At Journey Church we believe that love can change the world, in fact it already has! Two thousand years ago the world saw the greatest act of love when one man gave His life as a sacrifice for all of mankind. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed the course of human history and continues to change individual lives to this very day.
Those who are beneficiaries and recipients of this love have been given a trust and responsibility to also sacrifice for the sake of others. There are many people hurting and suffering in our world and we believe that we have a responsibility to bring this love, hope and redemption to them in very practical ways.
The Apostle Paul says that this love should compel us to live selfless, sacrificial lives:
“For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Jesus had this to say regarding loving those in desperate need:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King (Jesus) will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:31-40
To be a follower of Christ is to be one who receives and gives love unconditionally. Although we cannot do everything, we also cannot ignore the pain and suffering that is all around us. If we all do our part the world will be a better place. Love can change the world! Freely we have received and so freely we give.
Below you will find some organizations that are also doing their part. You may want to check them out and join their efforts.
In America more churches close each year than are being planted. (Churchplantingvillage.net)
80 percent of American churches have plateaued or are declining. (Barna Group)
There are 195 million unchurched people in America. (Barna Group)
70 percent of the people in the U.S. have no meaningful church relationship. (Bob Logan)
The U.S. is the third largest mission field in the English-speaking world. (Kent Hunter)
The U.S. is the fifth largest mission field globally. (Kent Hunter)
North America is the only continent on earth where Christianity is declining. (Barna Group)
What Will We do?
At Journey Church we believe that God has called us to be fruitful and to multiply. Therefore as we grow, we will plant churches and partner with others to advance His Kingdom in our city and beyond.
We will strategically pray over six areas in Jacksonville to plant churches and we will believe for our first plant to take place within three years of existence.
Join us in praying for churches to be planted in the following areas:
Northside
Arlington
Beaches
Nocatee/210
Orange Park/Fleming Island
Westside
Church Planting Training and Opportunities
We are affiliated with Converge Worldwide and Converge Church Planting. In our opinion, this is one of the best organizations in the nation for training and equipping church planters who are interested in planting missional churches.
If you have an interest in church planting, especially if you are considering Jacksonville or the State of Florida, contact us at
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It is our desire to see the Kingdom of God expand and for new churches to be planted and to flourish.
At Journey Church we believe that missions is not something that is optional, it is essential!
Before Jesus ascended to heaven He left us with this command; "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Mat. 28:19-20)
This was not a suggestion, but a command.
The question for us is whether or not we will be obedient to what Jesus has commanded.
Jesus also told his disciples to wait on the Holy Spirit who would give them power to be His "witnesses in "Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Their mission would begin right in their hometown, Jerusalem. It would then expand to the ends of the earth.
Likewise we believe that our mission should begin right here in Jacksonville. For this reason we make it a point to be engaged in missions locally, as well as globally.
On an ongoing basis Journey Church currently supports the following mission efforts:
"Our Jerusalem"
Anthony and Denae' Widener
Converge on Campus
“Loving God, Loving People, to Change a Campus”
Converge exists to provide a place where Christian students can find fellowship, encouragement and mature as believers. It is also our desire to provide an environment that is filled with grace, love and acceptance to those students who are searching spiritually. A place where they can come, feel welcomed and encouraged to ask the questions that are on their hearts. We want to create an atmosphere where the power and presence of God overwhelms and compels young men and women with Truth.
The Johnson's - Brock, Kerrie, Maddie, Brooke and Jake
Missionaries in Guatemala
We are the Johnson family, Brock, Kerrie, Madi (11), Brooke (10), and Jake (7). God called us to relocate from St. John’s County, FL to Guatemala, where we currently live as missionaries attempting to bring the love and hope of Jesus to this impoverished country. Our passion is to do this by living among, developing genuine relationships, and displaying the truth of Christ through daily living. Among other things, God has developed our ministry here to include building homes for the homeless, working in orphanages, hosting mission teams, and meeting various needs as led by the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts have been broken for those who are poor…without food and shelter…for the sick and dying…for those who are suffering. We are burning with the desire to do something; to help, to love, to do as much as we can to bring God's Kingdom here on earth.
(You can visit our website and blog at http://www.deepstreamguatemala.com/ for regular updates, as well as a better documentation of our recent journey.)
Many things are accepted in society at face value. We adhere to tenants and values often times because we are simply inundated with them to the point that we acquiesce without question. As followers of Christ it is our obligation to question that which conflicts with what we know to be true. In the same way, we believe that we have an obligation to examine that which is promoted, taught and accepted at face value within "American Christianity."
To a large degree the "church" in America has fallen out of favor with the general public. We feel that it is our responsibility as Christ followers to be intellectually honest and to consider whether or not our own actions and teachings have contributed to this in any way. Although Truth should never be compromised, it is important to ask the question "what is Truth?"
That which is based on the traditions of man is not always bad, however it should never be held onto with the same fervor as the clearly communicated Truth found in God's Word. Now is the time to rethink that which we have accepted at face value and to weigh everything against God’s Word and the very character of Christ, the One which we follow.
Below you will find a series of messages that will help you understand how we have been wrestling with these things as a community. We don’t claim to have all the answers but we do believe that God does. It is for this reason that we are committed to Biblical truth above all else. We invite you to join with us on this Journey.
The 12x12 Love Project is the result of a group of people responding to the simple question “what if?”
What if we stepped outside of our comfort zone and trusted God to provide in a big way?
What if God’s Church put the needs of others before its own?
What if our love for our neighbor caused us to invest in the lives of people who are in desperate need?
What if we made it our goal to build 12 houses in 12 months for 12 families living in abject poverty?
We invite you to join us as we step out in faith to see what God will do when His people respond to such questions with bold faith and crazy love.
Through our relationship with the Johnson's (missionaries in Guatemala) we have learned that you can build a house for a family in need for about $3000. Many of these families live in what we would consider extreme poverty. Some cannot even afford the basic necessities of life without both women and children working. Even at that, this often only provides basic shelter and a single meal each day.
For $3000 we can build them a house that will protect them from the elements as well as give them a sense of dignity and hope for something more. For about $250 we can provide them with a small business consisting of a chicken coop or pig pen, animals and feed to get them started. It is amazing what can be done for a relatively small amount of money.
Think about it. What equals two months mortgage payments for many of us could build a house for a family in need. If a family of four sacrificed six meals at a restaurant they could provide an ongoing source of food for a family that may normally only have one meal a day. These small sacrifices can literally change another person's life. What an opportunity to tangibly show the love of Christ to those in need!
If you are interested in being a part of the 12x12 Love Project or want more information contact us at
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October, 2008 - Meet the Mundo's
The Mundo family recently relocated to Magdalena for safety reasons. They are from a town about a 1.5 hr bus ride away, where gang violence, drug trafficking, prostitution, and rape are rampant everywhere. Mr. Mundo is a pastor of the only church in the dangerous town. He remains the pastor, but he rides the bus 3 days a week back and forth. He said he had to leave for fear of their lives. He makes 250q per month, which is the equivalent of $33.00, or about $1 per day.
Mrs. Mundo works in a fabric factory 2 days a week and a family gave her a chicken coup to start a business, and she works hard at raising chickens and selling them to the local butcher. Their kids also work in the factory, as well as helping raise chickens. They do not go to school because they can't afford uniforms and books. They do a lot of chores, and work full-days at the factory. In total, between the mom and kids, they are able to bring in about 600q per month, or about $80.00.
All together, this hard working family of 5 lives on just over $100 per month, or $3-4 per day.
The Mundo's Main Living Area Before
Kitchen Area New Homesite
New Home Under Construction
Completed Project!
November, 2008 - Meet the Ixcajoc's
There is no better way to introduce you to the Ixcajoc's then through the words of Brock Johnson who recently met them and shared with them God's provision of a new home for their family through the 12x12 Love Project.
"The Ixcajoc's are living in the some of the poorest conditions I have seen since we got here. They live in a cornstalk structure with dirt floors and no beds. It was such a blessing to meet them Friday and to tell them about God's provision for a new home for their family. We visited for about an hour, prayed, and cried a little too. They were so appreciative. I told them about Journey, the 12x12 project, and that you all would be visiting in March & April. They expressed their gratitude not only in words but with their emotions.
The Ixcajoc's are Luterio (dad), Rosa (mom), Manuel Emelio (6) and Oscar Jovani (4). There's no way I can express in an email how sweet these boys were. They were very touchy and wanted to hug me and be held. I got the impression that the family is a loving one.
Pastor Mario told me that Luterio has been a Christian for a while, and Rosa was just starting to accept Christ as well. So... depending on where Rosa is on her faith journey, it is exciting to me that she may perhaps get a glimpse of Jesus through the 12x12 Love Project. As we prayed together and I saw her tears, I felt the holy spirit with us."
The Ixcajoc's farm their own land for a living, mostly sweet peas. They live on Q4 per day,
which is about 50 cents.
The Ixcajoc's Current Home Exterior
Kitchen Sleeping Area
Bathroom New Homesite
Fellowship at Jobsite Keri and Rosa
Pastor Mario and Romelo setting block Bathroom
December, 2008 - Meet the Gomez Family
Video Update: Completion of Oct. Project and Intrduction to the Gomez Family
What started as a simple gift of a home ended in radical transformation of a family. Over 6 weeks, we grew to love this family very much. Cesar (husband) gave his life to Christ at the key ceremony with vic, carl, and several others there to share the moment. A few weeks later during an impromptu visit to the gomez home, Lilian was broken and overwhelmed with God's grace and love. She gave her life to Jesus in a tear-filled celebration of god's forgiving love. wow. This started as a no-strings gift from God - a home to a family who didn't have one. Praise god that as they move into their new home, they are actually moving into new life.
January, 2009 - Meet The Marroquin Family
Video Update - Completion of Nov. project and intro to the Marroquin Family
The Marroquins live in Buena Vista. Domingo and Maria Luisa are 32 years old and have 5 girls: Dalila 15, Amparo 13, Imelda 10, Dayana 8, and Noemi 6. Domingo works 7 days a week, from 6am to 7pm each day. He catches a bus to San Lucas at 5am every day, where he works as a caretaker for a family's house. he cleans, maintains the grounds, provides security, etc. While it seems like a solid job, he only makes about 50q per day (about $6).
This beautiful family of 7 were living in a pieced together dilapidated house that was in dire need of repair. So much so that it was actually better to rebuild it than to try to preserve the existing structure.
February, 2009 - Meet Claro
We were told about claro from his nephew victor who said his uncle is badly in need of a new home. We met claro, spent time with him in his new home, and felt right away that this would be our next family to build for. Claro is 65 years old (looks 85) and has had a difficult life. His home is made of cornstalk, tarp, and some tin. inside it is a rather sad environment. The smoke from the fire is thick and the dirt floors create a constant circulation of dust. Claro has 2 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. he has a couple dishes for beans and rice which are filthy with dirt.
He has a son named Geraldo (20yrs old), who is married with a daughter. Geraldo's family lives with his mother in-law, and some nights he brings dinner down the hill to claro. After geraldo tucks in his wife and daughter, he comes down to sleep with his dad and look out for him. They share a twin bed.
We are very excited to bless claro, an aging man who has lived a long and strenuous life in poverty. He has already outlived the average life expectancy in Guatemala. Statistically, he will not live much longer, but he will finish this life in a respectable home with something to take a little pride in. His son, daughter in-law, and granddaughter will move in with him, which he says is what he's always wanted and his challenges with dust and the cold will improve dramatically.
Most importantly, pray he will see Jesus through the men and women (journey, our family, the construction team, etc.) who are delivering a this gift directly from the Father. May he know that he is loved by the KING and we, as his church, in this case are simply delivery-men...delivering a gift that is from Him. Lets pray for him that he may finish his life strong - not only physically but spiritually as well. Pray that this process awakens him to a new level of faith, of grace, and of love for Jesus.
Claro entering his new home
Claro taking it in
Upon receiving his new home Claro made the statement "I never thought in all my life I would have a house like this". Claro died peacefully in his sleep about a month later (5/11/2009). His home will be passed on to his son, daughter in law and granddaughter .
March, 2009 - Meet The Lopez Family
"One day kerrie and i were walking through buena vista and we stopped in front of a little tin and cornstalk house. in this moment, i believe god spoke to me and told us this was the next house. so we walked up, unannounced, and asked for permission to talk, etc. After viewing the structure, and meeting the family, we were certain this was the one." (Brock J.)
mom is Maria Conchita Lopez - 22 yrs old.
dad is Gustavo Bautista - 22 yrs old.
daughter is Ingrid Yulisa Bautista Lopez - 2 yrs old.
Our primary connection is with Conchita and her daughter. Dad is rarely home, he works 6.5 days per week laying bricks in another city. Conchita is a sweet lady, and our hearts broke when we first saw the house. No power, no water, dirt floors. Holes in the walls and roof, dirt and dust everywhere...
April, 2009 - Meet The Moran Family
(Brock) "We heard through some local friends that there was a pastor of a local church who had been living in a sunday school room (with his wife and 4 kids) for the last 4 years. enough said!
After meeting with pastor David at his church, we knew God was calling us to help this family. Each 12x12 family situation has been so different, and in this situation we have an opportunity to help a pastor and his family who are serving God and already working hard to build his kingdom.
David, his wife Celeste, and their kids are very nice people. They have a more "sophisticated way" about them then the typical local in this area. I believe they could be more "succesful" if they were to choose to go that route... but it seemed clear after hanging out with David that he has been called to minister to the needs of the Magdalena community and he is following the call. This made us even more excited that God introduced us and is allowing us to help bless this pastor and his family for their obedience!
the family is: David & Celeste Moran, Merci = 12 yrs, Dami = 10 yrs, Hazel = 8yrs, David Jr. = 5yrs
*they are also expecting one more in a few months!
May, 2009 - Meet The Lopez Family
On a special trip to Guatemala, the leadership team from Journey Church was able to actually choose which family would be next. We visited several homes, and the team unanomously agreed that the need for this family was extraordinary.
With 6 children, the Lopez' live in a tin shack that is smaller than many bathrooms or walk-in closets. The dust, flies, and filth in their home is at such a level that within a few minutes of sitting and hanging out, many of us were in tears.
While the 12x12 home model is a simple 2 bedroom home made of concrete block, the upgrade will be absolutely life changing for this family. Pray with us that above all they would see the love of Chirst pouring out of us and into them as we begin this new home. They are a family with no real "claimed faith" and have shared their difficult church baggage with us. We believe fully that God led us to them, and we pray that He begins a new and fresh work in their hearts.
June, 2009 - Sandra and Ronal Lopez
Although this is the third Lopez family that we have built a house for in the last four months, none of them are related. This is a sweet family that we met on one of the first Journey trips to Guatemala. However it wasn't until a following trip that we realized just how bad their living conditions were. One morning we visited them after a hard rain the night before and what we found was heartbreaking. Everything in their home was soaking wet and the beds were leaned up against the walls (see pic below) to dry out. The dirt floor had turned to mud and it was just awful. It was at this time that we knew this family would be one of the next 12x12 families.
The family consists of Sandra and Ronal and their three children Sandra jr., Bryan and little Madeline who was born during the construction phase of the project.
We have all heard messages about the commercialism and consumerism that surround Christmas. But have we taken time to consider what the heart of the Christmas message really is? Most Christians would say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. It is a time to celebrate the coming of the Messiah, Immanuel – God with us. Isn’t it curious that although this is what we say, the celebration itself seems to exclude the one being celebrated?
At the birth of Christ there were wise men that brought Him gifts. Now as we celebrate the very same event, we give gifts to one another. Christmas has become known as a time of giving and receiving but is that really a good representation of the most loving, sacrificial act in all of human history?
Maybe we need to rethink the whole idea Christmas, both what it represents and how we celebrate it. Maybe in the midst of all the giving and receiving we should consider what we might sacrifice and give to Jesus, the one we celebrate.
If you are wondering how you might give something to Jesus this Christmas you might find it helpful to begin by considering something that He said…“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me” (see Matthew 25:31-46). By giving to those in need we can in effect give something to Jesus.
There are many ways that you can give something to Jesus this Christmas. You can begin by giving your time to people and to organizations that directly help those in need. Maybe there are people you know who are less fortunate that you could help out during this time. Maybe you could give to one of many organizations, ministries and missions that are doing their part in reaching out to the under resourced and less fortunate in your city and around the world.
As we Rethink Christmas together, let’s make a decision to give something to Jesus as an expression of thankfulness for how He has sacrificially given to us. Begin by watching the following video with an open mind and heart...
You can give to Jesus by providing clean drinking water to people in need
You can give to Jesus by giving to those in need in Guatemala
We are proud to be connected with the Johnson's who are being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need in Guatemala.
There are many ways to be involved with ministering to the people in Guatemala. Right now you can sponsor a child for Christmas for only $10! That's right $10 can show the love of Jesus to a child in Guatemala this Christmas.
For $250 you can build a chicken coop and provide some chickens for a family. This will provide them with food as well as an ongoing source of income.
For $3000 you can build a house for someone in desperate need in Guatemala. See the 12x12 Love Project for more details.
You can also support the Johnson's missionary effort by giving to them directly. Check out their webpage by clicking here to learn more about what is going on in Guatemala and to find out ways that you can be involved. You can also click hereto learn more about the Johnson's and to watch a short video introducing you to their family and ministry in Guatemala.
Other ways to give to Jesus this Christmas
There are many organizations that are doing their part to help those in need around the world. Go to our Change the World page to find out more about some of these organizations and how you can be involved.
