Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.

Our lives will often take unexpected turns, and sometimes for the very worst. It is in these difficult yet providential experiences that our faith and trust in God's sovereignty becomes transparent. Giving us a unique opportunity as a believer to grow closer to Him. For our trials are never accidental, they are always purposeful. (Romans 8:28) Even if we don't understand why/how in the midst of our distress, God has a glorifying and eternal plan in the works for us. This is a sorrowful, yet always rejoicing testimony of what I recently have gone through. Also, in an upcoming blog I will be providing 3 scriptural truths which I have held tightly to throughout these trials. This is in all hopes to encourage and challenge my fellow believers. Hold fast to Jesus and His word. For when you do go through these hard times, you are never alone!

"Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." - 2 Corinthians 6:10

The past month has been quite an experience for myself. It all started with waking up saturday morning March 29th in Eugene, Oregon on my first day of spring break from staffing in YWAM Lakeside, Montana. I woke up experiencing abdominal pain that didn't seem normal. The wrenching and pulsating pain lasted two days and by the third day at four in the morning I was brought to the local Hospital to seek help. After the nurses drew my blood they found that my white blood cell count to be half of would it should be. So, they rushed me into getting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (an MRI) to see what was wrong. Upon getting my images back they examined that my appendix had been inflamed and possibly ruptured. Due to urgency, they scheduled an immediate appendectomy operation on me (a pretty common medical procedure). I remember the vivid feeling of laying on a gurney while being wheeled into the operation room. The bright lights, the loud beeping, and even a glimpse of the surgical knives that were about to be used on my behalf. All I could do was pray, continually. I found out quickly that I couldn't pray clearly, or even utter a long and passionate prayer to the Lord, due to the morphine and whatever else they had in my system. So, I repeated these small outburst prayers. "Jesus be with me, keep me safe Lord, this is working for my good, guide me in your truth, this is only temporary, sorrowful yet rejoicing, I'm in your hands, let your will be done." These short yet powerful prayers were ingrained in my mind as I drifted away into my surgery... A shocking twitch later, I remember waking up in the recovery room while coughing up blood into an oxygen mask that stretched over my face. The mask was set on 15 liters per minute of oxygen, and from my prior work in the medical oxygen field I knew that this was a very serious situation. That amount of oxygen flow is often used when a hospice patience is going downhill quickly. I quickly found out that before my surgery my appendix had already bust, and during the operation both my lungs collapsed. The doctors had to perform an emergency intubation. They stretched a breathing tube down my throat (which cut up the inside of it) in order for me to breath properly. The cuts from inside my throat were the cause of the blood that saturated into my lungs, which also explained the bloody mask and painful coughing that I was experiencing. Not the kind of complications I expected. After I was stable enough the nurses were able to bring me to my hospital room. I finally examined the three incisions I had. One of them being a tube that was still inserted a few inches into my abdomen for draining all the fluid that the doctors used to clean the ruptured appendix and bacteria. What a scare that was to wake up to.. haha. The next two days were tremendously hard and painful in my hospital bed as I couldn't get up or walk at all. Very little rest in a place that never sleeps. I also decided to not take any medication after the day of my surgery due to my past drug use, dependance, and the overwhelming sickness it gave me. In doing so it cleared my head for deeper prayer and meditation in the word while in my hospital bed. Continually trusting God to help with the pain and healing process. Which He faithfully did. Finally, I was released Thursday April third, just seventy-two hours of being admitted into the hospital. The day of my release I remember sitting in my hospital room alone. Praying, thinking, and worshipping. The increasing tears begun to rush down my face. Not in anger, frustration, or any sort of physical pain. But rather, a rejoicing moment of gratitude and thankfulness of just being alive. Now of course, to die is gain. But, I realize that God has kept me here for His glory, and that He was not done with me yet. There is much work to do. Currently, I'm recovering very well and back in YWAM Lakeside, Montana. Staffing, studying theology, and discipling students in the Audio Production Course. For by God's grace and through your prayers of encouragement i'm alive and getting stronger everyday. His power is made perfect in my weakness. 

- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I'd like to thank God for the amazing medical care that we have in this country. Most countries have very little if any medical care at all. This was something I sadly never payed attention to before visiting the hospital. We are beyond privileged here. I am also still overwhelmed by the love and support shown from my family and friends from all around the world. The countless hospital visits, prayers, phone calls, emails, letters, messages, etc. Your loving support and prayers have brought tremendous joy to me during these trials.
Thank you! 

Let His faithful words saturate our beating hearts, and let these providintial experiences bring us closer to Him. Every day, for His glory.

- Jordan Scarbrough

The journey has just begun. March Newsletter.

       God is faithful! Indeed, I am starting this newsletter off with such a purposeful statement. Because, He alone deserves the glory. Also, I am often without eloquent words, especially when my mind wanders about on the wonders of Gods amazing faithfulness. Just reverent adoration, and immediately proceeded by a deep longing for more of Christ in my life. Every day. Upon examining God and His faithfulness the last few years, even among my constant failures. It has caused my thought process to deepen, and my mind to often meditate on what He has done, and is currently doing in my life. So, this is a personal blog about Him. His faithfulness. His ministry. And His work, in my life and on this earth. All glory to God.

First of all, God has done a great work in consistently changing my plans. For the better. Therefore, I know it's Him doing the changing, and not my own self-centered desires. He directed me to come to YWAM Montana (as I mention in a previous blog: "Hearing Gods Voice") to train in a 3 month audio engineering course in September. During my schooling I made the decision to come back here after my school for a 6 month period of time to help finish building the new recording studio, as well as disciple and staff the next audio production course in April. Since I've been back though, God has been working on changing my short term goal and desire, into His long term goals and desires. It has been a constant pressing on my heart and mind, and I know it's leading towards a lifelong pursuit of missions. My vision is: I want to use the gift of recording/gospel to impact unreached people(s) and places from all around the world. My struggle is: I want to go, now! The Lord however, has been constantly dealing with my vision and molding it into His divine vision, and in His proper timing. A very humbling thing I might say. You lead Lord. I'll follow. 

What's next? 

Well, my overall plan (God will still change what He wills) is to continue diving into even deeper Biblical studies, reading courses, theology, discipleship, and audio engineering. As well as training and discipling students stateside and overseas. Currently, I'm submitting a 2 year application here at YWAM Montana for a full-time volunteer staff position. What this means for me is that i'll be able to focus and humbly devote myself to growing and discipling on this missionary base, while also having countless opportunities to go overseas to reach the nations. My heart is not to stay in the states, but to go, and boldly share Gods faithfulness to a lost generation. We get monthly emails from our overseas contacts about going to equip/teach/reach and serve in unreached areas, as a mobile recording ministry. Exactly my desire and vision! Which I see that God is orchestrating right in front of me. Oh yeah, did I mention that God is Faithful? So, this is just a short update, as well as a plain examination of Gods faithfulness, His divine power, and timing in my life, and for all of us missionaries. I humbly ask for prayer warriors to back me up in this leap of faith, as I trust Him who is leading me. He is our provider, our sustainer, and above all else, He is our faithful savior.

Thank you! My dear friends. 

"I the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles."  - Isaiah 42:6

From the mountains of Montana, or to the ends of the earth.

Contact info: Jordanscarbrough3@yahoo.com

- Jordan Scarbrough 

Perseverance: Stand up saints.

      I write all of this as a biblical Christian. One whom desires and seeks foundational truth in scripture, that will help edify us all to persevere and give glory to God along the journey. There is a modern day notion that has been carried through the centuries. In which, as a born again christian you could still somehow lose your salvation, faith, or belief in God completely. This non-biblical concept is one direct reasoning for many believers struggling tremendously in their walk with the Lord today. And even with non-believers, not seeing the point of coming to Christ at all, in fear of eventually losing their salvation all together. However, God is very clear throughout scripture on how He keeps His children in the palm of His hand. Firm and secure, forever. Many people don't agree, or just don't like the doctrinal terms: Perseverance of the saints, Assurance of Faith, and even, Once Saved, Always Saved. So, I personally have chosen to use my own: Once Secured, Eternally Kept. As a way for myself to stand firm in perseverance.


"I give them (believers) eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:28 | Jesus, addressing the shepherd (Himself) and His flock (believers) having eternal life secured in Him.

"Neither height not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us (believers) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
- Romans 8:39 | Apostle Paul, urges that we are more than conquerors in Jesus, our assurer and sustainer.


"They went out from us, because they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us."
- 1 John 2:19 | Apostle John, examines the non-believers going out from the faith because they were never truly saved in the first place. Along with the true believers who had remained and persevered in faith.


      So, we can see through the clarity of scripture, the question is not, Could I lose my faith? Or, Could I backslide (sin) far enough to completely lose my salvation? But rather, the real humbling question is, Am I truly saved? Moreover, Am I securely kept in God's hand until He brings me home to glory? Because, if you are a born again christian there is no question about it. "He who begun a good work in you will carry it onto completion." - Philippians 1:6 | Believer, that's a promise. 
Hold onto it in glorious times, and in the disastrous times that you have.
We are promised many troubles and struggles in this life.
Therefore, we will fall short often, and even backslide into worldly pleasures that are ingrained in our sinful nature. There is no question about that. However, the persevering believer must have a new heart that breaks towards that sin, and must always come back, humbly seeking God in genuine repentance and reconciliation towards a pure communion with Him. In Christ we can do all things. He is the one keeping, sanctifying, and sustaining us along the way as we walk out our salvation, and as we fight the good fight of the faith.


"The saints shall persevere in holiness because God perseveres in grace. He perseveres to bless, and there believers persevere in being blessed. He continues to keep His people, and there they continue to keep His commandments." - C. H. Spurgeon


From the mountains of Montana, or to the ends of the earth.
Jordan Scarbrough

Our Ultimate Treasure.

       There are many thoughts I often ponder along my christian walk. Just one. Probably the most important one, is when I try to fathom just how precious Jesus truly is. I mean, truly, It's impossible. Jesus, the messiah, who 2,000 + years later is still radically redeeming His lost people(s) from all around the face of the earth through missions. 
He's regenerating precious hearts and souls towards the deepest love. 
In spirit and in truth. Even when, we have countlessly shaken our blood-bought fists back at Him. Telling Him, No! And yet still, He's calling His sons and daughters back home towards glory. Oh how He loves us.. 
He is faithful. Growing a steadfast spirit within us, which fruit ought to bear holiness and righteousness, in Him.
This to me my friend, is the ultimate treasure! The glorious work of our Savior in action. Right now.


" For where your treasure is so your heart will be also. " 
 - Matthew 6:21 - Jesus


        I've recently been thinking to myself. As I often do. About how it's so easy to forget such a wonderful truth. Why do we not really understand, think, or even meditate in prayer often, on the ultimate treasure that we have? Which is Christ. Of course, we occupy and busy ourselves in daily life. But, I know it's easy for many people to think of this truth "Jesus being our treasure" as merely eloquent speech, a theological concept, or worst of all, a non-existent thought in the brain at all. Now, my hope that this stirs our thinking and even our hearts towards a deeper search and longing for Jesus. An inexcusable urgency. If you're a believer, Jesus is everything.
Our consuming pursuit in life. Our all in all.


"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one." 
- A. W. Tozer



My prayer for us all, is to better understand and encounter our savior in a deeper way. We have a heavenly storehouse that is full to the brim of treasures in which we cannot merit, or buy. It's in Jesus! 
Get alone with Him, and allow Him to be your ultimate treasure in life. 
Forever & ever. Amen.

From the mountains of Montana, or to the ends of the earth,

Jordan Scarbrough

Hearing God's Voice.

        The past few years have been quite the adventure as I've struggled, grown, and fought the good fight to pursue a rock solid relationship with Jesus. Iv'e been abundantly blessed to attend a Discipleship Training School (DTS) through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Baguio City, Philippines in 2011. Which kickstarted my desire to pursue missions. For life. While in my training I begun recording music with an iPhone and fell in love with the process of capturing audio and engineering. Returning to the sates (Eugene, Oregon) I had the inspiration and opportunity to start a recording studio, which I did, and named it Kingdom Culture Recording. It was an incredible experience. From seeing God's faithfulness in everything, to the amazing people I was blessed to meet and serve with. And even the consistent struggles in life, that God was helping me overcome. 

"Pray for us, that the word of The Lord may run and be glorified." - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 | Living Out Missions.


       All the while, there was still a deep longing for more of God. With a missions minded heart that I knew was still burning to learn, and also serve the nations. This brings me to 8 months ago, finding a 1990's black & white Youth With A Mission directory book (Go Manual) at a local Goodwill store in Eugene, Oregon. In it had a giant advertisement for an Audio Engineering School in YWAM Lakeside, Montana. Immediately I contacted the school director, and he informed me that he was starting up a brand new course in september designed to equip audio engineering missionaries for the mission field. Exactly the same calling and desire towards missions that I had! So in faith I prayed, applied, got accepted, and then joined the course. I spent three months in school seeking the Lord everyday, as well as growing my skill and education as an missionary engineer (Musicianary). This brings us to the now, eight months later. I have finished my course and I am currently on staff here at the international missionary base in Montana. Training and discipling students from all around the world in the next audio course in April. My prayer is to have this base as a training & launching site. From which I can travel with my completely mobile recording setup to different countries. To serve, train, and reach the unreached people(s) of the world with the Gospel.

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 

- Romans 10:17 | The Wholly Bible.

       Now, I write all of this as an update on my life, not out of pride or selfish ambition, but to exalt Christ. Also to encourage my fellow believers to Hear God's Voice in different circumstances as we walk out our faith. I'm honestly not the popular charismatic guy that gets "prophetic words" or sees "extravagant visions" from God. The times in which I clearly hear from Him are most often while I'm alone and rooted in the Bible. Seeking Him wholeheartedly, in spirit and truth. 
Not in a loud musical worship service. But in fact, when I'm worshipping Him while reading and meditating on His word alone. That's when He graciously opens my eyes to new insight. It's like buried treasure that's imbedded deep within scripture. Which for me, is more precious than any amount of silver or gold that this world could offer. Encountering Him, with new thoughts, ideas, and purpose, that usually leaves me in tears of joy and gratitude knowing that He is still speaking to His sons and daughters. He also speaks often times through the little circumstances in our life that aren't so little to Him. For example, the Goodwill YWAM book experience I had. Those divine times, I believe, are strategically placed puzzle pieces that orchestrate God's sovereignty and purposeful plan in our lives. He is always looking for opportunities to speak to us and deepen a relationship with us. The question is, my dear friends, are you doing the same for Him? 


I encourage you, to strip yourself of earthly distractions. 
As I often need to. Get alone with God and His word. 
Meditate on it and seek Him. ---> He's speaking today!

 From the mountains of Montana, or to the ends of the earth. 
- Jordan Scarbrough

A New Adventure.

Blessings from YWAM Lakeside, Montana!

Well, it has been far too long since iv'e blogged or updated anything on here and I know it's finally time to make a change. I recently have had a strong desire to start writing more in general and specifically updates on missions, inspirational writings, challenging thoughts, and encouraging ways to live life with Jesus. I'm no scholar, and i'm not great at grammar either. I'm just a 21 year old sinful young man that is seeking hard after truth and wisdom in the Lord. Let's seek Him together!

"Fill us each morning with your unfailing love, so that we may rejoice always." 
- Psalms 90:14 | Give us a fullness of Joy O, Lord! -

My prayer is for us all to be blessed and filled with joy as we walk out our faith; in genuine humility and love.
- Jordan Scarbrough

Reaching Out

Blessings from Baguio City, Philippines!

Our Discipleship Training School has gone though 10 Lecture weeks already! "Bible Interpretation, Godly Relationships, Biblical World-View, Forgiveness, Plumb-line, Father Heart of God, Discipleship, Worship, Spiritual Warfare, and Missions. And we are on our last week of class and preparation for our 3 month outreach here in the Philippines. The last few weeks have been very busy with assignments,lectures,studies,preparation,meetings,writing/recording. But God has been so faithful and amazing in giving, in strength, and also in applying so many new teachings for my life.

About 2 weeks ago I was truly inspired to compose a song that was personal, yet could relate with many people, and also to use this as a fundraiser for my mission outreach on October 1oth the the Northern Philippine Mountains. So, thankfully my song "James" came to be real, and decided to record it with what I have. The vocal ideas was stuck in my mind for days, and then finally finished writing it musically. This was the first time to record a song with all 6 tracks on an iphone and then to mix/master it on my laptop. Amazingly everything went so smooth and better than expected! "Thank you Lord!" One of the students here "Judy" from China, helped in doing back up Vocals and did a great Job! I played the acoustic guitar,vocals, lead guitar line, and beatbox/drum. So Blessed how it turned out, Hope you can listen, and enjoy it! :)

• As we prepare for outreach for 3 months, I please ask for much needed PRAYER!
• All the preparation, practice, the fund raising we can do so we can all go.
• For God to lead the team, and our hearts to be transformed continually in giving/serving others.
• For the Visa I need to stay in the philippines another 2 months is 200.00
• For the funds to come in that are due October 10th for me to go, 400.00

And most of all, To bring his people into the Kingdom sharing the Love and Truth of The Gospel.

Amen.

Thank you all so much for your Support and Prayers.

Blessings! Jordan Scarbrough.

"James"