Bringing in the New Year 2021
Jest Kidding and Goliath’s Spear are looking forward to bringing in a new year. In Isaiah 54:2, God told His people to “Go big or go home”. OK, maybe not exactly in those words. God said, “Enlarge the tent, stretch the curtains, lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes”. Basically what He was saying is, “GROW” and that is exactly what we are doing. As we bring in a New Year, we are also bringing in new team members.
Two years ago we put out eight things that we have been trusting the Lord for by the end of 2020. Little did we realize at that time all that would happen to get us where we are now. We asked you to be praying along with us that these things would come about. It was our 2020 vision.
One of the things on that list was for someone to come alongside us to help us and eventually be in a position to take over the ministry of Jest Kidding and Goliath’s Spear. Sheldon and Vicky are not looking at retiring even though for the past few years we have been getting older. Wait a minute; I guess all of us are getting older. The cold hard fact is, the number of meetings that we have always done are getting harder and harder to do. The equipment used in these meetings keeps getting heavier and heavier. It takes us more time to do things than it used to and along with that we are dealing with the aches and pains that come with getting older. We need someone younger and stronger to help us.
Let me introduce to you, Jody Marvin and his family. The first time Jody saw Sheldon doing gospel magic, he was twelve years old. Jody has been involved with gospel magic from a young age. Jody and his wife Tina love the Lord and His Word and are no strangers to ministry. Jody has served as the director of two different Christian camps. He has been a children’s pastor, camp speaker, vacation Bible school director and plays several different musical instruments.
Jody has many other skills as well. He is a lifeguard, a licensed EMT and has written curriculum used to teach others CPR and First Aid. He has directed and produced many training videos and has raised seven kids to serve the Lord.
On December 17th, Jody endured rigorous questioning from our Board of Directors and passed with flying colors. It has been a long process getting to this point and the Board overwhelmingly voted to have Jody join our ministry as a missionary. We are extremely excited to have this man on our team. We look forward to his service with us and onto the Lord. All of us feel that Jody has the skills and the vision to not only continue our existing ministries but to expand them to become even greater, to GROW.
Jody has a large family and along with that comes large needs. Some of his kids are starting to leave the nest but none are married and totally out on their own. As a missionary with us, Jody needs to raise his support. He needs your help. Vicky and I still need your support as well but I’m asking you to please consider adding the Marvin’s to your monthly giving to the Lord. Housing, food, utilities and health insurance are a huge expense for any family. Yet these things are necessary for anyone. In order to keep the ministry of Jest Kidding and Goliath’s Spear affordable for churches, camps and schools, it is going to take sponsors, supporters like you to help meet these daily needs.
I know that God has some of His people who can give $100 or more per month. I also know there are those who can give $50 or $25, $5 or $10 a month. All of us can pray. Will you commit to praying for the Marvin’s and supporting them the best you can? Jody is ready, able and willing to start traveling with us as soon as possible. Would you consider starting your support in January? What a great way to start a new year, taking on a new missionary. Typically missionaries who work with children have a difficult time raising support. I don’t believe that needs to be true. Boys and girls need the Lord desperately today . Help us get the gospel to them with your prayers and tax deductible gifts. Donations can be made online at either JestKidding.com or GoliathsSpear.com. Checks can be made out to either ministry name with a note that it is for Jody.