Walking with the Giant

JOY Box 2012 Wrap-up

2012-03-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

All of the 153 JOY Boxes collected for nursing home residents have now been delivered. The total number of boxes was slightly higher this year, so five nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties received boxes of JOY.

I would like to thank everyone that took the time and effort to prepare a shoebox gift and those that sent financial contributions for the James Croft Evangelistic Association to prepare the boxes. We had 153 smiling faces as a result of your efforts!

It's not too early to begin praying and preparing for next years' box collection. You can find all of the program info and the latest JOY Box news by visiting the following links.

2012 JOY Box Deadline is Thursday

2012-01-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

The James Croft Evangelistic Association JOYBox Ministry for 2012 is drawing to a close. The deadline for boxes and donations is this Thursday, January 12th.

We are continuing to collect plastic shoeboxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes. The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks. We also place a copy of God’s Word in each box. Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoeboxes.

A section of the JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including a video explaining how you can participate. If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry our website provides details for that too.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

· Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

· BeulahBaptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

Cool JOY Box Suggestion

2012-01-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

This is a great JOY Box gift idea for ladies boxes. Remember the deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12th. For more information visit the JOY Box website.

Baker County JOY Box Drop-off

2012-01-03T10:52:00.000-05:00

This message is for our JOY Box participants in Baker County, Florida. If you have prepared JOY Boxes and need to deliver them this week, call us at (386) 867-3199. Our Macclenny drop-off location, Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, will be closed this week due to a death in their family. Please remember the Ulys Davis Family in your prayers.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

· Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

· Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

NOTE: The video below provides additional info about the JOY Box ministry.

Sharing JOY on WJTK

2011-12-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

By Ken Allen, WJTK 96.5 FM, The Jet

• Tue, Dec 20, 2011- The James Croft Evangelistic Association has kicked-off its JOY Box Ministry for 2012. JCEA is again collecting plastic shoe boxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes. The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks. A copy of God’s Word is also placed in each box. Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoe boxes. James Croft was a guest on 96.5 the Jet, WJTK's North Florida Today show to talk about the Joy Box Ministry. The interview is below.

JOY Box Contents

2011-12-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

This is an example of the items suitable for including in JOY Boxes for nursing home residents. You will find all of the details on this program on the JCEA website.

Shoebox size containers (preferably plastic boxes) should be filled with the following types of items:

Socks	Hand/body lotions	Small portable radios
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash	Body wash (no bar soaps), shampoo	Combs & brushes
Baseball caps	Handkerchiefs & scarves	Small lap blankets
Hair spray for women, hair tonic for men (Vitalis, etc.)	Large print puzzle books (word search, crossword, etc.)	Large print books & magazines
Stationary, writing pads, writing pens	Cologne, aftershave, perfume, body powder	Bedroom slippers for men & women
Music CD’s (please choose music wisely)		Magnifying glass
	Please do not include: Candy, baked goods, food or sharp objects

This list is not all-inclusive. Other items may be allowed, but please keep in mind each resident has a limited amount of storage space in their room.

What is a JOY Box?

2011-12-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

A promo video for the JOY Box ministry coordinated by James Croft Evangelistic Association.

Time for JOY!!

2011-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

It’s time to kick-off the James Croft Evangelistic Association JOYBox Ministry for 2012!!

We are again collecting plastic shoeboxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes. The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks. We also place a copy of God’s Word in each box. Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoeboxes.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

· Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

· BeulahBaptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

Macclenny Christmas Festival

2011-12-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

James Croft Evangelistic Association will have an exhibit about the ministry during the annual Macclenny Christmas Festival tomorrow. Our display will feature information about the various JCEA ministries with an emphasis on encouraging volunteers to participate in the JOY Box program for area nursing homes. The all-day event concludes with fireworks and a lighted Christmas parade in downtown Macclenny, Florida. The event is sponsored by the City of Macclenny Fire Department.

Open Dates and JOY Boxes

2011-11-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, this is the time of year when my preaching schedule slows to a crawl. I currently have several open dates on my preaching calendar through the end of this year and the first three weeks of 2012. A list of these dates are available on my ministry calendar viewable at this link. I am always ready to serve our Lord's Church through preaching, teaching, and special programs for all ages. Please let me know if I may serve your church or group.

I am currently preparing updated information about our annual JOY Box ministry for nursing home residents in Baker and Columbia Counties. I'm praying we will be able to provide each nursing home resident with a box of JOY in January.

You are invited to participate by filling a plastic shoebox with small gift items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, socks, etc. James Croft Evangelistic Association will place a Gospel tract in each box to share the JOY of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All YOU have to do is prepare and designate boxes for male or female residents. Unisex boxes are also acceptable. Print and place a JOY Box Submission Form in each box. If possible, please include a $2.00 donation for each box to assist with program expenses. In the past we have received boxes and donations from churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations.

The JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including suggested box contents, drop-off locations, box submission form and a video explaining how you can participate.

I hope you join us in sharing a little JOY!!

Final JOY Box Delivered

2011-02-08T11:23:00.002-05:00

Photo by Jon M. Fletcher

All of the 105 JOY Boxes collected for nursing home residents have now been delivered. The total number of boxes was much less than last year, so the number of nursing homes reached was reduced. W. Frank Wells Nursing Home and Macclenny Nursing and Rehab in Macclenny; and Baya Pointe Nursing Home in Lake City were this year's recipients.

I would like to thank everyone that took the time and effort to prepare a shoebox gift and those that sent financial contributions for the James Croft Evangelistic Association to prepare the boxes. We had 105 smiling faces as a result of your efforts!

It's not too early to begin praying and preparing for next years' box collection. You can find all of the program info and the latest JOY Box news by visiting the following links.

JOY Shared At Wells Nursing Home

2011-01-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

The residents of W. Frank Wells Nursing Home in Macclenny, Florida were treated to a JOY Box Distribution Party on Sunday, January 9th. Volunteers from the James Croft Evangelistic Association presented a hymn sing-a-long and some special music followed by a message on the true "joy" of Christmas. Shoebox gifts donated to the ministry were shared with each of the 40 residents as volunteers spent time with each one, sharing, listening and praying.

The boxes contained a variety of gifts including shampoo, body wash, lotions, puzzle books, small gifts, lap blankets and more. Each time a box was shared the volunteers received a wonderful smile in return. One of the teenage volunteers said she heard one comment several times, "you mean I get the whole box?" She would respond, "yes, it's all yours."

The remaining JOY Boxes will be distributed to nursing homes in Macclenny and Lake City over the next two weeks. Unfortunately, the number of boxes received this year is much lower than last year, but volunteers have made every effort to stretch the resources to the max.

Additional photos from the event are available in this online photo gallery. Due to HIPAA regulations we are unable to show the faces of the residents, but trust us, those photos were filled with smiles!

Wells Nursing Home Sunday

2011-01-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

The James Croft Evangelistic Association will hold a Distribution Party at JOY BoxW Frank Wells Nursing Home on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 2pm. The party will include music, fellowship, a message from God's Word, and the distribution of JOY Boxes to residents. W Frank Wells Nursing Home is located at 210 N 2nd Street in Macclenny, Florida. Please be in prayer for the party and the residents.

LAST CALL: JOY Box Donations

2011-01-03T11:05:00.001-05:00

Alexx St. John prepares shoebox gifts.

Our collection time for JOY Boxes and donations for this year's event will be concluding tomorrow, Tuesday, January 4, 2011. However, there is still time to participate; in fact, if you are preparing boxes and need a couple of extra days, give us a call (386.867.3199) and we'll accommodate you. Financial donations are still welcome by following the appropriate links below. We'll prepare as many boxes as possible from your donation.

As of this writing we have received 100 JOY Boxes for nursing home residents in Macclenny and Lake City, Florida. This number is down considerably from last year's 314, but I know the Lord will still bless each recipient and each donor. Distribution of JOY Boxes will begin this weekend.

For more information about the JOY Box ministry visit these links:

JOY Box Donation

Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA Christmas JOY Box Ministry. Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.

To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations to the JCEA are tax deductible.

What If It Were You?

2010-12-28T05:00:00.116-05:00

On Christmas Eve evening I went to visit my great-aunt, a resident in a nursing home. Earlier I had set up a small Christmas tree on her night-stand and its' fiber optic lights gave a warm glow to that corner of her room. If you stared at the tree long enough you could almost forget your were in a nursing home, but that wouldn't be the reality. The reality is that my 99 year-old aunt has lived in this home for several years and will continue to do so until the Lord calls her to a "new" home. She is not alone in this reality. All around us are these types of "homes" for those that are unable to continue living in the their own home.

Nursing homes can be a lonely place for those that have had to leave home, family and familiar surroundings for need of around-the-clock care. Christmas can be especially lonesome for residents as families rush to meet responsibilities involving their jobs, church functions, and the commercialism that spawns non-stop, last minute shopping. I visited several other residents during the evening, just talking, listening, laughing and reading from Luke 2 to attentive ears. Yes, nursing home residents could certainly use some “joy”.

JOY Boxes bring smiles.

Enter you and the James Croft Evangelistic Association JOY Box Ministry.

You might be surprised at the amount of joy one plastic shoebox filled with small gift items will bring to a nursing home resident. With the assistance of churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations over 300 of these boxes were distributed in five nursing homes for residents this past year. That's over 300 faces sporting smiles of appreciation for a small gift they can call their own.

The boxes contained a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, socks, and a copy of God’s Word. Most of these types of items we take for granted, but for these residents it provided a sense of ownership and independence.

Wouldn't you like to have a part in sharing this type of "joy"? Participation is so easy. The JOY Box section of our website provides all of the details. If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward providing one or more boxes, you can follow the link below. We can prepare a nice box with a variety of items for approximately $15. We need to receive all of the boxes by the middle of next week for delivery later in the month.


Examples of JOY Box items.

Thank you so much for your consideration of this ministry. Your prayerful and financial support will be greatly appreciated.

By the way, please remember to pray for nursing home residents, better yet... why not stop by a nursing home in your area and just walk the halls making random visits? You'll be blessed beyond measure by the smiles & appreciation!

JOY Box Donation
Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA Christmas JOY Box Ministry. Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.

To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations to the JCEA are tax deductible.

Photos by Jon M. Fletcher

WJTK Radio Interview

2010-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was interviewed on radio station WJTK 96.5 FM (The Jet) in Lake City, Florida on Monday, December 20, 2010. The JCEA JOY Box Ministry was the subject of the interview on the North Florida Now morning program. You can listen to the interview in the video below.

Radio Interview On Monday

2010-12-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

I will be interviewed on WJTK 96.5 FM (The Jet) in Lake City, Florida on Monday, December 20, 2010. The JCEA JOY Box Ministry will be the subject of the interview scheduled to last 5-10 minutes. The complete interview will be available later in the day on the North Florida Now website.

JOY Box Flashback

2010-12-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

Residents of Frank Wells Nursing Home in Macclenny, Florida receive JOY Boxes during an after-Christmas party in 2007.

For more information about this ministry for nursing home residents visit the James Croft Evangelistic Association website or our Facebook JOY Box page.

JOY Box Web Info Updated

2010-12-03T11:26:00.002-05:00

The JOY Box section of the JCEA ministry website has been updated with new and easier to find info. Here's a few of the highlights:

A better introduction to the ministry
Promo video is now easier to find (it's also included below)
Box contents list has been updated (please note no candy of any kind)
Updated "News" page combines our blog and Facebook entries, check it often for updates
Drop-off locations and dates are updated
New photos added for 2009 and more still to come
New yearly results page

Please let us know if you, your church, organization, business, etc. will be participating, so we can mention you on our news page. Do not hesitate to call 386.867.3199 or sent an e-mail if you have any questions.

JOY Box on Facebook

2010-10-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

The JCEA JOY Box ministry is now on Facebook, so come join us. You'll receive the latest updates on this special shoebox ministry for nursing home residents.

For even more JOY Box info visit our ministry website.

Interview On WEAG Radio

2010-09-18T04:04:00.000-04:00

A classic high school football rivalry added another chapter last night as the Baker County Wildcats hosted the Bradford County Tornadoes in Macclenny, Florida. I enjoyed watching the game, watching two of my nieces dance with the BCHS Rhythmettes, and meeting up with some old friends from Bradford County.

My good friend Terry Vaughan (pictured with me) called the game for WEAG 106.3 FM in Starke, Florida and invited me to join him for a half-time interview. We reminisced about my days in Bradford County working with New River Solid Waste Association and Keep Tri-counties Beautiful and, of course, talked some Wildcats - Tornadoes football. He also asked about my current ministry activities and I shared my hope of expanding the JCEA JOY Box ministry into Bradford County.

I first met Terry when he worked full-time for WEAG. He now serves as Bradford County Supervisor of Elections. He is a great friend and I appreciate him giving me the opportunity to share with WEAG listeners. I would also like to congratulate him for 25 years of broadcast excellence in calling Bradford County's games on WEAG.

By the way, Baker County defeated Bradford County 14-0 to remain undefeated (3-0). The Tornadoes are 2-1 on the season. This Wildcat win also means I receive a free lunch from Terry and Bradford County Solid Waste Director Donny Wise. 8-)

JOY Box Deadline Tomorrow

2009-12-16T08:15:00.001-05:00

The JCEA 2009 Christmas JOY Box Ministry submission deadline is tomorrow, December 17th. You are invited to help bring Christmas JOY to residents of nursing homes by filling a shoebox sized container with a few needed and enjoyable items. The JOY Boxes will be delivered to area nursing homes the week after Christmas. Boxes may be dropped-off at the following locations:

Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive, Lake City, Florida
Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, 126 South 5th Street, Macclenny, Florida
Mercantile Bank, 595 South 6th Street, Macclenny, Florida
First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, 195 East Main St., Lake Butler, Florida

If you would like to participate in this ministry, but are unable to prepare a shoebox by the deadline, you may invest financially by credit card or PayPal. Donations will be used to prepare additional boxes.

Additional information about the JOY Box Ministry is available at these links:

You will experience true Christian JOY when you put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last. Share this JOY with others!

“JOY to the world, the Lord is come...”

One Outing, Multiple Blessings

2009-12-14T17:04:00.001-05:00

I had my first "out-of-home" experience yesterday since returning home from the hospital two weeks ago. I attended the morning worship service at my home church, First Baptist of Lake Butler. It was great to participate in corporate worship again and to hear my pastor, Jason Johns, preach again. I also saw the "JOY Tree" in the church lobby surrounded by JOY Boxes for nursing home residents. This is a ministry initiated by James Croft Evangelistic Association two years ago. The church has set a goal of 200 boxes! Praise the Lord!!

After service one of my sisters, Melissa, and her daughter and I went to Lake City for lunch at Applebees. I'm still unable to drive, so she was my chauffeur - don't tell her I said that. Anyway, we saw a family from my church and a family from a church in Lake City, and we all spoke. During the meal the waiter handed me an Applebees gift card and said "Santa Claus" wanted me to have it. He would not divulge the name of the donor, only saying they said it was from Santa. It was a $75 gift card, what a blessing!

I don't know if the gift was from one of the two families or not, but the Lord knows the donor and I have asked Him to bless them tremendously for this random act of Christian kindness. It's so interesting how the Lord works, because Brother Jason's message was about letting others "see" your kindness. Basically, we should not just let the world hear the message of Christmas, but let them see the message of Christmas. You can hear his message here. I had a similar experience three years ago and you can read about it in this post.

To top the day off, the youth group from First Baptist Church of Olustee came for a visit Sunday night and brought a couple of boxes of food they have been collecting. We had a great time of fellowship and laughter. I pray the Lord greatly blesses them for being such a blessing to me and my family.

It was wonderful day and felt good to finally get out of the house even though it was somewhat tiring. I hope this is just the beginning of a full recovery that will allow me to soon continue doing what the Lord has called me to do.

Share Some JOY

2009-11-05T08:19:00.000-05:00

The video provides a brief overview of the JCEA Christmas JOY Box ministry for nursing home residents. This video will also be available for download from our video blog and on iTunes by this weekend.

A special "God bless you" to Jon Fletcher for this production. God has certainly used Jon to enhance the JCEA ministries in so many areas.

JOY Box Exhibit At Association Meeting

2009-10-31T06:00:00.003-04:00

JOY Box information was distributed this week during the annual meeting of the Beulah Baptist Association in Lake City, Florida. Volunteers Melissa Ring and Jeanna Crenshaw provided meeting attendees with information about the seasonal ministry of James Croft Evangelistic Association. The exhibit also displayed examples of items that may be included in the shoe boxes for nursing home residents.