Jul 26 2012

The #1 Leadership Tip I Can Give You!

Mike Heath sharing the VISION for the future of YWAM Honolulu

If I could give you only one leadership tip right now it would be…

Clarify the Win.  


I read a book about 10 years ago called 7 Practices of Effective Ministry.  Clarifying the win was the first step.  


What are we really trying to do?  What is the end goal?  

If we are LEADING people, have we figured out WHERE we want them to be going?  And have we clearly communicated that to them?


Engage:  Who is the best leader that you’ve followed?  What made them a great leader?  Let us know in the comments.  

Jul 18 2012

5 ways you can support us without spending a dime

diamond
[The view from Diamond Head]
We are always looking for people to partner with us in the ministry that we feel like God has called us to.  Here are some ways you can help without spending a dime!  

1.  Share our blog with other people! 
Did we write a blog post that you really liked?  Please share it with your friends on facebook and twitter!  Are you having a conversation with someone and it reminds you of one of our blog posts?  Send them to check out our blog.  It’s pretty easy to remember.  jimjessbaker.com 

2.  Comment!
I LOVE getting feedback!  Did you connect with one of the posts that we’ve written?  Leave us a comment and let us know!  If it sparked thoughts of your own, share them!  

3.  Subscribe to our blog!
Do you enjoy reading this blog?  Don’t want to miss anything we write?  You can subscribe on the right side of the blog by either having new blog posts sent to your e-mail or you can have new blog posts send to your RSS reader.  Use the “follow by e-mail” box or “subscribe to” tab on the right!  

4.  Subscribe to our e-mail lists!
Want to hear more about what is going on in our lives?  Sign up for our e-mail updates.  We try to send out a general update once a month and a ministry update every two months.  The ministry updates are more detailed.  You can sign up for our general updates to the right as well!  Just enter your e-mail address where it says “Subscribe to our mailing list.”  

5.  Follow us on Twitter and tell your friends to do so as well!
Probably the best way to keep up with us is twitter.  I try to share what we’re up to, photos, and links to the blogs we’re writing and other blogs that I find interesting.  Follow us!  @jimjessbaker

Engage:  What other creative ways do you think you could help us out for free?  Let us know in the comments!  

Jul 16 2012

In one word: Why Customer Service Matters

Calamari in Jess’ seafood pasta.  

Lately, I’ve realized how important customer service is… 

I just transitioned into a new role here in Hawaii.  Jess and I are filling a void that was left on our staff after a family emergency sent two of our staff back to the mainland.  We are now serving in a pastoral role for our students.  That means we meet with them one on one and check in on how they are doing.  

Meeting one on one translates into taking students off of the YWAM base where they both LIVE and GO TO SCHOOL.  We usually buy them a meal, which every student is excited about.  :) 

Since we only go to places that are in walking distance that limits our choices, so I am often frequenting the same restaurants.  

If I had to sum up why customer service matters in one word it would be this: VALUE 

I know instantly if I’m valued by the person behind the counter or not.  One lady greets me when I walk in with a smile and the other day asked me if I wanted “my regular?”  She took the time to recognize me, and realize that I often order the same thing.  It makes me want to come back.  

Another lady at a different restaurant never smiles, never acknowledges that I’m back again, and has to ask me my order every time.  It makes me not want to ever go back there again.  

If wanting to return to an establishment is based on how valued a person feels…. How is your business, ministry, or life showing good costumer service?  How are you valuing people?  

Engage:  Do you have an amazing or super horrible customer service story?  Share with us in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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Ashley AJune 20, 2013 - 6:12 am

It’s interesting how just acting like you care about someone (and possibly their problem) in customer service can make all the difference. A smile, a good attitude, and showing empathy to a situation even if its something you can do absolutely nothing about, can do so much for the person on the opposite side of the counter. Although, I must say, the reason its easy(kinda) for me to act like the person is valued is because I actually believe that they have value. :)

jimjessbakerJune 20, 2013 - 7:20 am

thanks for valuing people!

Jul 11 2012

3 Reasons Why I’m NOT buying the new macbook pro

Apples and something from a mac box.  
My computer is back from the 2nd repair.  My logic board went out last month and I got it repaired.  It lasted a week before it went out again so I had to send it back again.  

During that time, Apple announced its new line of computers.  
The 15” macbook pro with Retnia display has been announced.  
I am currently using a 15” macbook pro from 2008.  Here’s why I’m NOT upgrading.  

1.  Computers DEPRECIATE in value SO FAST!
When I was learning about getting out of debt and reading a lot about finances, a lot of people told you never to buy a NEW car because they depreciate so fast.  
I bought this computer in 2008 for around $4,000!  It is now currently worth about $400 only 4 years later.  In 4 year it has dropped to 10% of its worth.  That is HORRIBLE.  
So to “get my moneys worth” out of this thing I need to make it last as LONG as possible from a financial standpoint.  It’s working just fine now that the logic board is replaced.  I just bought my third battery and could stand to throw a bit more ram in here BUT those are minor upgrades instead of buying a brand new computer.  

2.  CONTENTMENT!  I won’t play into CONSUMERISM.  
Do the new macbook pros look AMAZING?!  Yes they really do, they are slimmer and the new displays are suppose to be amazing too.  Although I don’t think I could tell a huge difference unless I was comparing side by side… and even then, who knows. 


But I need to learn to be content.  Does this computer FUNCTION and do everything that I need it to do?  Yup.  

I also wouldn’t be able to pay cash for a new computer right now and I’m not going back into debt ever.  

3.  IF I were to upgrade I would upgrade to a 13” macbook air.
Surprising huh?   I honestly don’t do photography that much anymore, so I don’t need a 15” screen.  I travel a TON and I would just love having a much SMALLER lighter thinner computer.  
I could upgrade the macbook air to 8 gigs or ram (which is 2x what I currently have) and upgrade to a 512 solid state harddrive which would also be 2x what I currently have and it would probably be blazing fast in comparison to what I’m using now.  I’m not doing any video editing and I actually like having a smaller hard drive because it FORCES me to back up often.  
The new macbook pros look a bit like overkill to me.  But people buy them because they are the “best” which is exactly what businesses want.  
I would have NEVER considered an air until two professional photographers that I know and respect have said that they handle their photography workflow with no problem.  


Engage:  How often do you upgrade to a new computer?  Let us know in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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Lhanson09July 12, 2012 - 12:00 am

i will have had mine 6 years in August. it has it’s bugs. my headphone jack only plays through one side (or one side of my speakers), but sine I use my ipod for almost everything, it doesn’t matter much. my question mark key hasn’t worked since like 4 weeks after i got it (spilled mt. dew. college. yeah…), so I copy and paste mine. ha. it works. i had my hd replaced twice back when i had apple care and replaced it once myself. i really need a newer operating system, but not sure how to go about that. but since i mainly use my computer to see pics larger and type longer emails, I’m okay for now :-)

AshleyAJuly 12, 2012 - 2:35 am

I’ve had mine since 2009 I think, and I’m hoping to be able to hang onto it for a few more years! The only reason I would want to upgrade before this one bites the dust is to get a bigger screen.. And that’s not worth replacing a perfectly good computer for me right now. 

KatJuly 12, 2012 - 2:47 am

Stellar. Part of me is ashamed to admit that I run a graphic design business on a PC bought in 2005 running CS2, but it’s true! I have no problems and my workflow is great (now that I have my many many graphics files on an external hard drive).

The professional world of creatives have turned their noses up at anyone who uses something other than a Mac.

laurenJuly 12, 2012 - 6:40 am

I have had mine since 2005! I haven’t upgraded due to the whole not going into debt thing.  Your posts are inspiring Jim! Hope all is well :)

Jeff StanfordJuly 13, 2012 - 6:15 am

I’ve had my tablet pc since August 2007.  Soon will be time to change it in…thinking about a 13″ macbook pro or air, once I have the money for it!  Maybe get a refurb/used model from last year for less?  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:39 pm

how big is your screen?  13″?  save up and get a giant 27″ monitor to hook up to your laptop :)  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:40 pm

yeah… there is that stigma… i’m a total mac guy though… but your design work is awesome!  so its about the skill not what you made it on!  My photo instructor told a funny story about how the guests all complimented a chef after the meal and all said man you must have really nice pots and pans!  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:40 pm

glad they are inspiring!  hows your blog going?  and yay for not going into debt!

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:41 pm

6 years!  thats awesome!!!  what OS are you running?  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:41 pm

find someone with a mac family and friends discount.. its about the same as buying refurb only you get the new product!  

VirgilAugust 9, 2012 - 4:15 am

my little acer, 11.5 inch, $325 does all i need. it is a little slow but for email, and word processing it is fine, and carrying it around the world is easy
I have to up grade to new computers about every 4 or 5 years, i generally give my old one away  if it still works.
Valories HP 17 inch is real nice, great screen and somewhat faster but to carry it around becomes a chore. it cost about $600 two yrs ago.
the cheap stuff works great for me. I wish someone would give me a Mac pro, i would like to have one but will not pay the price they ask.

Jul 08 2012

Burger King Salvation

2008 Trip to Waikiki with my friend Chris

Here’s a pretty epic story from another Tuesday night in Waikiki…

A Sports themed Discipleship Training School (DTS) outreach team from Kona just joined us here in Honolulu. They are here for 3 weeks before they head out to London to do evangelism at the Olympic games.  The 5 of them came out with us this past Tuesday on our weekly homeless outreach in Waikiki.  
After I had walked around and talked to some people, I headed back to the pavilion where we give out pizza.  There was a guy sleeping at one of the tables.  When he woke up he saw me.  I had spoken to him before.  His name is Coby.  He’s a younger guy, probably mid twenties, I had prayed for him a few weeks ago to find a job, or he’d be out on the streets again, it looks like my prayer was not answered.  


He was excited to see me as he woke up because he knew seeing me meant there would be food.  Pizza?! He said as he looked up.  I told him that it was all gone and that he had slept through it.  He looked dejected, I told him I’d buy him something to eat and asked him what he wanted.  He told me mcdonalds and asked me to grab him a burger and a chicken sandwich.  I walked to burger king and picked him up some Waikiki priced “value” sandwiches and some chicken nuggets.  There is no such thing as a dollar menu in Waikiki.  

I brought them back and handed them to him.  He thanked me and said that we were the nicest most genuine people that he knew, because we always came down here and brought him food.  

I started talking with someone else but Steve one of the DTS students was sitting next to Coby.  I saw that he had begun to pray with him.  As we were getting ready to leave and the pavillion emptied out, one of the leaders named Lou had sat down with Coby.  

When we debriefed near the van I heard that Coby had just started crying after we had given him food and Steve got to pray for him.  Lou felt led to pray with him when we were getting ready to go and got to lead Coby to the Lord!  Lou told us that Coby, after praying to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior, threw out the bottle of alcohol that he had on him and said that he didn’t want it anymore!  

I struggle some Tuesdays going down to Waikiki.  Wondering why we are doing what we are doing and if it has any impact.  But consistency and generosity brought someone into the Kingdom of God.  

It’s His Kindness that leads us to repentance.  Romans 2:4 

Even though Waikiki burger kings value prices are ridiculous its the best $7.92 I’ve spent in a while.  

Engage:  Where have you seen the most consistent generosity? Let us know in the comments!  

by Jim Baker

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KerryJuly 9, 2012 - 5:41 am

Jim and Jess, that is soooo awesome!!!!  God is soo GOOD!  How are people following up with this guy? 

jimjessbakerJuly 9, 2012 - 6:35 am

The good thing about partnering with a ministry that is already on the ground there is that there is consistency. We work with a pastor that does Tuesday nights and also has a Sunday church service right there in Waikiki in one of the parks. :) so follow up will be done tmrw when we are there and the pastor is really good about being generous and consistent!!

Lhanson09July 12, 2012 - 12:05 am

awesome!!!!!!!! :0)

Jul 03 2012

We’re back!

GPS view of the road to Haleakala
Hello… we’re back!   

We returned from Maui late Sunday night.  It was the first time that Honolulu felt like “home.”  I guess you have to leave a place and return for it to feel like home.  

I literally spent all day Monday sleeping.  It was a whirlwind trip!  I think we did just about every touristy thing you could do on Maui and Oahu!  Tons of fun but tiring as well.  I think I drove the most curvy roads I’ve ever driven in one week!

I’m going to try to get back into the swing of blogging!  So be looking for a fresh post on Friday!  

Engage:  What’s the curviest road you’ve ever been on?  Let us know in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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Irishgreen4everJuly 4, 2012 - 9:09 am

HI Jim~
I appreciated all the driving you did to help me/us see all of the “tourist-y”, (including driving on the most curved roads ever) stuff we could do in such a short period of time! It was an amazing trip for me. I have lasting memories and an entire digital disk of photos (of which I’m still sorting through to post) of my visit. Haven’t had the opportunity to sleep like you have and I’m slightly jealous of that fact.

JaneJuly 4, 2012 - 10:11 am

Probably in WV on childhood vacations, but I remember a dark and rainy trip on 9W along the Hudson River – I decided the W must stand for winding.

Jeff StanfordJuly 4, 2012 - 11:41 am

Curviest road was either in West Virginia or some mountains near the Sahara  :)

Happy 4th!

KerryJuly 19, 2012 - 9:54 am

Rampart Range Road, above Colorado Springs.  Yikes!

Jun 22 2012

Computer is back after its 2nd repair and we have a friend visiting!

Me, Jess and Maureen!  
Just a quick update for everyone… 

My computer is back from it’s SECOND repair and seems to be working fine, that is part of the reason I haven’t been blogging.  

And we have our first VISITOR!  Maureen came to visit us all the way from Maryland!  So since we have a visitor I probably won’t be blogging next week but I’m planning on hitting it hard in July! 

Engage:  Any fun summer plans coming up for you?  Let us know in the comments!  
Jun 07 2012

Drunk and quoting the Holy Scriptures.

Jake a palm leaf weaver | Kailua Kona | 2008
On Tuesday nights, I take some of our students down to Waikiki and partner up with a local pastor and we hand out food and spend time talking to and praying with homeless people.  The other week I had an interesting run in…

I felt led to go and talk to a group of people sitting on a blanket and I took a student with me.  On the way we ran into a guy who stopped us and through slurred speech started talking to us.  He thanked us for being down here, saying he knew who we were, telling us that he was just an alcoholic, but wasn’t pushing drugs and how he knew every (expletive explative) down here.  He told us that he would give us information on anyone.  
 
He thought my student and I were undercover police officers.  
 
He came over to where we were handing out pizza and kept talking to me.  He was drunk, and was up in my face as he talked, I crossed my arms in front of me, and was backed up against a picnic table.  He kept telling me how he could read my body language and that I needed to be careful down here because I don’t have a badge or a gun.  
 
He then went on to tell me that he was down here because God sent him to tell me this.  As we talked he quoted scripture to me, and sang gospel songs.  I found out later that he used to be a gospel singer and piano player and his dad and uncle are both pastors.  
 
I walked away from that evening a bit shaken, wondering how we can know and say the right things, and have our lives and actions not line up with our words at all.  How can this man through obvious drunkenness quote scripture to me, tell me he was sent there because God sent him to give us a message and then sing praises to God in drunkenness?  It made me wonder what actions in my life speak louder than any “spiritual” thing I can say.  
 
It scares me that we can know the right things, we can say the right things, and our lives and actions can be completely unaffected by what we know and say.  
 

Engage:  What are some areas actions of your life that don’t match up with what you know or say?  Share with us in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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Chambers_janeJune 8, 2012 - 4:46 am

When I am overwhelmed with stress, I realize that I am not in the Word.  There are so many promises of God’s provision, His love, His peace beyond understanding – and yet I worry myself sick. I know that if I abide in Him, then He will be with me and guide me, but my worry contradicts this knowledge. 

jimjessbakerJune 8, 2012 - 2:49 pm

Thanks for being vulnerable Jane, I think WORRY is the number one Christian pet sin. It’s something we’re commanded over and over again not to do, yet we make so many excuses for it.

Jamie RainwaterJune 8, 2012 - 4:19 pm

Wow!  I really like what you were discussing about what your life is saying…there is new organization in Haiti  that Seth is going to do some video for and their name is My LIFE Speaks, based on one of the founder’s sons, who is deaf, crippled and blind.  Although he cannot speak, walk or even see, his LIFE is what is speaking.  You’re so right, sometimes we need to see what our LIFE is saying to other people rather than what we are merely saying.  

Jun 05 2012

Is giving easier than listening?

갈비 | galbi | Some korean BBQ in MD 2008

Last week I went out to dinner with Jess and fellow staff member Jill, but I didn’t get anything.  As we walked back I saw a homeless guy in the Manoa Market place, which is right near where we live. I felt like I heard God ask me to buy this guy dinner…
I walked another few steps past him, then abruptly told Jess and Jill that I thought I was suppose to buy that guy dinner.  So I turned around and walked back to the man.  

His name was Rudy.  I asked him if he had eaten dinner.  He replied “no.”  I told him I would buy him dinner and asked him what he wanted.  He replied, “whatever, I’ll eat anything.”  And I insisted, “what do you want to eat?”  He replied again, “I’m good with whatever.”  Again I asked him what he wanted “No man, I want to buy you what you want, what do you want to eat?”.  He smiled, and said he wanted a galbi plate, with watercress, cabbage, kimchi and something else.  I had to write it all down.  I walked to the korean bbq place and ordered what he wanted.  

I brought him his food and he had cleaned up the table he was sitting at.  He asked me how I knew him.  I told him that last time I walked past him I was with a friend that said hello, and you asked about a mutual friend named Jimmy.  

“Oh, you was wah-king wit dat tall haole guy?”  (That’s pidgin for white guy) 
“Yeah, and when he said hello, you asked about Jimmy, I’m friends with Jimmy too.”  
“Oh, Jimmy dat Japanese guy?”  
“Well he’s actually Korean but yeah.”  
“Oh, is he coming back” 
“I don’t think he is anytime soon”  

Rudy wanted to talk story, (more pidgin for shooting the breeze) he didn’t even open up his food, he just wanted to talk.  He talked to me through a thick pidgin accent, he grew up here on the island, and he only had one tooth and spoke kind of quietly.  I had to strain to listen.  


He told me of some of the injustices he had been through lately.  I sat there fidgeting.  I have to be honest, I just wanted to buy the guy dinner and be on my way.  Do my good deed, pat myself on the back for my obedience and not be inconvenienced any further.  I listened for a while, and told him goodbye.  I could have probably sat with him all night.  


I think more than food, this guy just needed someone to listen to him.  Listening validates people.  It’s a tangible way of saying I value you, sitting face to face, and taking time, looking someone in the eyes, really listening.  


I ran into Rudy again today, I was with another friend on the way to get coffee.  I didn’t see him at first, but Rudy made sure to say hello to me, (actually I think he said “oh howzit bro”) he flashed me the shakka and gave me a toothless smile.  


Engage:  I dare you to give this week by listening, genuinely listen.   Share your story with us in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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JillJune 5, 2012 - 8:20 pm

Cool stuff!  Thanks for the tag, too.  Jim and Jess you guys are awesome and I love how you listen and obey the voice of Jesus!

jimjessbakerJune 5, 2012 - 8:24 pm

Obedience is the only way to live, its not always easy though (as you know), God asked me to talk to a lady the other day and I didn’t… I let my fears get louder than His voice.  Thats why I stopped so immediately and turned around so abruptly when I was with you guys, because I knew if I didn’t do it right then I’d somehow weasel out of it.  

And no problem for the tag, I think we should all be more generous with our linking of one anothers stuff, especially if its good.  hint hint… 😉 

Susan PrenticeJune 6, 2012 - 1:57 am

This happens to me sometimes on my lunch break or after work in DC, I feel led to buy food for someone I walk by and they ask me to sit with them but I fell like I don’t have the time so often I say I’m sorry I can’t.  I have been realizing more and more though what an important part of it sitting and listening is! 

I enjoy reading your blog, thanks for sharing!  

LisaJune 6, 2012 - 2:03 am

The secret to talking is listening. -we bought a zoo

LynnJune 6, 2012 - 2:02 pm

Great story Jim! I served at a local homeless shelter last week and struggled to “be in the moment” as I often tell my kids.  Seemed easier to just serve the food because after all, I was there and well wasn’t that enough???  Instead, I sat beside my new friend Vanessa and listened as she told me her journey the past 2 years.  She cried, I cried, Jesus cried.  She laughed, I laughed, Jesus laughed.  Oh the urge to “check the box.”  Listening does validate people.  In scripture we are encouraged to serve the “least of these,” yet we are reminded that the “poor will always be among us.”  I decided that although I can’t reach everyone in this shelter, I can, however, do for the “one” what I wish I could do for the many.  I exchanged info with Vanessa and have decided to take a great risk with her, with Jesus.  Don’t know what the outcome will be, but last week, I didn’t check the box, I allowed the Lord to use me to fill it by listening, praying for her, and now walking among her as friends.

Hope all is well with the Bakers!

Lynn :)  

Jamie RainwaterJune 6, 2012 - 2:45 pm

Awesome story!! Love to hear how God is stretching you and how you are walking on obedience, it’s very encouraging to us readers. :-)

Jun 03 2012

It’s Monday Get Back On The Wagon!

Skate night | Kona HI | 2008
Yay!  Thanks to a generous donor, I got my computer repaired.  2.5 weeks without it seemed a bit like an eternity but here we are… 

I’m realizing that it’s a ton easier to fall off the wagon than it is to get back on.  I wonder if that’s because “this wagon” is always moving.  While you’re on it, you’re going, and it’s good, consistent, in a groove.  But when you fall off you have to run to catch back up before hauling yourself up onto this proverbial moving object.  

It’s been about 3 weeks without blogging.  Starting back up is a bit awkward.  It’s not as natural as it was when I was “in that groove.”  It would be a lot easier to just stop blogging.  

Same thing with healthy eating.  Jess and I were doing really well for about a week and then something crazy happened and we fell off the wagon.  Thank God for Mondays.  Most people hate mondays, but I think they are a perfect time to dust yourself off and start over with all the goals that you’ve dropped the ball on.  

What do you need to recommit to today?

Engage:  What do you find is the best way to get back in the groove after being out of it for a while?  Let us known in the comments.  

by Jim Baker

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AnneliJune 3, 2012 - 9:53 pm

Glad to see you back (even if it’s a bit difficult to get “back into the groove”)!

Blessings,
Anneli

Megan McCormackJune 5, 2012 - 4:38 am

Welcome back to the wagon, keep it up :)