Dear Friend,
I want to share with you where God has led Jerilyn and me in this season of our life.
In October of this year, we began a faith-based ministry based out of South Louisiana. As Jay Johnston Ministries, our mission is Meeting Needs and Sharing Christ as God uses me in the field to evangelize, encourage, equip (disciple), and export (multiply). We want to see more and more people come to Christ.
Our work is ongoing through prayer, evangelism, teaching, and preaching both inside and outside the local church. I will connect with other ministries to network and collaborate for the cause of Christ. I’ll also direct those I evangelize and equip to local churches where they can connect and continue their journey in Christ. Those I equip and export will become part of a team to reach others with the Gospel.
The Lord has already opened doors for us, as we received a call at 3:00 AM from a local hospital to come and minister to a family who was about to see their loved one pass from this world. I did not know the family, nor did I recognize any hospital staff, so I can only explain this as a divine appointment from God. I have continued to follow-up with the family and encourage them to connect with a local church.
In addition to being available as God calls, I have intentional meetings with men where we pray, study God’s Word, and practice evangelism so that they are equipped and encouraged to carry out the Great Commission. I meet these men early in the morning before they head off to work. Then, I often have three or four additional meetings a day to evangelize, establish relationships through encouragement, equip those who are ready in God’s Word, and then prepare to export them as multiplying disciple-makers.
I am also working with some men who were recently released from the state prison. We are assisting them as they reenter society and discipling them in God’s Word. I see this as an excellent opportunity for God to redeem their time, get them fully engaged in the Christian life, and when possible, restore them to their family.
My teaching and preaching ministry has me preaching in different churches, and I am also currently helping one church during their season of transition.
I am also currently working with one ministry in the area to see how we can network and connect individuals, churches, and businesses to meet people’s needs in the region through an available technology tool. Our hope and prayer is that as the technology is implemented throughout these networks, we can meet the needs of foster care families, widows, single parents, and the hurting while sharing Christ along the way — Because ultimately, it will be the transforming power of Jesus Christ that makes all the difference!
And finally, if you know Jerilyn and me, you know we have a heart for prayer. We are working to equip parents to lead their families and neighbors in prayer. In addition to this local prayer ministry, I am also serving on the Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Task Force and also serve on the National Governor’s Prayer Team, where I cover Louisiana. I am also serving as a Volunteer Chaplain with the Louisiana State Police.
Jerilyn and I ask that you commit to pray for us either on a specific day of the week or daily. In addition to praying for us, I would ask that you consider supporting us financially, whether that be monthly, quarterly, or with an annual gift to cover our expenses as we serve Christ in Louisiana and beyond.
You can Donate Online or mail a check to Jay Johnston Ministry, LLC. at PO Box 363, Hammond, Louisiana 70404. Our ministry is registered with the State of Louisiana and your donations are tax-deductible. I believe in offering tithes to support the local church, so I encourage any gift to be above your tithe. Thanks in advance for giving.
On behalf of Jerilyn and myself, I thank you for taking the time to read this message about how we are ministering these days. We love you and count it a joy to call you our friend. I would welcome the opportunity to visit face-to-face, on the phone, or via Zoom to share more about our ministry. My cell is 615-260-4752 and email is jay@jayjohnston.org.
My life verse is Hebrews 3:13 — “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”
May you be encouraged today and know that Jerilyn and I are praying for you.
With a Grateful Heart,
Pastor Jay
John G. “Jay” Johnston, D.Min
