“Lucy, You Got Some ‘Splainin To Do!?”

It was in reference to this website…

I cannot tell you how much I have been laughing at iJames Playhouse.
Every year during Christmas we release gag type gifts that people could purchase (in theory, if they actually existed). We do this to have a little fun and break the craziness of what sometimes can be an overwhelming holiday season. We’ve come to find out around Christmas time as new people and long time Christ-followers walk through the doors each week- they’re feeling “IT.”

“IT,” is the pain of losing a loved one. The hurt of a broken family. The pain of being fired froma job you’ve been at for years. The sorrow of vocalizing to your family you won’t be doing presents and you cannot afford to keep the lights on. The grief of failing marriages. The regret of a life spent making ill timed decisions and focusing on yourself. In the opening of Forefront’s services, we try to laugh. We desire to laugh. We do this on purpose as a body, because God is the giver of life and life should be spent being thankful for His grace, love, and compassion. For the person that has walked through the doors experiencing a daily does of “IT”- our prayer is that this little big of laughter will break through the wall of “IT” so when we begin to sing, take communion, give our offering, listen to God’s word preached, and feel His spirit move in the room… that through our man made feeble attempts to connect to another person through laughter, God will show up and use His power to make a kingdom size impact on their lives.

As a body, Forefront believes in breaking down walls to pave the way for God to work. It’s not on us, it’s on Him. So, as we break down walls with little videos like iJamesPlayhouse.com, it begins to spread and people begin to say (like a recent message I got on Facebook, see below). I pray for efforts to connect with people where they are and this just made me tear up knowing God is moving what we do…

“I haven’t laughed like that in awhile. A friend shared it on Facebook. But, they sent a link to the Forefront internet site too. I am thankful that they did. I am going to come out next week to experience your church. I don’t want you to think it’s because I want funny videos. I thought it was great, but after reading your section about what you believe and then your internet site part about global and local service, that’s why I’m coming. Thanks for making these. I don’t know if you intended it or not, but I never would have gone to your website if my friend hadn’t shared the Facebook video with a link to it. See you Sunday.”

I am in awe of how God can use little silly videos & parody websites as a door to bring people to a place where they can hear the Gospel (God’s good news) communicated to them. The iJamesPlayhouse.com website will be releasing a video every day leading up to Christmas. Have fun sharing those abroad on the web and we’ll let God do the rest.

Jason *over and out*