Category: Ministry Information

2022-12-14 JKI Update – Hurricane Ian Recovery

2022-11-24 –  Trisha with a homeowner in Arcadia, FL

We recently returned from a 20-day trip serving as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Rapid Response Team Chaplain Coordinators. Along with our teams of chaplains, we were privileged to minister to dozens of home owners in the Punta Gorda area on the western coast of Florida.

The results of Hurricane Ian on homes, businesses and infrastructure were well documented by news organizations. What is less often reported is the devastating impact on the emotional and spiritual well-being of those who suffered loss. In the disaster chaplaincy is the saying, “They were already in a storm when the storm hit.”

We saw many elderly, lots of widows, and families whose homes were either unlivable or completely destroyed. Working alongside the dedicated Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief staff and dozens of volunteers from across the country, our chaplain teams provided much needed spiritual and emotional care to the volunteers and the residents. 

We prayed with hurting families and many people we met along the way who were already “in a storm” prior to the hurricane. Most were already struggling with the personal loss of a loved one, loss of income, divorce, or devastating medical conditions.

While offering words of comfort and simply being present for them, we shared the gospel with them. Many said “yes” to Christ for the first time.

Continue to pray for these hurting people, the Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers and the BGEA RRT Chaplains. They are still there in Punta Gorda as well as in Englewood and Fort Myers.

To get an idea of what we do, read these recent reports. Help is Here and RRT Responds

Samaritan’s Purse needs volunteers to serve in clearing debris and preparing homes for further repair. Checkout the opportunities here Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Opportunities

Continuing in Ministry

While we are unable to travel to Nicaragua due to conditions there, we are ramping up our ministry in the U.S. There are so many opportunities that we are constantly praying for wisdom and discernment about each one.

We will continue to deploy to U.S. disasters as BGEA RRT Chaplain Coordinators as needed. Between road trips and flights, we are having lots of opportunity to preach and speak in various churches and conferences.

Our schedule includes some upcoming prison ministry with Behind the Walls (formerly Bill Glass Champions for Life). You can see opportunities to serve here: BehindtheWalls.com. The exciting news is that there are already two Texas events open for registration (Austin and Bonham). We will be serving at both of these. There are a dozen or so other Texas events in the works.

Some of our recent sermons can be found here: jodykennedy.org/home/sermons/

Recovering from COVID – Now What?

Many have followed our journey through our experiences with COVID-19. We were both taken ill by the virus. Trisha was quarantined for two weeks in a hotel in Charlotte and Jody was hospitalized, in Charlotte, for three months, followed by three months of physical therapy.

According to the medical team that cared for Jody, there was no medical reason for him to have survived. In the words of the lead pulmonologist, “God reached down and touched your body.” It is truly a miracle that Jody survived. For many weeks, he was the sickest person on the COVID floor.

This experience has given us a renewed vigor for serving the Lord and sharing his message of forgiveness and hope.

Trisha did an amazing and inspirational work of recording our reliance on the Lord throughout the most difficult months of our lives. Her diary of our journey can be seen at the Caringbridge website (click here).

Since returning to Texas from Charlotte, we have had the privilege of sharing our experience and telling of God’s miracle work at some Texas churches. Some of these can be viewed through the links below.

Calvary Baptist Church of Midlothian

Christ Fellowship, Lake Bridgeport, TX

Retta Baptist Church, Burleson, TX

GOD’S HANDS, GOD’S VOICE

by Donna from Panama City, FL (January 14, 2019)
(Pictured: Jody, Trisha, Donna, Kenneth)

I often think about the day I was born. It was 10:19 A.M., December 17th, 1953, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls Texas.

I imagine the moment I was wrapped in the hospital blanket and placed in the nursery. Could God have had a conversation with me? Did I hear him say, “One day, little one, you will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. Then, I will hear you and place you on the path I have called you to walk.”

Could that conversation have continued like this, “Little one, wait. For in about twenty-four hours, there is a blessing coming your way that will take a while for you to receive.”

Then, on December 18th, 1953, at 10:48 A.M., a little boy, was also wrapped in a hospital blanket, and placed in the same nursery. I cannot prove it, but he must have been placed right next to me. Could the conversation have, again, continued when God may have said, “I have given life to this little one next to you. He has been placed in this world to be a light for me. Many will be recipients of my love, mercy, and grace through his hands, and his voice. I have prepared a path for him and his help mate, to cross paths with you one day when you need me most.”

On October 10th, 2018, around mid-day, the worst storm to hit the U.S. coasts came ashore in the panhandle of Florida. Thousands of homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and even churches were damaged or destroyed. The city, county, and surrounding cities of where I live were at the mercy of first responders. They came quickly, but the devastation was so severe, it took a long time for some of us to get the much-needed help, and we waited.

On January 10th, 2019, three months to the date of the catastrophic event, a big bus, loaded with Samaritan’s Purse volunteers, arrived at my cousin’s house next door. There was a U-HAUL truck loaded with equipment to rake, shovel, and clean debris.  A pickup truck with a sign on the door that read, ‘Billy Graham’, was another beautiful site.

I grew up watching Billy Graham crusades on a black and white television, feeling conviction when the choir sang Just as I Am. Oh, how I wished to be among the thousands to come forward and receive what they did. That wish was granted one day, but not at a crusade. I was invited to a vacation bible school at a little Baptist church on a hill, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. God saved my soul as I listened to the familiar choir song, Just as I Am.

And here in my front yard, walking towards my husband and me, were Billy Graham Association Chaplains Jody and Trisha. What a welcome greeting from two precious people I thought were about to drive away, never to see them again.

Chaplains Jody and Trisha listened as we told our story. When we told how my cousins from Texas, had brought their RV for us to live in, that is when memory lane began to replay. During our conversation I learned that Chaplain Jody was born December 18th, 1953, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. This was a mouth dropping moment for me. When I shared my birth place and date, his mouth dropped.

Sixty-five years had passed, and here we met, side by side. God’s hands, His voice, extending help and comfort at a time when I needed him most. We did not plan it, but Chaplain Jody and I, stood, joining hand in hand, making a prayer circle with Kenneth, and Chaplain Trisha, and with the voices as angels, they prayed for us. God’s hands, God’s voice.

What a reunion. We had the privilege to see one another briefly, for the three days they were in our area. We were also blessed to share the evening meal with about two hundred other Samaritan’s Purse volunteers at the church who hosted them.  Information for future communication was exchanged before they left. By the way, the same doctor that helped to deliver me, also helped to deliver Chaplain Jody. That information was verified on our birth certificates. What an awesome God!

Dear God, I thank you for directing our paths. I’m so thankful for the day that I sought after you with all my heart, and found you, and you took me in, just as I am.

(Used with permission)

Alert from U.S. Embassy in Managua, NI

From: STEP Notifications <STEP-Notifications@STATE.GOV>

Nicaragua Travel Advisory, Level 3: Reconsider Travel, July 6, 2018

Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare availability.

On July 6, 2018, the U.S. government ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel. The U.S. Embassy remains open to provide emergency services for U.S. citizens.

Heavily armed, government-controlled paramilitary forces in civilian clothing, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, operate in large parts of the country, including Managua. They are often in vehicles that don’t have license plates, and they may be escorted by uniformed police forces. These groups are attacking blockades, kidnapping and detaining individuals, taking over privately owned land, and committing other crimes.

Rallies and demonstrations are widespread and occur daily with little notice. Government-controlled forces have attacked peaceful demonstrators leading to significant numbers of deaths and injuries. Looting, vandalism, and acts of arson often occur during unrest, including in tourist areas. Government authorities detain protesters, and some people have disappeared. Human rights groups have documented credible claims of torture of detainees.

Road blocks, including in Managua and other major cities, may limit availability of food and fuel. Road blocks may also limit access to the Augusto C. Sandino International airport in Managua. Criminals are in charge of some of the road blocks.

Hospitals around the country are inundated with victims of violence and lack the capacity to respond to other emergencies. Other hospitals have denied treatment to people wounded in protests.

Violent crime, such as sexual assault and armed robbery, is common and has increased as security forces focus on the civil unrest. Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua is limited in the assistance it can provide. U.S. government personnel in Nicaragua must remain in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel between sundown and sunrise. In Managua, they must avoid Rotonda Metrocentro, Rotonda Universitaria, and the vicinity of universities, particularly UNAN.

U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using public buses and mototaxis and from entering the Oriental Market in Managua and gentlemen’s clubs throughout the country due to crime.

Additional restrictions on movements by US. government personnel may be put in place at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Nicaragua:

  • Consider arrangements to depart the country. There are no plans for a U.S. government-assisted evacuation.
  • Avoid demonstrations. Foreigners, including U.S.-Nicaraguan dual nationals, may risk arrest or expulsion if they participate in protests.
  • Restrict unnecessary travel.
  • Do not attempt to drive through crowds, barricades, or road blocks.
  • Maintain adequate supplies of food, cash, potable water, and fuel if sheltering in place.
  • Ensure your U.S. passport is valid and available for a quick departure from the country, if needed.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Do not display signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Report for Nicaragua.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

It’s a Twister!

That iconic, classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” yielded more than its fair share of memorable quotes. See if you can remember who said these and why*.

“Unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?”
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
“I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.”
“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! ”
“I don’t know… But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking… don’t they?”
“…there’s no place like home! ”
“It’s a twister. It’s a twister.”

Trisha recently used that last quote to describe the many challenges, opportunities, and constant changes that we face as we continue in full-time ministry. Often, life’s events and situations swirl around us, kicking up dirt and debris that make it difficult to know what direction to take or where to put our feet for the next step.

Yet, God is our shelter in the storm. He hides us in the cleft of His hand, protecting us from destruction. We might get scratched. We might lose some possessions and maybe some relationships. Nonetheless we are protected and kept toward the work that He has in store for us.

God is also the lighthouse, drawing us into safe harbor where we can get about His business and deepen our relationship with Him.

No “twisters” are surprising to God. No matter how violent or unexpected in human terms, He raises His mighty hand and says, “Peace, be still.

 

*To check your answers at IMDB.COM (click here).

America’s Got Talent?

Trisha and some of her students (Novosibirsk,, Russia (Siberian Region)
Trisha and some of her students (Novosibirsk,, Russia (Siberian Region)

That popular TV series, “America’s Got Talent”, showcases the broad range of “talent” that people of all ages and backgrounds are willing to display before a national audience.  Some are amazingly entertaining while others are just plain weird, or worse.  Some of the least talented acts are there because someone, perhaps a friend or family member, told them they were talented.  Regardless, each participant came to the conclusion embodied by the phrase, “I can do that”.

As Christians, we all too often reach the opposite conclusion.  When faced with the opportunity to exercise our God given gifts and talents, we simply say, “I can’t do that”.  The reality is that God has given us gifts to be used in His service.  To say “I can’t do that” in response to God’s prompting is not only disobedient, but it calls God a liar.

Looking back on the times when I have said to God, “I can’t do that”, I wonder how many blessings I have forgone and how many blessings I have withheld from others.  We don’t have to exercise our talents before a national audience.  But, our heavenly audience is waiting to see us act in faith and say, “I can do that”.

Things turn out best…

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” – Art Linkletter

Mission work is full of surprises, unexpected situations and challenging obstacles.  Yet, the result is always predictable when God is glorified and the gospel is clearly and directly presented.  God has His way with both the missionary and those touched by the missionary.  Below are some lessons that must be learned and re-learned when serving the Almighty God.

-Learn to be led by the One we are serving and adapt our priorities to meet His
-Learn how to cheerfully change your plans when unexpected conditions require it
-Do not be discouraged when faced with unexpected challenges.  God has already prepared a way to overcome them in a way that will glorify Him

God said, 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. (Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV)

Missions is about following God’s lead and trusting Him with the result.

What Does JKI Do?

With evangelism as our focus, we strive to provide effective planning and leadership in order to effectively spread the gospel of Christ.
● Train and equip lay teams for short term direct mission projects
● Organize and lead lay teams for domestic projects in the U.S. and international projects in Latin America and other countries as God open doors
● Mobilize and motivate church members to get involved in Christian service
● Partner with indigenous churches in reaching their communities for Christ
● Strengthen and provide resources to our partner indigenous churches

Our Priorities

Evangelism, emphasizing the importance of sharing the gospel with unbelievers for the purpose of salvation.

Church Starts, assisting indigenous church planters in starting churches in areas that are in need of a Biblical Christian church.

Spiritual Awakening, preaching, teaching and exhorting Christians to progress toward conformity with Christ and become the manor woman God created them to be.

Discipleship, aiming toward the full development of Christians as they grow in grace, knowledge and maturity.

World Missions, working with all evangelical believers in the gigantic task of reaching every country and person with an opportunity to receive and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Git-R-Done

“Git-R-Done!!!” This popular catch phrase has become part of the American lexicon thanks to the redneck styled comedian known as Larry the Cable Guy.  It is a simple and direct way to say, “Let’s make the task at hand our priority”, “”Let’s  get to work”, “Let’s finish the job”.

Think about it.    You’ve heard the many life-changing testimonies of those who have gone before.  You’ve wanted to be part of an effective mission.  Yet, you’ve put it off for any number of reasons.  You’re not getting any younger.  Time is getting shorter.

We have more invitations for our Practically Speaking English evangelism events than we can accept.  Our limitation is simply the number of volunteers that are willing to go with us.  Pastors tell us again and again, “Please come and help us!”  It breaks our heart to say “No” or “Maybe next year.”

Please, won’t you prayerfully consider joining us in one of the next opportunities?  You can join us in one of two practical ways (in addition to praying for us).  One way is to commit to going yourself.  Second is help us financially to sponsor someone else.

Finders Keepers. Losers weepers.

This old children’s adage has amazing application to the human condition.  Those who find (receive) Christ keep their life forever.  Those who do not receive Christ are eternally lost (losers).  The Bible is clear.  John 3:18 says:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18 NIV)

Missions is about telling people how to enter into relationship with Jesus Christ.  The cool thing about the gospel is that Jesus is looking for the “weepers” so that He can turn them into “keepers”.  What a joy it is to be part of that process.