The Big James Christmas Project
I have been excited to introduce this Christmas project to you since we kicked off The Big James Project.
Everybody who has responded to Big James has a Big Heart, but we don’t always know how to put it into action, how to reach out, how to get started. I have a solution for us.
My family started doing this a few years ago when James was still a part of our lives. We wanted to get something special for him for Christmas, but we also wanted to take the opportunity to reach out to some others around our town also. I hope this blesses you and your family with lasting memories as it does for mine.
Take 2 plastic grocery bags and put 1 inside the other for double strength (free, strong, waterproof). Go to the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, wherever - and get some warm socks, gloves, hat, small toothpaste & brush, moist wipes, razors, toilet paper, whatever you feel may be useful. Then grab some juice boxes or bottled drinks, combine with a can or two of beef stew (pop top cans), some cookies, pudding cups and plastic silverware. Be sure to add one of our Big James handouts and your Big James card (email me and I’ll get them right out to you), and one of those small Bibles. Finally create or buy a real nice Christmas card for them with a personal prayer. Throw it all in the bag, and put it in your trunk or back seat.
If you have kids or a spouse - work on this together, if not - do it with a friend. Get your church or group involved, tell them all to visit this site and become Big James’ers. Divide up the tasks if you choose, make it a family project. I suggest you make at least 3 gift bags, but you may find that 5 costs about the same. You can probably find 10 pairs of socks for less than 10.00 and put 2 in each bag for example. If you want, you can contact a local food charity for the food part, and you can probably make 5 complete gift bags for 20.00.
To have a big impact on a homeless person, and give them what may very well be the only present they will get for the entire season (think about that), this is all that is needed. It doesn’t have to be fancy at all. If you feel compelled to do more, I’m sure every bit will be appreciated.
Then, the fun part starts. Pick a good evening, or weekend day (daylight is a good idea if in unfamiliar territory – always remember rule #1 on Tips page), Pray First that God will lead you where he wants you, head out in your car with your friend or family (don’t go alone), and look for people wandering the streets or resting in the parks that look, well…. homeless. If you are uncomfortable approaching them, try saying “I’m with the Big James Homeless Outreach Project and I have a present for you – Merry Christmas” Believe it or not, this adds a level of credibility and trust that you may not achieve on your own. Refresh your memory of tips and ideas by visiting our “TIPS” page before you head out.
If the first time you do this you drop off the bag and leave running, it’ll be totally understood. It’s what’s in your heart that matters right? I encourage you though, on your second and subsequent meetings, to slow down a little, take a minute to ask them how they are doing where are they from, where do they go to church? etc. Let them know that you care by listening, and by all means let them know, “Hey, if you ever need to talk, my cell phone number is in the bag.”
I hope you discover that this can be the best tradition you’ll ever start for your family. Believe me, your impact on the world and on individuals cannot be measured merely by the initial meeting - if you have God in your heart and the Holy Spirit is in it.
If we can help you in any way, please email us. Even if you need us to mail you some complete gift bags, just ask, and we’ll try our best to get them to you in time for Christmas.
I would really love to hear from you about how this goes for you, please drop me an email or leave a comment on this posting below with your stories.
May God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!
November 21, 2010
November 21
Hello to all Big James’ers! I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last update. No excuses, but believe me, the project continues and the impact on people's lives is amazing.
I will admit, I did go through a phase where I didn’t really know what direction this project was heading so I slowed down on promotions for awhile. The reason for this is because the stories and feedback I was receiving, although positive and impactful on the individuals, wasn’t always what I had expected. It took me awhile to realize (remember) that God is in control, and if he wants to use this project to touch people to work for Him in ways different from what “I” had imagined, that’s His business. It’s my job to do my job, and it’s your job to do your job.
Out of the blue I received a call from a very dear friend in Ohio the other day; he has been a major advocate for TheBigJamesProject from day one. he told me a story about something that happened to him as he was putting the Big James principals to work in his life. It just blew me away. It blew him away. God is most definitely Good and Alive and Well. It's a very long story, and I sure needed the encouragement. Hopefully we can get him to put it in writing for us.. Brother Steve???
If something touches us, or is laid on our hearts, the Bible teaches us over and over that it is our job to step out in faith and “just do it” even if the results are unseen or not as expected. Do not lose faith my friends, do not stop trying. If it was good and Godly yesterday, it will be forever; this is part of the nature of God (Malachi 3:6).
Ok, now for the updates.
#1. Get ready to clap …. We have had 656 page views as of today !!!
Even though about 100 +/- were from me, that’s still an awesome number considering we have a zero dollar marketing budget and little more than a story to offer. This, to me, is a testament to the power of God’s love in so many people’s hearts. We all have busy lives, and often forget about what really matters, but this tells me that the Holy Spirit is not only alive and well, but working in you and I.
#2. We have a newly designed business card on the way. I’ll post the graphics when I get a post-able proof. The reasons for the new card are first - to have a more professional design (which I know really doesn’t matter but hey, it’s nice). Second – It will allow me to keep a large supply on hand to ship to you immediately as they are designed with room for you to write your own name and phone #. I initially thought “printed” would be nice, but really, isn’t hand written more personal? And third – they will reduce costs due to the volume printing. I hope you like them, but more importantly, please pray that they are effective for Christ.
#3. The Big James Project has been introduced in Germany, Sweden, France, and who knows where else. The feedback has been nothing short of amazing. I wish I could share every story I hear. People are being touched in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Please keep us in your prayers always.
#4. Johnathan is doing well and his puppy is always happy to see me. I haven’t been able to get him to come to church with me yet, so I’ve done some on the spot ministering. Mostly I just hang out with them, It’s always a good visit.
I will admit, I did go through a phase where I didn’t really know what direction this project was heading so I slowed down on promotions for awhile. The reason for this is because the stories and feedback I was receiving, although positive and impactful on the individuals, wasn’t always what I had expected. It took me awhile to realize (remember) that God is in control, and if he wants to use this project to touch people to work for Him in ways different from what “I” had imagined, that’s His business. It’s my job to do my job, and it’s your job to do your job.
Out of the blue I received a call from a very dear friend in Ohio the other day; he has been a major advocate for TheBigJamesProject from day one. he told me a story about something that happened to him as he was putting the Big James principals to work in his life. It just blew me away. It blew him away. God is most definitely Good and Alive and Well. It's a very long story, and I sure needed the encouragement. Hopefully we can get him to put it in writing for us.. Brother Steve???
If something touches us, or is laid on our hearts, the Bible teaches us over and over that it is our job to step out in faith and “just do it” even if the results are unseen or not as expected. Do not lose faith my friends, do not stop trying. If it was good and Godly yesterday, it will be forever; this is part of the nature of God (Malachi 3:6).
Ok, now for the updates.
#1. Get ready to clap …. We have had 656 page views as of today !!!
Even though about 100 +/- were from me, that’s still an awesome number considering we have a zero dollar marketing budget and little more than a story to offer. This, to me, is a testament to the power of God’s love in so many people’s hearts. We all have busy lives, and often forget about what really matters, but this tells me that the Holy Spirit is not only alive and well, but working in you and I.
#2. We have a newly designed business card on the way. I’ll post the graphics when I get a post-able proof. The reasons for the new card are first - to have a more professional design (which I know really doesn’t matter but hey, it’s nice). Second – It will allow me to keep a large supply on hand to ship to you immediately as they are designed with room for you to write your own name and phone #. I initially thought “printed” would be nice, but really, isn’t hand written more personal? And third – they will reduce costs due to the volume printing. I hope you like them, but more importantly, please pray that they are effective for Christ.
#3. The Big James Project has been introduced in Germany, Sweden, France, and who knows where else. The feedback has been nothing short of amazing. I wish I could share every story I hear. People are being touched in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Please keep us in your prayers always.
#4. Johnathan is doing well and his puppy is always happy to see me. I haven’t been able to get him to come to church with me yet, so I’ve done some on the spot ministering. Mostly I just hang out with them, It’s always a good visit.
September 20, 2010
It’s been an exciting couple of weeks at The Big James Project Headquarters (my desk). We have just about finished phase one of the roll-out for the project, and the feedback has been amazing. I wish I could tell you about every heartfelt conversation, suffice it to say here are a lot of big hearts out there. Thank you all so much for your support and suggestions.
Phase two is underway. We are beginning to reach out to like minded groups and organizations that may want to participate, or be able to help us to promote the project. Please forward any suggestions you may have to my e-mail Keith@TheBigJamesProject.com.
The most important news is that we have our first few card carrying members! Let’s remember to pray for them. We have a long way left to go. If you haven’t requested your cards yet, please do so now. It’s simple, it’s free, and what you choose to do with them is totally up to you; you will not be graded or judged in any way. Just shoot me an e-mail with your name, phone and address to Help@TheBigJamesProject.com.
Thank You, and may God bless us all.
Phase two is underway. We are beginning to reach out to like minded groups and organizations that may want to participate, or be able to help us to promote the project. Please forward any suggestions you may have to my e-mail Keith@TheBigJamesProject.com.
The most important news is that we have our first few card carrying members! Let’s remember to pray for them. We have a long way left to go. If you haven’t requested your cards yet, please do so now. It’s simple, it’s free, and what you choose to do with them is totally up to you; you will not be graded or judged in any way. Just shoot me an e-mail with your name, phone and address to Help@TheBigJamesProject.com.
Thank You, and may God bless us all.
September 8, 2010
My New Friend Johnathan
Well, not really new.
I've known Johnathan for a few years now as previously mentioned. I met Johnathan originally when he used to sleep under the bus in the parking lot at the Bread of Life Christian Mission.
Since then he's moved to the other side of town, has a stable hang out, and a reasonably safe place to pitch a tent where the Police are friendly to him. He gets a little work cleaning the parking lot and taking out the trash for a nearby restaurant, this apparently affords him a regular supply of food.
His 5 month old Bulldog/Pit bull "Jedi", is a faithful friend and Johnathan's pride and joy.
Johnathan does have a Bible, "a big old family Bible" he calls it, and seemingly, he isn't in need of anything. (What can I do?)
I'm actually pretty jealous of his lifestyle come to think of it.
Every 5 minute visit with Johnathan is a pleasant break from daily stress, he is mannerly, friendly and always welcoming. Actually, the place where he hangs out is in a busy public area and you can't spend 5 minutes with him without 3 other people stopping by to say hi, or at least, to pet Jedi. Johnathan has a lot of friends. (Why would he need me?)
Today, while hanging out, I offered a "little piece of paper" to Johnathan. I simply said, "Hey man, we've known each other for awhile now, and I want you to have this card". He spent a good long minute reading the front of it, cracked just a little smile, and stuck it in his pocket. He said, "Keith, I thought that was your name, but I always forget". I said, "Well, now you'll remember, and you can call me if I can help you with anything".
I know I didn't follow our script, but hey, like I said, the rules are just guidelines. I'll get better, and so will you.
The point is this, I took a step. I prayed on the way to visit him that it would be God's will that got done, not mine. And I took a step. Does Johnathan need me? Will he ever call? I don't know.
What I do know, is that we went from being just casual acquaintances, one step closer to being friends.
May God Bless you all.
I've known Johnathan for a few years now as previously mentioned. I met Johnathan originally when he used to sleep under the bus in the parking lot at the Bread of Life Christian Mission.
Since then he's moved to the other side of town, has a stable hang out, and a reasonably safe place to pitch a tent where the Police are friendly to him. He gets a little work cleaning the parking lot and taking out the trash for a nearby restaurant, this apparently affords him a regular supply of food.
His 5 month old Bulldog/Pit bull "Jedi", is a faithful friend and Johnathan's pride and joy.
Johnathan does have a Bible, "a big old family Bible" he calls it, and seemingly, he isn't in need of anything. (What can I do?)
I'm actually pretty jealous of his lifestyle come to think of it.
Every 5 minute visit with Johnathan is a pleasant break from daily stress, he is mannerly, friendly and always welcoming. Actually, the place where he hangs out is in a busy public area and you can't spend 5 minutes with him without 3 other people stopping by to say hi, or at least, to pet Jedi. Johnathan has a lot of friends. (Why would he need me?)
Today, while hanging out, I offered a "little piece of paper" to Johnathan. I simply said, "Hey man, we've known each other for awhile now, and I want you to have this card". He spent a good long minute reading the front of it, cracked just a little smile, and stuck it in his pocket. He said, "Keith, I thought that was your name, but I always forget". I said, "Well, now you'll remember, and you can call me if I can help you with anything".
I know I didn't follow our script, but hey, like I said, the rules are just guidelines. I'll get better, and so will you.
The point is this, I took a step. I prayed on the way to visit him that it would be God's will that got done, not mine. And I took a step. Does Johnathan need me? Will he ever call? I don't know.
What I do know, is that we went from being just casual acquaintances, one step closer to being friends.
May God Bless you all.
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