Joel's Place: Live and Unplugged: Purpose, part 2

Friday, March 21, 2014

Purpose, part 2

     Before I dive into unpacking out Purpose Statement, allow me to extend an invitation to all of you. I am having a Book Launch Party tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd of March from noon to 2pm at Joel's Place. Come join me in celebrating the release of "The Seer!" Stop by to grab some free food, see Joel's Place, buy a book, get your book signed or simply to laugh with me that I am now an author. The park will be closed which means the ramps are free for the kids to run on. Thanks to everyone who supported me along this endeavor. I hope to see you tomorrow!

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     We vote with our feet. This is one of my favorite sayings. It still confuses my kids who think I'm talking about doing handstands in voting booths in November. What it really means is that our actions reveal our beliefs much better than our words do. People say all sorts of crazy things (hello, internet) but you can discern what they believe simply by observing their actions.

     For example, I have said that I want to get into shape in order to go with the kids on the epic biking/hiking trips that their schools host every spring. However when my alarm goes off at 6:30 every morning I decide that I value an extra half hour of sleep than getting up and exercising. Voting with your feet...or in my case, voting with my snooze alarm.

     Similarly, our Purpose statement says that our first goal is to experience God's love and then "Express it in meaningful ways." If we claim to be followers of Jesus, then we must do what He did. Care for the poor. Love the outcast. Defend the oppressed. Live a life filled with laughter, tears and miracles. Give generously and rely on God for provision. Listen to God and do what He says. Putting the needs of others above our own. If we do these things our lives, and our organization, are bound to look radically different from the cultural norm. And then no matter what we say, or what others say about us, it will be clear what we believe because people will see us voting with our feet...and our skate park...and our cafe...and our staff...and our money. We are loved and blessed and so we will love and bless every young man and woman who comes through our doors in the hopes that they will be transformed by their time at Joel's Place.

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Giving

If you would like to become a financial partner with us and support the work of Joel's Place, here's how:

1.) To make an online donation:

2.)Mail us a check at P.O. Box 83584, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Or

3.)Call our front desk at 452-2621 with your credit card information. Our official hours are Mon- Fri, 12pm-6pm , but there is usually someone by the phones from 8am on.

And

4.) You can link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to Joel's Place at this link. Every purchase on your card increases the Fred Meyer Foundation's annual donations to our organization.

Thank you for your encouragement and support.

From the Staff

Leah Byam, Program Assistant

On Sunday after Church a group of us went to Subway to eat lunch. When we get in line it's very busy, so we wait patiently in line. As I'm waiting in line I see CS, a young man who has been coming to Joel's Place for a very long time. He's working behind the counter. He's assertive, polite, taking peoples orders, and going on to the next costumer giving them kindness and the same professional service. As I watch him from afar my eye's tear up. I know his past. I've walked with him on so many journeys. I love this kid so much, I am so so so proud of him. As I get closer he see's me and his face lights up. We were able to talk. He tells me that he just graduated with his high school degree, that he's still saving up, he will be going to Hawaii as planned in September to work. I was able to tell him, How proud I am of Him, and I meant it in every sense of the word.