The NEXT Chapter!

To our many, many friends!

Judy and I just did not fully realize how many friends we have out there. We knew there were a lot. We have been overwhelmed by all of you- in a good way, in fact in a great way! Perhaps this could all be summarized in the question you have been asking: "So, what are you going to do?"

Judy and I are going to be joining up with the team working together on The Jonathan Project!

So you are asking "what is the Jonathan Project?"

• First, it is very important to know where this Ministry received it's name. I Samuel 14:6 tells the story of Jonathan, son of King Saul, who went out and took a little hill in a battle against the Philistines. You can read the entire story in I Samuel 14:1-23. This story is the testimony of one man who demonstrated incredible faith in God and who went and took a small hill from the Philistines against tremendous odds. The end result of this step of faith by just one man, released the Power of God and in that day the Philistines were routed and victory came to Israel. (I Samuel 14:23)
• THE JONATHAN PROJECT is a Ministry taking "hills for the Lord against tremendous odds!"
• Here is the primary function: THE JONATHAN PROJECT trains indigenous people how to do church. But more than that they instruct and train church leaders how to lead and release "church planting churches" within the context of who they are and what they have, without the continued long term financial assistance of the American Church or the European Church.
• Obviously this is NOT the only way to do Missions. But it is a new paradigm that churches in America will learn and subscribe to...especially in these unusual economic times.
• "Church Multiplication" is one of the key ways this world will be evangelized for Jesus Christ. The training and releasing of National Leaders is fundamental to this plan and project.
• THE JONATHAN PROJECT has been operational for about 12 years. In that time frame about 1,000 churches have been planted, primarily in Asian countries- from the Philippines to India. Over 300,000 people have come to faith in the past twelve years.
• By increasing the size of the JONATHAN team, how many more people will come to faith and how many more churches will be planted in these next five years?
• I believe THE JONATHAN PROJECT will find it's way into Central Asia, the Middle East, into Africa and Europe. And I also look for this Ministry to find roots in South America.
• My role in this ministry will include these objectives:
• Be trained in one of the training sessions to be able to wrap my arms around this entire ministry. Three training sessions are currently being planned: Cambodia in April; the Philippines in July and Thailand in September.
• Represent this ministry to the American Church.
• Raise financial support for more training sessions of indigenous leaders so they can go to their cities and villages and put into practice what they have been trained to do...multiply churches in their geographical locality!
• Secure men and women who would serve in some capacity in the Jonathan Ministry.

Judy and I have bought into this vision...wholeheartedly and with great excitment and anticipation. My giftings and passions will be utilized to the fullest extent in THE JONATHAN PROJECT. We are both convinced that this really is THE NEXT CHAPTER in our lives.

So many of you have been praying for us. We cannot thank you enough for your prayer support, for your keen interest in us as co-laborers with you and for checking in on our blog on a regular basis.

We will continue to write weekly in this blog. We want you to be able to keep up with us as this new venture of "Jonathan faith" unfolds in front of us! So each Monday you will be able to read "the latest" in what is happening with Judy and Graydon!

We send this with many thanksgivings and blessings,

Graydon and Judy

graydon.jessup@gmail.com

P.S. Some of you have asked about our finances and our support in this project. Three different ministry agencies are combining some financial resources to see that we can do this ministry full time. And we are in contact with a Foundation who is very interested in seeing indigenous churches multiplied and who would assist in Ministry expenses overseas. Judy and I are joining the three ministry agencies in securing financial support. If you would want more specific information regarding this "team support concept" you can be in contact with us at the email address above. Thanks once again for your faithfulness and friendship to us. G&J

Decision Time

Dear Friends,

This is an historic week. With the inaguaration of President Elect Barak Obama, Tuesday the 20th of January, we are watching the peaceful change of governmental and political leadership as our nation moves forward in this generation. What an incredibly unusual nation! Our prayer is continuous: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we my live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4 NIV) Our prayers will be for our new President, for his Cabinet and all who will be leading our nation these next few years.

Judy and I are approaching our own day of decision making. Clearly the Lord has made some options pretty obvious to us. Last week the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. By this time next week (January 26th) when I make this blog entry, we should have the title for the next chapter of our lives. We will know what we are doing, where we are headed in ministry and how we propose doing it all. I can tell you now that this vision and direction is very challenging and it is what we specifically believe the Lord is calling us to! So, "tune in next week for the details!" We are truly excited about this brand new direction!

In the meantime we continue to discipline ourselves to accomplish what we believe the Lord has in front of us on a daily basis. It has been a real joy to visit with so many friends and to be able to support those in our geographical area in their ministries. Preaching four times weekly at Eastside kept us from visiting others in their ministries. We have been able to visit and support many the friends we had developed over these past 17 years to be able to see and hear what they are doing in the Kingdom of our Lord!

January 25th I'll be preaching in the English service of Grace Korean Church. It will be an honor to serve Pastor Shine Kim and the English service of Grace.

We'll be back at you on January 27th! Until then may the Lord move mightily in your life.

Blessings,
Graydon and Judy

Out of Southern California

To our many friends scattered all over!

Judy and I think we have a plan for making sure we have entries in this blog on a regular basis.

• First, we are home and unpacked. We have been living out of suitcases for nearly three months. The time spent with our children and their families was incredible and we would not trade it for anything, but are we ever glad to be home.
• Second, it took us a few days to catch up with all of the "domestic" responsibilities as a result of the traveling for three months.
• Third, I was able to preach at a church this past weekend...and it "felt" good! I know preaching is NOT a feeling, but this was good! I was happy to be back in the pulpit.

OK! So here is the deal! We'll make these entries each Monday!

Here is where we are as of January 12, 2009

1. We have eliminated two possibilities
2. We have added three others
3. Currently we sit at six
4. Three are world wide
5. Three opportunities are stateside
6. By our next entry JANUARY 19, 2009 it is our objective to have the six narrowed down to three.

In the meantime Judy and I are doing well. We are connecting with many people, we are keeping our own personal schedule, and we are sensing the Heart of God in all of this. One of the things I have been able to do is join the early morning prayer on Tuesdays at Eastside. I have also been able to spend time with my dear Christian Brothers I pray with on Saturday morning- An Egyptian, a Korean, a Chinese, a Messianic Jew and myself. It is an awesome privilege!

Thanks for keeping up with us. I'll be visiting with you next Monday!

Graydon (and Judy!)