The Mustard Seed Jam House

Update on the status of things in the Jam House...

Sometimes with changes and advancements, getting bigger and better, there is sadness. Thus is the case as we now have closed the doors of the Mustard Seed Jam House for the last time. Thirteen and one half years to the day, our little out-of-the-way basement has provided safe haven, relationship mentoring and spiritual guidance to literally hundreds of our children. At times it jumped, packed with way too many kids, bands shaking the walls, at times it was quiet, a handful of kids in a euchre game, talking to an attentive staff person about life.

As the years have flown by, the faces continuously changed Staff members served their season and moved on. Kids would appear, stay awhile, and then move to the next chapter of their life's journey. Some of these kids were taught social and relational skills that were glaringly absent. They all heard about Jesus. Some got it, others rejected it. We broke up fights, we kicked them out of the parking lot. We listened as they cried. We laughed. We danced, we moshed, hit our heads on the ceiling. We ate Swedish Fish by the handfuls. Created Klangs and Jam Sandwiches. We heard all kinds of music, from all over the country. Some unbelievably talented musician graced our small stage. Some were pretty bad. All spoke of their relationship with Christ.

Most important, our staff got into the lives of kids. They gave their time. They got dirty and vulnerable. They were influential. They earned the right to be friends and to share Christ. Many, staff and clientele alike, will always have fond memories of that little room under the Bible Gift Shoppe and many will look back to it as being pivotal in their lives.

The timing seems right to make this move. Summer creates a natural change for staffing and clientele because of school being out. The hope is to have the new building open at some time next fall.

When Carini Restaurant bought the building, they graciously allowed us to stay even though they had plans for our space. We would never want to give the impression that they have asked or even hinted that we leave. However, we wanted to be careful not to take advantage of the grace afforded to us. The DiStefano's have been wonderful landlords and we are grateful for all they have done for the ministry.

Also, Downtown Ministries and Rob Thrasher are parting ways. Rob has effectively maintained the Jam House ministry, allowing me to completely immerse myself in the new building project. I am personally thankful for his service to Downtown Ministries. We are all praying for him and for his family as they seek God's direction in the next phase of their lives.

I must remember that the main ingredient in ministry is people. He spaces we minister in are just props. The Mustard See has served as an effective prop, but now we move on to bigger and better. Much that was experience at the Jam House will happen at Fresh Grounds. Plus there will be more.

The building process continues, slow like a turtle, but ever moving to the finish line. In my opinion, Bill Kitch has reach hero status. Right up there with Roberto Clemente, Teddy Roosevelt, and Hudson Taylor. His commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm inspires. Russ Roberts has also been a major player the last few months, running electric and water lines and much more. A major donation of plumbing materials and bathroom fixtures has moved the plumbing closer to completion. About all that remains to the complicated electrical system is the branch wiring. The counter area is progressing thanks to Skeet and Keith Becker. My clipboard show about eighteen different little projects within the big project that is currently in progress. It goes without saying that new workers are always welcome.

During this interim period, we plan on setting up a temporary office space in the upper regions of the new building. Our contact information should stay the same.

Lately, I've found myself sitting in the middle of the Mustard Seed Jam House, looking around, remembering, knowing that soon it will be gone, never to come back. Kathy Turcic once told me that she knew God had a special purpose for the basement when they first bought the building. So true.

Martin Johnson