BBtJ.Org Vision, Mission and explanation

Various people have asked us about our ministry. At this time, we are steadily building the BBtJ.Org web site with both content and technical capability, forging alliances with other ministries, doing personal ministry of various kinds wherever we are, writing this newsletter and preparing for future ministry.

We’d like to share with you our current mission and vision statements, and request your comments.

The BBtJ.Org Mission Statement:  Inspire everyone to achieve true joy through personal relationship with our Creator. (John 15:9-12)

Bring Back the Joy Vision Statement:  BBtJ.Org will further the Gospel online through teaching, resources, interaction, and personal example as well as doing all these things in face to face interaction. (Acts 1:8)

Further elaboration: We believe the Bible states that God's primary desire in having created us is to live in Joy forever with his children. An increasing number of people are Internet savvy; huge numbers of people spend a goodly amount of their time online, especially younger ones. However, like everyone else there is always that hole in their hearts that only knowing God can fill. God won't force himself on any of us; we each have to choose him. We have to walk in the way that Jesus led. To do this, we have to know what is available to us and how. This knowledge comes to us via God’s Word the Bible, via God’s true servants on this earth and via the Holy Spirit. If we will, God promises peace, prosperity, health and happiness during this physical life in addition to a reward so great in the future that we cannot even imagine it now. It’s well worth it, despite a few trials & tribulations we mostly bring on ourselves due to lack of knowledge. And despite occasional persecution from those who oppose God and any who seek him. BBtJ.Org will help people to discover the Joy of the Lord, and the strength in this Joy for themselves (Nehemiah 8:10). Being uniquely prepared, we will by the leading of the Holy Spirit grow into building relationships and using the internet in positive ways that no other ministries have to date. For more, please visit: http://www.BBtJ.Org/about/vision-mission.html/#More and our Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.BBtJ.Org/about/FAQ.html

We are looking for people who wish to help us further this vision. See our BBtJ.Org Partnership Page for areas in which we could use your assistance. Please tell your friends about our ministry and newsletter; free subscriptions are available by filling out the reply coupon or you may Click Here to Email Virginia.

Let us know how we can better serve you,

Love, Mark & Virginia

More Details Regarding the BBtJ.Org Vision.

The Internet is a tool which God has made available for this time. Many think it is evil but the Internet was created for good. It was created to reach and support people worldwide that might never be reached via other means or in locations where it might be too dangerous to go in person. Many younger people won't even pay attention to those that don't embrace technology. We at BBtJ.Org have the calling to reach them where they are

We can demonstrate, through the Internet and in person, the love of God, in his willingness to let us make our own choices and to show that the best choice is to seek Him. God can and will show His Love and Purpose for our lives if we let Him. We have to learn, trust, do, experience, and grow. We start with little things and go on to bigger things. That's how we become able to operate in faith with authority. By following God's purpose, one discovers Joy and Peace for their lives, and along with this, increasing success and fulfillment. BBtJ.Org advocates listening to the Voice of God and practical application of the scriptures to one's Life, followed by becoming an example to others around us.

How many of you saw the movie, Bruce Almighty? While we don't endorse all aspects of this film, there are several things that should be considered. Bruce was a television newsman who detested his normal assignments of human interest or entertainment pieces. He wanted to be a commentator doing serious news reports. He blamed God because his life wasn't turning out like he wanted it. He even went as far as saying he thought he could do a better job of running the world than God was doing.

Bruce began getting a strange phone number on his pager. He finally got so mad that he threw down the pager and stomped on it. Miraculously it kept beeping and displaying the number. Finally, he answered the call and was told to come to a certain location at a certain time. He met someone who said he was God (He wasn’t at all what Bruce, or most people think or expect) and that He (God) was going on vacation and leaving the world in Bruce's hands. Naturally, Bruce found out the job wasn't as easy as it might seem. In the end, Bruce repented of his rash words. He became interested in reaching out to others, putting them ahead of his own desires. Best of all, he became content with his original job, knowing that it was something he was good at and in the will of God.

This film showed delightfully how God allows people to make their own choices which usually gets one in trouble. Bruce's poor choices and lack of planning caused havoc in his life. We can help eliminate havoc in our lives through seeking God and following His will for us. Then we can use the Power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to believers, according to his Will.

What could be better than a close friend who knows everything willing to guide each of us and wanting the best for us? If we will only seek him, trust him, love him and become more like him? And the biggest question in the Movie; How can you make someone love you? Even God can’t, because forced it wouldn’t be love. You can only love them and honor their free will, hoping they'll come to love you back. The movie illustrated this point beautifully.

What does this have to do with BBtJ.Org? Many people aren't happy with their lives. They gripe and grumble and sometimes even blame God for their misfortunes. Remember that phone number given on Bruce's pager? In real life, after seeing the movie, many people actually called that number within their own area code, asking for God. One radio station in Colorado that happened to have that number got over 10,000 calls. A single area code? How many area codes are there in this country alone? This shows that many people are desperately lost and seeking something that will bring happiness into their lives. And that the God they saw in this portrayal is someone they could imagine and possibly love. Our society is full of dysfunctional people with strife in both the home and the work place. These conditions suck the life out of a person if they don't know how to counter them.

BBtJ.org is Bring Back the Joy, a parachurch ministry that helps people to find Joy, live it, and share it with others. Joy includes such things as health, prosperity, love, and peace, even knowing one’s future and purpose. It's about learning God's will for us and how much he loves us. It's about getting to know him. God never forces us in anything. He does not override our choices. But when we choose Him above all things, then he is free to release us from past mistakes, and also bless us beyond our comprehension both spiritually and physically. We believe all this is part of the Gospel of the Kingdom which Jesus Christ came to earth to declare, and in which he is the central figure.

We promote the Gospel Message via sharing content on the Internet that relates to the true Gospel. We evangelize Truth and Faith by fostering group interaction. We will travel to places where there has been significant interest in our message to provide further ministry and information face to face, ministering to groups and individuals. We seek to complement, not conflict with anyone's choice of church. To avoid strife and build on common ground. We may even help to found focus study groups in various areas to learn together, and share with others. Perhaps similar to the many computer user groups Mark has been involved in founding or helping in past years.

Why us? We now see that God has specially prepared us for this all our lives.

Mark has extensive business experience and he began working with computers in the late 70s. He participated in the early roots and development of the Internet and the PC. He has long been recognized as a prophet in technology circles. He later was recognized by Linux Journal as one of the founding fathers of the Linux Operating System and its worldwide movement, serving as an Evangelist in that arena. Mark led a team in building LinuxMall.com, and was pivotal in Linux International as organized support for the movement. His interest in computers, the PC revolution and the OpenSource software movement have enabled him to serve at least two generations. Mark has also studied the Bible and sought to serve God his entire life. The background and experience God has given him can serve well by taking the Gospel to the world using technology. A medium that goes everywhere, and also connects with Generations X, Y, probably Z and beyond, by leveraging the power of the Internet. Why let Evil dominate this arena when Good can make so much better use of it. Click for more about Mark

With a major in theology and minor in speech from a denominational college, Virginia has long had an interest in communicating the Love of God through the Gospel message. Virginia is a talented public speaker and writer, as well as skilled in both the art of conversation and maintaining relationships. She has participated with and spoken to numerous organizations including Women of Worth, House of Faith and CBC Women's Ministry. Several articles and reviews have been published in the EI Home Companion and other newsletters. Virginia too has sought to serve God, and studied the bible her entire life. Click for more about Virginia

Both Mark and Virginia believe that the message should be presented on a level that reaches the heart of the listener. They are licensed ministers of the Gospel by Andrew Wommack Ministeries and Charis Bible College.

Yes, God has uniquely prepared us for this challenge. But we can't do it without his guidance and help, or yours. We appreciate your continued prayers and support (link) that we follow the leading of God and that whatever we do is to His Glory. Please feel free to provide any feedback you like, and consider supporting our efforts in this assignment from God, in any way he may lead.

Despite how well prepared we might be, this mission and vision is far too large for just the two of us. But with God's guidance and your help it can be accomplished in time. How can you help? Visit our Partnering Page to find out!