THE END 8.1.11

Well, it has honestly been an AMAZING experience here in Tallahassee, FL. I had the sat in obedience to God and watched Him take me from being completely ignorant to production, to in two months time, being the floor director of a live news show with full confidence. I thank God for a great opportunity to learn as much as I have. He has seen me through the rain both literally and metaphorically. :) Also, I'd like to thank Kristen Ledlow and WTXL ABC27 HD for having me, and teaching me the business. Lastly but certainly not least I'd like to thank all of you who contributed to my trip. Your prayers have gotten me through so many trials and have kept me joyful as well as encouraged during a time outside of my comfort zone. The financial contributions literally kept me. I thank all of you who donated because it takes some one with a huge heart to give in that way. 

Where do I go from here?

I'm currently preparing for my transition to another school. I will be attending the University of North Texas in the fall. I'm very excited to see how God is about to use me at a new school. Already I've attended orientation and met some great people. I ask that you all please remain in prayer for my future endeavors. 

I love you all and once again, 

THANKS

UPDATE 7.13.11

So if the picture doesn't tell it all, YES I have reached my financial breaking point! lol As stated in the last update, God has been showing me how I'm obliged to be a good steward of what He has blessed me with. On top of God's command I myself am very serious about handling money that some of you have generously donated. So tonight I decided to add up all my receipts (I found it wise to keep EVERY receipt given) and calculated my expenses. Approaching the last two weeks of my internship, I find myself without money. I wanted to know exactly why since I've done my best to keep up with everything. While overlooking my receipts I've seen some purchases that may not have been the wisest purchases. I look at them thinking "I should have gone home and ate instead of buying subway for lunch" or "maybe I should have gotten Great Value brand" but all in all it's been a learning experience. 

God has been so good to me! I watched him get my rent paid two hours before it would be too late yesterday. And I'm sitting here in awe of Him and without worry because I know he will provide even more. He grants me that security in Matthew 6. 

Right now I would like to ask those who are tuning in to keep me uplifted in your prayers, to continue to share with me how I can be praying for you, and I God lays it on your heart to consider donating to my journey. 

Once Again if you would like to contact me my contact information is as follows:

Sir J. Starks

5344 West Tennessee st. #209

Tallahassee, FL 32304

(850) 580 - 4024 ext/room 209

Grace & Peace

UPDATE 7.4.11

Happy fourth of July to everyone! I know it's been quite some time since I've updated you all and there is a lot I have to share with you. For starters, the internship is going great!!! I'm learning so much about floor directing, booth operation and creative services. So far it's hard to call which one is my favorite or which one I would prefer to do for a living. THEY'RE ALL  AWESOME!!! I've learned that it's better to have a decent knowledge in all areas of communications. I've met multiple employees from ABC 27HD and got the to converse with them about what they do. Almost all of them shared how in college they learned not just anchoring, but also equipment operations, filming and editing, and directing. I've also learned about the market system across the nation. My station here in Tallahassee is market 105 out of around 220. It's sort of a rating due to size, ratings, etc. So far, as for what I've been allowed to do, my favorite is commercial shoots. I've been out to multiple commercial shoots with Kristen Ledlow. Witnessing the shoots, the editing of the commercials, and then seeing them run on local television is pretty mind-blowing. I could only imagine how it must feel to actually create them and see it air on television! 

As far as my living conditions, God is constantly showing me His face. I've been here an entire month and due to God's provision I've never gone hungry, my car has only failed me once, and I haven't suffered any physical harm. For that, I give God all the glory. As most of you may know I did not reach my support raising goal of $3,200. However, God has made fit for me to have everything I need. Tomorrow, my rent is due. I don't have it all, but I just can't wait for God to show out again. 

Also I've been attending a local church here called Jacob Chapel Baptist. I'm not for denominations at all but this is a wonderful place of worship. The pastor there is very uplifting and more importantly to me, a great teacher of the word. Attending church at a baptist church has been a chiseling experience. Like I stated before I'm not for denominations and I'm definitely not the most traditional person in the world. I remember a time just last semester when I would've walked out of a service if people began to shout and put on shows. But at Jacob Chapel the first sermon I heard there was over division and denomination. Since then I've been able to worship with a local body and not be distracted. I now understand the differences in people's worship, and have learned to not question rather or not it's genuine because that right is not mine, but the Lord's. 

Spiritually, I've experienced discipline like never before. I like to refer to this season of my life as the "Chisel Season". A young man in my position (living alone, in Florida, with a car, and some money) could easily get himself in trouble. It's great to see how God has separated me from the rest. I'm experiencing not just manhood but discipline as a christian man under the authority of God's word. I'm practicing how to budget and be a great steward with the money that God has blessed me with. I've never really been the woman chaser but it's only by God's grace that I'm not pursuing women or lusting after them while out here. I've also been made aware of the importance of healthy eating and exercise. It's easy to get lazy and let yourself go, but the more I take care of my self with exercise and healthy eating, the longer I live. The longer I live, the more I get to serve the Lord. So that's been a SORE lesson as well. :) This entire experience has been a life changing one. I'm learning a ton. And I thank all of you who have contributed and made this possible. God Bless ya! 

Grace and Peace

P.S. If any of you wish to write of contact me, my address is:

5344 West Tennessee st. # 209

Tallahassee, FL 32304

and my room phone # is: 

850-580-4024 room 209

6.15.11 UPDATE IN 5...4...3...2...1

Yes folks, I am at work! :) I've gotten to experience floor directing a lot lately. It's pretty fun. Eventually I will get my hands on experience in the booth as well as the editing Macs. :)

I'm really excited about how much I've learned so far. Regardless of how my money situation goes or how long I actually get to stay, I'm happy that I've learned what I have thus far. 
By the way, my cell phone has been turned off so I can be reached on the hotel room phone at (850)-580-4024.

Please continue to pray for me as I will for you. 

Grace and Peace

Update! 6.8.11

So far, being in Tallahassee has been very exciting for me. Since I arrived 5 days ago, I've faced many ups and downs. Fortunately, there were more ups than downs! :) As seen in the last post I've settled into my extended stay hotel. It's very cozy. I've begun my internship with ABC and have been learning the ropes in the production field for the past three days. The production side of business is SOOOOOOO mind-blowing! I'm learning of new programs and softwares, how to manage multiple screens and cameras, and even more importantly how to manage the stress that comes along with all the responsibility.  In addition to the stresses with my internship I'm facing some struggles. Money is at the top of that list. I'm currently seeking employment here in Tallahassee but I'm having a difficult time finding anything. I'm discouraged when I hear "its impossible to find a job here due to all the students in Tallahassee." I'm in prayer and trusting in the Lord, regardless of the discouragement. I know this entire experience is for the building up of my perseverance and endurance so in the midst of low/no funds, next month's rent due, and gas being needed I will trust in the creator of it all. Thank you for your time and efforts everyone! Please be in prayer for me as I am for you. 

Grace and Peace

I MADE IT!!!

I arrived in Tallahassee at about 3:15 on June 4th. My room is nice!

I'm so excited!

I'M HITTING THE ROAD! 

LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND!!! 

I was selected to speak on behalf of Jarvis Christian College for their Million Dollar Baby campaign! 

I had a chance to explain to the National Alumni Association what I was accomplishing there while attending Jarvis. 

I had fun!

Encouragement by Francis Chan

UPDATE!!! 

So this morning I was given my schedule for the internship. It seems that there was a bit of a mix up and that I won't be expected there to work until June 6th. Nevertheless I was extremely excited to get my official schedule/job description to see where the Lord was going to be using me! Please be in prayer for me as I continue to prepare for the internship.

So far I have raised 1/3 of my goal of $3,200. I have not found a steady place to live yet in Tallahassee so things are starting to get a little more stressful as the clock ticks. However, I'm believing in the same God who provided for Daniel, Meshach, Shadrack, and Abednego when the going got tough to provide for me in the same manner. Please keep me uplifted in your prayers as I will keep you on updated on my journey. I will post my address there as soon as I get one! :) 
May the Lord bless you and keep you.

- Sir J.

P.S. The prayer request and praise reports aren't just for me! Drop yours in the comment boxes as well! I'd love to keep you in my prayers!

Encouragement from Ephesians

This morning the Lord woke me up and said "Just talk to me". I flipped the Word open sporadically and I landed in Ephesians 6. It spoke directly into my circumstances. God wanted to tell me not only to honor my mother, but also as I do it, to do it wholeheartedly. This doesn't only apply to mother-son relationships but in any encounter, we should love and serve one another wholeheartedly as if we were doing so unto the Lord. 

Grace and Peace

I'M A JUNIOR NOW!!! 

Today I celebrate the first day as a junior in college. I've completed my sophomore with a bang! I finished my last final exam yesterday and I feel pretty good about it. It's always a delight to look and see how God is using me. It's amazing how he has not only reconfigured my heart and grown me spiritually but also grown me academically. I remember leaving high school with maybe a 2.5 GPA, uncertain of what my next move was. Thinking back to that time, two years ago leaves me in awe of the Lord and his provision. He put people in my life to help me get to where I am today. People like Stan Shepherd, LaDale Buggs, Ronald Hay, and many more. He has fulfilled his promise in Matthew 6:33 to take care of me as long as I sought his kingdom's advancement, and righteousness. There was a time when I stepped into a college class incapable of long division but by God's provision I leave this school this week without anything below a B on my college transcript. God is SOOOOOOOOOOOO AMAZING! SOLI DEO GLORIA!!! 

Update 4/29/11

2 a.m. Vent

This is by far the most excited time I have ever stayed up till two o'clock in the morning to do ANY kind of work. I'm so thrilled about this internship that sleep is barely on my mind. I'm sure this sounds insane to some of you. Once again, I want to thank you for visiting my blog site and seeing what's going on with me and the internship process. As of now, I'm just getting all the information together. I've never had this big of a challenge to handle with only a months time. However, my imagination and thoughts on how fruitful this entire opportunity could be is fueling me with vigor. Thanks once again for staying tuned. - Sir J. 

VIDEO EXPLANATION OF MY JOURNEY

During the second week of April 20101 I was offered an internship opportunity that would be a major step in preparing me for my career. This internship is in Tallahassee, Florida, with an ABC local

TV program, The Good News Show.  I would be there for 6-8 weeks in May and June.

This is something I have been waiting and praying for and I believe the Lord has given me this opportunity. I’m excited that this has come directly in the center of my college career and will help me learn so much, and it will give me experience prior to many of my courses at UNT in my major. ABC’s goal for interns is to educate and equip them with promotion and production skills for a successful career in the field of televised communication. I really want to do this!!

When I was accepted for this incredible internship, I struggled with whether I should

accept it or not. I want to do it so much, but it seems impossible since it is unpaid and I am on my own financially. Several Christian leaders and mentors of mine felt like this was too good of an opportunity for me to miss. They encouraged me to contact people who know me and believe in me to see if they would be willing to invest in me for this career-launching internship. So, I am writing to see if God would lead you to help me.

May I be bold and ask two things from you that could help make this opportunity happen?

1)      I ask that you would begin praying that God will prepare me for my experience at the internship. Ask that He would open me to be teachable and to truly learn what is there for me to learn. Pray that God will use me to influence everyone I meet, especially co-interns and employees. Pray that God would stretch me and have me grow more and more, not only in Him, but also in the field that He has called me to pursue. 

2) Would you consider an investment in me and the career God has for me by helping me financially to cover my living expenses? This is not a paid internship and I would be living on my own in Tallahassee. My goal is to raise $3,200 in support to cover my rent, transportation, and food. Any amount you could give toward this need will be greatly appreciated—$20, $50, $100, $500, or whatever! You can give weekly, monthly, or   in one total payment. Please know that any amount, small or large, would be extremely helpful!!! 

Thank You