When I first met Jason, he was part of a core group of people who were planting a new church. He oversaw and led small groups, greeted people in the lobby, and worked in the insurance field (not his passion). I could always count on Jason to provide me with a laugh whenever I visited the church. He was outgoing, playful, passionate, loyal, truth-telling, and had a big heart for God’s adventurers. I could tell he would be a leader worth investing in. From the outside, it didn’t appear Jason felt any type of insecurity on those Sunday mornings. One thing I’ve come to believe after working with people for many years: everyone has issues that hold them back in some way, even those who look like they have it all together on the outside.
Jason’s Take Down:
“Growing up in a loving home and being actively involved in a church community throughout my life, it would be easy to assume that this would translate into a healthy mental and emotion state. To those around me, I appeared stoic and secure, however, internally I was always battling some form of fear, insecurity or sadness. I hated how I felt, or how I viewed things, yet I couldn’t explain why.
“Along my journey, I have been blessed with some awesome Christian brothers who have modeled what it means and looks like to be Christ-like. We have memorized & dissected scripture, practiced accountability and prayed together. These men have played instrumental roles in my development into the man I am today. Sadly, no matter how influential and impactful these relationships have been in my life, the same feelings of fear, insecurity and sadness still seemed to be active inside me. Growing up, I developed a willingness to keep fighting, however I never understood how or what to fight back against inside me. How could I fight something that I couldn’t define or understand?
“Then, a few years back, a few of my friends began telling me about Randy. They described him as a “life coach”. [Note: Spiritual Mentoring (Discipleship) is a more apt title for what I do, but many people don’t know what that is initially.] At first, I didn’t give it much thought and didn’t think it applied to me. However, when an extremely difficult time in my personal life struck, I decided it was worth a try.
“Right away, Randy was able to help me identify thought patterns and behaviors that were unhealthy and attributing to much of the painful feelings I was experiencing. Most importantly, Randy began opening my eyes to the fact that shame was the leading contributor to this mess. It was like a light bulb had gone off.
Definition: “Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging…It’s the fear that we’re not good enough…We all have it. We’re all afraid to talk about shame. The less we talk about shame, the more control it has over our lives.” – Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
“During my time spent with Randy, I have come face to face with my shame. I have named it, processed it and committed to destroying its stronghold in my life. I am convinced, there is zero chance of truly experiencing the abundant life Jesu
s promises in His Word, if I continue to allow shame to manifest itself in my words, thoughts and actions. I am learning that “I am enough” in Christ. My identity isn’t up for grabs each day, during ever meeting or speaking engagement. No longer will audiences, friends and colleagues be given the power to decide my worth. Achievements, adventures and acknowledgments cannot be the barometer of my success as a man. I will not allow my issues with shame to control how I parent my kids or interact with my wife.
“I am so grateful for my time with Randy and all the priceless wisdom and direction he has poured into my life. A truly great coach doesn’t create a dependency among those they train but instead pours into them all the tools and knowledge necessary for them to soar on their own. Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. has been instrumental in equipping and encouraging me to fight for the best that God has for me in every season to come. Thank You, ministry supporters!” – Jason Amato
Since we began meeting, you’ve courageously stepped out of your old job, into a new role in your passion area. What exactly are you doing and what’s it been like for you?
“Currently, I am blazing a trail into the unknown as I follow my calling to connect people with the great outdoors. Takedown Eventures was launched this past January as an event division of Takedown Outdoors, which I serve as President and CEO. The WHY behind the vision is simple: In the beginning, God created a garden not a city for us to enjoy. It is our mission to bring people back into the wilderness to experience all the joy and empowerment found in the outdoors. Takedown Eventures provide our guests with a truly unique and impactful experience involving shotguns, compound and recurve bows, crossbows and spears. Our target market is centered around the business and corporate community. There are few things more rewarding than witnessing a “city-slicker” shoot a gun or a bow for the first time!
”This has been an incredibly difficult and scary journey thus far. Everyday feels like “water walking”! Trading the comforts of a well-paying, secure job for the pursuit of a God-sized dream has led my family and I far away from the comforts we use to enjoy. Yet, each day I find myself engulfed in purpose and with each miraculous provision from my Heavenly Father I receive more resolve to keep fighting. I want to leave a legacy for my family of always living life in the arena instead of as a casual observer in the grandstands!” – Jason
You’ve also been radically reaching out to your neighbors, getting them involved in small groups, church attendance, a block party, and even baptism! Tell us about what’s happening:
“In this current season, I have had the privilege of having a front row seat to God transforming our neighborhood. For most my life, I’ve always left my neighborhood to seek out ministry at my local church or at different serving events. God has opened my eyes in recent years to the fact that all the ministry opportunities I could ever ask for are down the sidewalk and across the front yard. I have been blessed with getting to share in the baptism of two
of our neighbors and seeing God’s transformative power begin to penetrate more and more of our neighborhood. Old grudges, past bitterness, broken relationships and numbness to fellow neighbors is being transformed into fresh starts, forgiveness and truly caring for each other. We are breaking bread together, serving together and sharing in each other’s burdens. The most exciting part of all of this is that God is just getting started! All I need to do is remain available and interruptible.” – Jason
Will You Join Me? (Last Chance in 2015!)
Jesus modeled: invest in individuals, who will be able to do the same with others (multiply), to impact the masses.
This year we’ve had the privilege of investing in 32 individuals! Most of whom are making an impact and multiplying what they’ve received, through God-inspired endeavors like planting a new church with a focus “to bring renewal for the glory of God and the good of the neighborhood”, turning red zones into green zones (Oct Update); authentically discipling fatherless, urban break-dancers (Nov Update); and ministering to outdoor adventurers and neighbors right where they are at, shame-resiliently (Dec Update); to name a few.
As you consider your year-end giving, I hope you will invest in these young people who are truly making a positive difference. Our world desperately needs more of them multiplied.
Contributions are tax deductible!
In His Love,
Randy
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