Hello friend,
I’ve received many requests to share how this ministry began. Now is the perfect time to share how God has guided me and Jerilyn down this road of faith, dependence, and gratitude.
With my formal education complete, the heart of gratitude that God had nurtured in me began to grow even more during a difficult—but rewarding—season of life in the mid-80s. Now more recent, significant life events have led to the prayer and discipleship ministry.
In December 2019, Jerilyn and I answered God’s call to church ministry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We thought we would be there for the rest of our lives, but we faced almost immediate challenges within the church coupled with the onslaught of COVID-19. Though we loved everything about the opportunity, and despite our love for all the church members, Jerilyn and I believe we followed God’s direction when I resigned after only six months of service.
Dodging hurricanes and tropical storms punctuated our return to Louisiana. For the next five months, the Lord’s people provided homes for us as we sorted out our lives. At every turn, even though some of those turns were painful, I can truly say we remained grateful. The Lord used this time to draw me and Jerilyn closer to Him and each other. We were blessed with precious moments with friends as we prayed, laughed, and cried through this season.
During those days, several Godly men encouraged me to start Jay Johnston Ministry. So I did. Since then, this prayer and discipleship ministry has grown to include helping pastors and church leaders develop their spiritual walks in preparation to lead churches in building an intentional ministry of prayer, discipleship, and evangelism. I am grateful to God that He uses my experience, gifts, and talents to help churches develop and strengthen staff, deacons, and church leaders for congregational care through intentional prayer ministry.
The Ministry Expands
As this ministry evolved, I became the National Prayer Director for the Family Research Council in Washington, DC. Through this amazing opportunity, the Lord has called me alongside pastors, law enforcement officers, and others whose families are struggling through a variety of difficult issues.
The Lord has allowed ministry opportunities to continue to grow—I am often asked to pray at various ministry gatherings. As the Lord used Barnabas, God also uses my gift of encouragement for pastors and intercessors throughout the USA and Canada. I am committed to prayer and to equip others to pray—this is the focus the Lord has called me to. I am thankful to God for the way He is opening doors for me to serve Him more.
Thus far, the school of life in Christ underscores our dependence upon Him, the Holy Spirit, and His people. Thanks to God, our gratitude grows. Cultivating gratitude shifts our focus toward recognizing God’s providence, blessings, and grace in one’s life.
Psalm 107:1 urges us, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Thessalonians 5:18, instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Biblical gratitude is interconnected with trust, faith, and surrender to God’s plan, regardless of circumstances.
Recent Developments and Needs
Jay Johnston Ministry of Louisiana has legally been deemed a non-profit organization. The official ministry name was changed but I have a DBA (doing business as) on file for Jay Johnston Ministry. The switch from an LLC (limited liability corporation) to a non-profit will create a more convenient way to support our efforts and allow your gifts to be tax-deductible. In addition to the ability to donate through bank drafts, PayPal, and Venmo, soon you’ll be able to give securely online when visiting jayjohnston.org.
Your gifts are used to provide resources to those God has brought into my life as I equip individuals, families, and pastors. These resources include various books and Bibles given to individuals or, in some cases, to entire families. Your gifts help me continue this work. I am truly grateful for your donations, but the best gift is to remember me in prayer.
I am working as hard as ever this season and am grateful to God for the opportunities He has opened for me to serve. I am also currently serving as the supply pastor for a church in Melville, LA.
If you ever have any questions about this ministry, I always welcome the opportunity to discuss any part of the work I am involved in.
Join Me in Prayer
As you know, I lead several prayer calls each week. I invite you to participate in any of them. Praying aloud, praying silently, or just silently listening is welcome. Below is a list of all the prayer call opportunities, followed by the toll-free number and instructions on to join the calls.
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 Monday @ 8:00 pm CST
Focus: The governor and issues concerning Louisiana
HOW TO JOIN:
Phone number: 425-436-6287
When prompted, dial: 970542#
If you know someone who might be interested in these ministry updates or joining me for prayer opportunities, feel free to share this post and invite them to join us. I can also include them in our weekly email reminders about prayer calls if they email me at jay@jayjohnston.org.
After reflecting on how the Lord has led me and Jerilyn in the last few years, I know that you have been a necessary and an integral part of this process. You are a gift from the Lord, and I am forever thankful that God has allowed our lives to intersect. My heart overflows with gratitude for your friendship, your support, and your prayers. The Lord and others have taught me that gratitude is a powerful attitude that transforms our perspective and deepens our relationship with God, and I thank you.
With a Grateful Heart,
Pastor Jay
