my monthly support partners, click here, JOIN JAY"S TEAM! Your monthly commitment allows me the opportunity to create collaborative spaces for youth leaders in the Appalachia Area to be personally encouraged, professionally equipped, and spiritually strengthened for faithful and effective ministry with the next generation.

​- better together

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