Going In

Earlier this year at the NWMC, we went to a workshop on "At-Risk Youth Ministries".  So much of what was talked about in that session really connected with us.  Afterward we introduced ourselves, and had the complete honor of beginning a relationship with Tyrone McMorris of Casino Road Kids Ministries.  He is one of the most genuine people I've ever met (for real), and has a huge heart for the kids and community he serves.  With every story he tells and kid he connects with, Tyrone's honest passion shines through.  Tyrone has been working in the Casino Rd. area of Everett for about 12 years, and officially founded CRKM in 2008.

A couple months after first meeting, we were able to get together and learn more of each other's stories.  Then last week, we finally got up to Everett to check out CRKM in action.  Even with a torn Achilles, Tyrone was more than willing to give us a tour, overview, introductions, and answer any of our questions.  We learned more on the importance of relationship and education, establishing positive partnerships, and developing a niche ministry.   

From the very start, Tyrone showed a lot of interest in what we are doing and has remained very supportive.  We are grateful for his example, prayer, and friendship!

You Have Conquered

One month ago today, Steve Toms died.  Reality can hurt but love is a propeller. 

Normally when I blog, I am lucky if about 60 people put a hit on the site.  But a month ago, I posted an entry that had 1,200 views in the first two days.  It had nothing to do with me or the words I used, but it was a small glimpse into the influence that Steve Toms had ...has.  I would argue that Steve 's impact now has an even further reach than before. 

I've replayed hundreds of times, the way he'd walk into the cafe at Life Time Fitness, and would shriek "Josh-oouuuuu-WAHH!!!".  With it came his big grin (we ALL knew it) that would cause everything in its path to immediately smile back.  He was a quick-witted smart aleck, but with an honest heart and a unique way of communicating simple truths.  And when he did call you out on something, the reasoning was undeniable and the insight moved you towards being a more admirable person.  

Jesus gave him a new way to move forward, and Steve was life-giving because of it.  His journey was one of hope, positivity, and empowerment.  He motivated, energized, and mobilized me; really he did that for everyone who knew him.  My hope is that this would continue to be true.  Be open to being affected- whether just one month later, or 30 years from now... 

Miss you much man.    

-j

Look Around

This past weekend I drove down to Portland to be a part of the first ever Father-Shift Conference.  Fatherlessness in America is a major, major problem... and various groups in Portland are very aware of it not only across the country but also in their own city.  The goal was to raise awareness and equip the community to bring healing and change the landscape of fatherlessness in Portland.  The conference was described as for you if: 

-You have experienced or are experiencing the pain of fatherlessness 

-You are raising your child/children alone

-You desire to impact the lives of people in your church/school/city

-You want to become a better father, you want to learn practical ways to show Jesus' love to hurting people

-You want to unite with believers throughout the city to make a difference

-You value the biblical mandate to care for the fatherless. 

I was completely sold, and registered quickly (and found it funny that I was the only one out of hundreds who signed up for a vegetarian lunch option).  Since I was having a friend in town, and he works in the schools, I made him sign up too.  If you work with or are around children, youth, families, adults, parents, or any other human beings, you are feeling the far reach of this issue.  We are all, weather explicitly or not, confronted with fatherlessness... 

Most of all I went so that I could listen to and meet with Dr. John Sowers of The Mentoring Project.  He's the president of TMP, a non-profit (founded by Donald Miller) that is "re-writing the fatherless story through mentoring."  John is at the forefront of the field, as being recognized by the White House, and has a book titled Fatherless Generation. I was able to schedule some time with him to connect, get to know each other a bit, and ask questions.  Loved hearing his heart through our conversation- he's a really genuine man doing an awesome work.    

It was a big win to get in on the conference, be around like-minded people, and make some great connections. 

-j

Defector

I am forcing myself to come up with words, in humble hopes of encouraging you in some small way…

My Life Time family called to tell the unbelievable news that  Steve Toms had died this morning.  As I jogged home after abruptly leaving work, I did not know if the water on my face was my tears, or this Seattle rain.  Lots of both. 

I am frustrated. I am pissed. I am sick at heart.  I am wishing I was back in MN right now, to grieve with you dear friends.  Steve had purpose, direction, and an energy none of us could match.  He harnessed his passions for the purpose of God's glory. He was a great man surrounded by great men.  And all this comes less than three weeks before he and Ashley's first anniversary.  We all know that Steve was the best of best; that is why this is just so damn hard to swallow.  Steve changed us all.  

This is often the nature of death- unexpected, inconvenient, sorrowful, shocking.  All our days are numbered.  Steve knew this, and had a hope in God that extended beyond this temporary life you and I are still experiencing.  By faith total surrender is the most necessary thing we could ever do.    

So I am also grateful. Grateful to have known him over the years.  Grateful for many conversations, often spiritual… even just last week.  Grateful for the man he was.  Grateful that there is real opportunity to come around and support Ashley and young Jameson.  I am grateful that he knew Jesus.   

As we are filled with sorrow, in this delicate moment, let there be hope.  In a place we don't yet know, Steve is now partying to the glory of God.  Soon the masses will gather as we celebrate the story, the life, and the impact of the one and only, Steve Toms. 

Rumour Has It

We recently sent out a FALL 2012 update... have you seen it yet?

If you would like to receive a copy, send your request to: joshandshelleyshelton@gmail.com

Guacho

September breezed on by.

Throughout it I was challenged spiritually, greatly encouraged by those doing like-minded work, and invested into personally.  All things that have been the essence of my time in Seattle, but September magnified them with a new focus. 

Today I ventured out on an early a.m. solo hike.  While living in the PacNorWest I wanted to be sure to get in quality summit-style hikes.  After a couple this summer, the one that I’d been eyeing was Mt. Si.  I read in a guidebook that it “should be experienced at least once by every hiker.”  So I made a good breakfast, gathered my pre-stuffed pack from the night before, and hit the highway to North Bend while still dark.

Something that has been prevalent in this past month, is my own need to grow before I can move further into future things.  Specific areas: strengthen personal disciplines, practice true repentance, and be in more intentional relationship with my bride.  It’s too easy to enter auto-pilot, and slowly fall into ruins.

On this hike, I was able to get real quiet, press pause long enough, and begin anew.  The true mountaintop experience that I needed.

Keep your ears open- the best IS yet to come…

-j

picture of a picture... high up in the clouds

Internal Cannon

This past weekend I had the joy and privilege of going to MN (and WI) to be in one of my best friends' wedding.  Eric and Scarlett- I had such a blast! Also had some much needed time with a small handful of loved ones. 

My first (and only planned time for the duration of our Seattle residency) time being back in MN definitely left me with an overall assurance that it is where we are supposed to be long-term.  True, my heart is divided amongst many cities, but the vision I received is for The Twin Cities.  I believe God is preparing us to head-up a unique non-profit with a special home in the heart of MN.

While seeing the Needle from above (in the plane), then riding the light-rail home from the airport (we are the third stop from SeaTac- a ten minute ride), I came across a helpful realization.  Returning home to Seattle I was ready and willing to get back to the grind- to know that I am here for only a time, and a specific purpose that impacts my future ministry.  Focused and ready to get at it!

Also, it's always very encouraging when this email rolls around:

"Dear Joshua,

On behalf of all the River Valley Church pastor's and staff, we want you to know that you were prayed for today. Each week at our staff meeting we pray for 20 individuals and/or families in our church and this week you were on our list. God bless you and we hope you have a great day!!

Sincerely,
River Valley Staff"

Got that this morning and made the day- a perfect start to being back!

-j

Mist Rising

My most favorite music has always stemmed from artists who blend musical styles (311, RHCP, DMB, Mraz, Beastie Boys, Project 86).  They all draw on various influences, and then make something entirely new by combining them into one, creating a hybrid style. 

I too, am a hybrid. 

Throughout my life, I’ve often had a hard time identifying with any one particular thing.  I live in the tension of being a part of multiple worlds.  It’s a major factor that makes me who I am.  I put extreme emphasis on belief, diversity, and being relatable and relaxed.        

I recently experienced an epiphany moment of massive encouragement.  I essentially realized that who I am is who God created me to be, and I have the freedom to pursue a dream that is personally suitable.  It presents a complete shift in thinking, and all is in heavy prayer.  With all that said, you can expect a nonprofit that images the hybrid concept.  

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

-j

New Shalom (feat. Pro)

This week marked a whole year since the first Legacy Conference we attended.  It's been around for a handful of years, and is held at my alma matter in downtown Chicago.

This is what's up:
The Legacy exists to equip those that are serious about being disciples of Christ to make disciples for Christ. This is accomplished through biblical training (Legacy Conference and Legacy University) and networking opportunities of like minded urban leaders.

 It is essentially an urban-minded conference with workshops taught by hip-hop artists, featuring concerts at night by these same artists.  Also leading the workshops, sessions, and discussion panels are college professors, pastors, church planters, and poets.

For us,  theLegacy was one of the first action steps in pursuing urban ministry as a couple.  It was a good reminder that we are called to inner-city work, and that we wouldn't have to change who we are to do it...

Here's a video I put together shortly afterward, to share our experience:

Tell Your Heart Heads Up

On Saturday we had another opportunity to go down to Portland (PDX), and spend some more time with The Snider’s and BridgeTown, Inc. 

After four days with them back in March/April, Marshall (Snider) gave us an open invite to come back down.  He has been over-the-top in accommodating us.  It is so important to have people like him become a part of your picture; immediately willing to invest and open up their life to you, with no “real” return.  Through both trips down, I’ve been given a lot to think about, chew on, and learn.  They’ve been growing experiences. 

BTown Kids” is a branch of BridgeTown, Inc. that is most visible during the summer months, as every Saturday holds a multi-site event.  We received personal tours of all three BTown Kids sites.   While at each, we got to peek in on the differences and similarities, while learning the history and meeting the directors.  It was awesome seeing how the locations were so integrated within their particular communities.  At the last site we got to meet up with Lesley, Sam, and Noah (the rest of the Snider clan), it was fun seeing them again!

This time we left Seattle early and returned late the same day- after the carved out BTown time, we went downtown for Saturday Market (Angelina’s Gyros food-truck, we had on our first trip and vowed to visit again), the Portland Aerial Tram (cool views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, and our rides ended up being *free*), and Deschutes.  No Voodoo doughnuts this time- too long of a line and that sun was blazin'!

Learn more about BridgeTown, Inc. HERE

Marshall, you inspire me to dream and have a vision for an organization that matters, and to invest in those who have little clue what they’re getting themselves into… it means so much.    

-j

 

Love and Peace or Else

Just a quick summer update...

This week I began working with Urban Impact Seattle, as a classroom assistant in their summer day camp.  I'm there for a handful of hours each week- building relationships with the students (3rd-5th grade), interns (high schoolers), teachers, and program director.   

On Mondays the class is working on a community asset mapping project (learning about their neighborhood and receiving a $500 grant to implement whatever they come up with), and Wednesday afternoons are swimming lessons at a local beach.

We have a really good group of students, and I'm excited to be a part of this years program!

 

The Space Between

The past week @ Malibu Club proved to be an adventurous opportunity for me to join in on, in the best possible way...  

Malibu is a remote island (no cell service/internet/media/etc), owned by YoungLife up in B.C., Canada (see trip itinerary in previous post), located at the mouth of the Princess Louisa Inlet.  

It was an honor to be a part of the first ever, Mars Hill church-wide Students Summer Camp.  To serve alongside some of our amazing leaders (you know who you are) was a privilege. YoungLife and our program team definitely hooked it up.  There was wakeboarding, zip-lining, a foam party, the blob, spontaneous late night pool party (jump in with all your clothes), caribe tubing, kayaking, beach volleyball, dragon canoeing, an obstacle course, a high ropes course, the rock scramble hike …these were all the things we did throughout the week.  

Our speaker was Tim Gaydos, the Mars Hill Downtown lead pastor (also the Mars Hill band Citizens guided worship).  He spoke on: The Story of God, Identity & Worship, the Fall of Man, Redemption, and Restoration.  It was such a perfect, sequential platform for processing with our students.  

Kevin, who is the Rainier Valley Students Lead, and I shared a cabin with five high school guys (best cabin).  Every night we all had time to discuss the message as a cabin, and it was such a blessing for Kevin and I to be a part of our guys’ lives through that time and all the activities.  They really took to us (two 20something white dudes they’d never met before) and opened up in ways that we can only thank Jesus for.  

Personally, I had a surreal moment (yes, in addition to my 7am wakeboarding sessions) with God.  It was after the Redemption message on Sunday night… grey skies with light rain, Citizens' instruments gently echoing throughout camp, with everyone outside in a personal space to be in a contemplative, reflective, and prayerful state.  I’ve only experienced this a handful of times throughout my life, and describe it as a moment of truly gripping an Eternal Perspective.  It was simply God and I, everything (read: EVERYTHING) else was stripped away.  Purely amazing. 

Please pray that Kevin and I would begin to do life and walk alongside the guys from our cabin. Pray that this experience, for our students, would not be an experience that quickly fades into a memory, but that it would be the beginning of a legacy…  

Paul, js, Joelvon, Kevin, Roberto, Davonte, Cliff

The Hand, the Furnace, the Straight Face

I'm goin to camp! 

Mars Hill Students is hosting their first ever, annual summer camp at the Malibu Club in British Columbia, Canada.  Malibu was originally built in the 30's as a vacation spot for the rich and famous, but is now owned and operated by YoungLife.

 It's an amazing opportunity I have to join in on this.  That said, this will be only the second time Shelley and I have been apart since we've been married, and it's for nearly a week... the camp/island is so remote there is zero cell phone service... I'm going to miss her so much...

Please pray:
 -that we'd both grow as we're apart
and
-students experience Jesus

I'm looking forward to getting students out of their everyday life for a time to hear Jesus-centered messages, soak up the beauty of the landscape, be involved in 24/7 community, and enjoy tons of activities!

ps
Here's a glimpse into the craziness of our itinerary-

Malibu Summer Camp: Wednesday June 20th-Tuesday 26th
1. Meet at 11pm
2. Depart 2:30 am
3. Drive from downtown Seattle to the Canadian Border (2 hours)
4. Crossing the Border (1/2 hour to 2 hours)
5. Drive to the Sunshine Coast Ferry Docks (1.5 hours)
6. Take the Ferry (45 minutes)
7. Drive from Langdale to Egmont where the Malibu Princess is docked. (1.5 hours)
8. Taking the Malibu Princess to the Malibu Club (3 hours)
9. Arrive 1:15 pm

In Bloom

A few days ago, the Jason Mraz episode of VH1's StoryTellers premiered.  StoryTellers was a groundbreaking concept when it debuted, and it’s potential impact remains solid.  Why?  Because its focus is an intimate-unplugged-small-venue-show, wherein the artist is invited to speak directly about the meaning behind a song, right before actually playing it.  The best stories are much longer than the songs themselves.  The power of story (not to mention in this case, IN ADDITION to the mind-blowing experience of music) creates emotional connections.   

                                                                                    Click to watch  Jason Mraz StoryTellers

Conviction becomes evident, purpose arises, and soul is found... all within the art of the story.        

So, what’s your story?  It’s a common question I ask.  You’ll be surprised at all the different ways people answer.  The greatest responses are always contemplative and authentic. 

I have a story, as we all do…  but I’m working on truly finding it.  Digging it up, dusting it off.  Eventually polishing it.  Your passions are birthed through your story.  As I construct my dream, I am aiming to discover how who I am, and what I’ve experienced can best be put forth into something bigger than myself.  Isn’t that the point of story- to piece it into the larger narrative of all existence?  I have to believe so.

-js

93 Million Miles

It's real out here.

Yesterday morning, there were four separate drive-by occasions in which over 60 shots were fired. 60. In one morning.  All in our area. Miraculously no one was hurt. However there were two other instances in the past week and a half were two men were killed from gunshot wounds.  I've got to keep the details vague, but many of our students, young students, are getting caught up in this gang activity.

When you're young and impressionable things can go downhill very rapidly.  Pray that the boys out here would be freed from the streets, that Jesus would break through barriers and provide protection, and for positive influences.  Quite simply, the world needs more real men.

 I'll continue to write more on the issue, but wanted to give a quick update on our work environment here in South Seattle...

Dance, Dance, Dance

This afternoon I turned on the Chili Peppers and shaved my head.

After being in Seattle for nearly a month, I decided that an abbreviated dome-do would be more appropriate for my new non-stop (and often rainy) lifestyle. And it's cheaper.  So Shell bravely held the clippers in hand and made it happen.  All turned out better than expected.  So much that, she decided to do her own head (not with the clippers of course).  The thought of finding a new stylist (Rita has done Shelley's hair since birth, and mine for the last handful-plus of years) was too much to think about, so we took matters into our own hands. After already having a second trimming on my head a few weeks later, I decided that today I was due for a closer cut, and *maybe* left a baby hawk on top...

But some things, most things, we need YOU for. We just cant do it on our own.

We've taken an exciting, major step in our move out here and our commitment to learn, in order to better serve.  We could not have done it alone.  Upon announcing, moving, and transitioning, we've found ourselves the benefactors of true support.  You've backed us up emotionally, prayerfully, and maybe even financially.  We could not be doing any of this, without any of that. 

We cant do it on our own.

We are in a new community group that I believe will challenge us to even moreso realize how much we need other people in our life.  There is a balance (as with ALL things in life) between the work we can do on our own, and the work we must join forces to do.  Thank you for being a part of our super team.  We are navigating this relationship, and en route to discovering how to best partner with and serve you.  As we dream big, we look forward to taking you along for the ride. 

For more info on "Sheltons in Seattle", please send an email to: joshandshelleyshelton@gmail.com OR thejoshuashelton@gmail.com

Mindspin

Before I get into the flow of more regularly blogging, let me recap our time out here so far (you can make any photos larger by clicking on them):

-Moved to Seattle
(26hrs of drive time, over 3 days. First leg: boring. Second leg: treacherous. Third leg: arrival.)

-Met (and lived with) the Renzelmans
(Chris and Rebecca. He has spent most of his life in ministry, and is the man, mentor, and friend conducting all the networking on our behalf. Serves as the NW director for the National Network of Youth Ministry.)

-Attended the Northwest Ministry Conference
(Hit the ground running, made some great connections with some amazing people.)

-Spent some time down in Portland
(Shadowed Marshall and Leslie Snyder, the founders of BridgeTown Inc. They do an incredible job of loving on people and their city through progressive methods.)

-House hunting
(Our target area was Rainier Valley, a neighborhood in SE Seattle. It is "the most diverse zip code in the nation", and is where some organizations we are working with are located. We found an amazing place to call home, The Station.)

-Job search
(My goal moving out was to get on board w/ Starbucks- what better place to be a barista, than for Starbucks IN Seattle??? I got in at one that is a 10-minute walk from our place. Shelley just started a month long nanny job, but is looking for a longer term nanny position for when that month is up.)

-Meetings, meetings, meetings
(Learning about the area, organizational leaders, mapping out our apprenticeship.)

-ENJOYING Seattle!
(We LOVE this city...)

Strange Clouds

We've been in The Great Northwest for over a month now.  It's been so radical that our time could already be easily justified. However, we are just getting started...

Here we are Seattle.

Here we are Jesus.

Here we are friends.

Here we are.

-js