Hello friend,
The first quarter has been filled with ministry and equipping opportunities. I thank you for supporting and encouraging me. Your notes, texts, calls, and financial gifts offer tremendous encouragement as I go out daily to serve and give my all for Jesus.
Paying Tribute
Before I share ministry updates, I want to pay tribute to a former neighbor, friend, and church member Buddy Hall who passed away on February 28.
Buddy, became my neighbor in Madisonville when he married our neighbor Pat. We were blessed to have them as neighbors. When we left FBC Covington, one of the hardest parts of our move was no longer having them as our neighbors. However, Buddy and Pat were more than neighbors—they are friends.
Buddy was a person that understood pastors. Our relationship grew the most through praying together. We enjoyed times of fellowship and visiting, but it was our praying together that strengthened our relationship. He also became someone I could depend on as I pastored and was used by the Lord to grow a recovery ministry. He was wise, yet firm and helped me to be a better pastor, friend, and husband as he shared his wisdom. He was a good friend to Jerilyn and taught her how to play golf. I am grateful that on the day he received his coronation, I could be in the hospital room standing by his side praying as his faith became sight.
Ministry Updates
International Religious Freedom Summit
I had the opportunity to participate in the International Religious Freedom Summit, where I met people worldwide. It was a humbling experience to hear how people around the globe are fighting and pushing forward for religious freedom, including right here in the USA. The time attending this summit has prepared me to be more focused on praying for persecuted Christians.
National Prayer Breakfast
Jerilyn and I had the opportunity to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast, which convened for the first time in several years following COVID. The gathering takes place over several days and includes a breakfast gathering with leaders from all walks of life coming together from around the world to pray for America and share about their nations’ needs. The United States Congress and President Biden also convened on the same day at the US Capitol for prayer, worship, and a challenge from Pastor Jim Cymbala of Brooklyn Tabernacle. I was honored to be invited to the Capitol for this gathering and to pray with and for elected leaders.
National Prayer Committee
During the first quarter of this year, The National Prayer Committee, a network comprised of multiple prayer ministries, also met. As a member of this Committee, I met with fellow committee members for three days to pray and study God’s Word together. We also went out into the community to pray with people and share the Gospel. Being with this group of peers is refreshing and provides accountability among peers to maintain a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ.
Amid these gatherings, I led prayer calls and in-person prayer meetings that God was preparing me for what would come in the days ahead.
Revival at Asbury University
On February 8, the Holy Spirit began moving on the campus of Asbury University, and people started coming to the University to join in what God was doing. I went to Asbury, where I participated in what God was doing and invited Him to do a new work in my life. I had the opportunity to return a few days later and continued to engage in times of worship and prayer. I also had the opportunity to visit with faculty, staff, and students—hearing their stories about the outpouring and praying for and encouraging them. I also had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer. It was an honor to be one of the laborers and do whatever was needed. The University had thousands come to the campus between February 8 and 23, and I was one of many volunteers quickly put to work.
You may have heard that outpourings began to spread to over 200 university campuses. Even today, God continues to stir from the east coast to the west coast. For me, the experience increased my hunger for the Lord. I also witnessed humility and servanthood among the university leaders. I witnessed people responding daily to clear Gospel invitations. Many students continue to fan the flame, and many professors are engaged in disciple-making with students and faculty.
The people faithfully pray weekly for God to move and call people to be engaged in our Heavenly Father’s work. My time on campus allowed me to hear and witness first-hand the many prayer meetings that take place weekly among students, faculty, retirees of the University, and residents that live in the community. If you would like to discuss any of this, please call me, as I would welcome the opportunity to share more.
Prayer Gatherings
I am leading a prayer and worship time in Baton Rouge on the first Tuesday of the month called 714. The people gather at 6:30 pm for coffee and fellowship, and we begin worship at 7:00 pm and end around 8:45 pm. I invite you to join me as we pray for Louisiana and the seven mountains of influence.
I continue to lead a prayer gathering in Washington, DC on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Please message me for the location in Baton Rouge or Washington, DC at 615-260-4752. It would be a joy to have you join me.
I am committed to prayer and invite you to join me in person or on one of the prayer phone calls I lead every week. You can join the toll-free call for whatever amount of time you have to pray. If you are not familiar with a prayer, call you can be as active as you desire or you can simply listen and pray silently. I will never put you on the spot so feel free to join in this week.
Saturday Prayer Call
Every Saturday @ 7:30 am EST
Focus: Seven Mountains of Influence and a ministry time for fellow intercessors
Monday Prayer Call
Every Monday @ 11:00 am EST
Focus: Family
Wednesday Prayer Call
Every Wednesday @ 3:00 pm EST
Focus: US Government including Federal, State, Local, and US Military
Louisiana Prayer Call
Every Tuesday @ 7:00 pm CST
Focus: The governor and issues concerning Louisiana
HOW TO JOIN:
Phone number: 425-436-6287
When prompted, dial: 970542#
Feel free to share and invite others to join us to pray. If you have friends or family who would like to join Prayer Call updates email list, have them email me at jay@jayjohnston.org.
Family Research Council
As I have previously shared, I am also leading prayer efforts to support the work of the Family Research Council, and this includes praying for their work, staff, and events they sponsor. They have a Men’s Conference that will be held on June 3 in Houston, Texas, and the Lord has allowed me to establish a strong base of Intercessors to pray for this meeting. We had a day of prayer in Houston on March 4, where God moved in a mighty way. I encourage any man to sign-up through the Stand Courageous website and attend the conference.
Louisiana State Police Ministry
In addition to being engaged in prayer, I continue to volunteer with the Louisiana State Police. Because of your support, I was able to provide two devotional books to troopers written by fellow law enforcement. It was a joy to look into the eyes of many of these troopers and to encourage them with these books filled with God’s Word. The Lord has already allowed the fruit to come from sharing these books by opening doors for me to have one-on-one discussions with several troopers.
Louisiana State University
I am also continuing to disciple some young men who are students at LSU. I am grateful for this opportunity and trusting God to increase these opportunities.
Thank You
Thanks for taking the time to hear my heart and read about some of the ministry work I am involved in these days. Let me know if you have any questions about my current work or future dreams I am praying about it these days.
As you pray for me and Jerilyn, I ask that you also pray for our daughter-in-law Ann, our son Grady, and their sons as Ann continues to battle breast cancer. Our youngest son Jody and his wife, Liv, are doing a great job with twin boys who will soon be seven months old.
I am committed to honoring the Lord and serving Him daily. Thanks for your love, prayers, and financial support.
With a Grateful Heart,
Pastor Jay
