Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Johnson.
Hi Patrick, We’re so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, maybe you can update our readers on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was in the United States Air Force, and it was your number nine, and I began to have dreams and visions about working with youth! I would wake up at about three in the morning and start jotting down different things about my youth ministry! When I left the Air Force, I started working at different youth facilities with troubled youth, which eventually led me to run my youth ministry! I’ve worked with youth from other states and levels, boys and girls ages 6 to 18!
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t a smooth road at all, to be honest! The thing that I always remember along the way is that whatever struggle or obstacle I was facing was temporary, not permanent! I had struggles with kids with negative behavior who are violent! My biggest struggle has always been with parents; some of them honestly shouldn’t have been parents at all because it seemed as if they didn’t care about their child or children! I’ve buried about 8 to 10 kids since I started, and that is hard. I’ve seen some go to jail. I’ve seen some go to prison, which affects me significantly because I care for them, and I’m trying to get them headed in the right direction!
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us a bit more about your business.
J-STAR Ministries stands for Johnson’s Success Through Attitude & Respect! I work with boys and girls ages 6 to 18 from everywhere! I’m not restricted to one city or town! I make school and home visits; we do physical activity and community service; I’m certified as a mentor, anger management specialist, behavioral management specialist, etc. I’m known for being an M.A.D. Making A Difference! What sets me apart from others is that I talk about Christ with my students! I don’t force my beliefs on them, but I talk about Christ and many of them. I am living a completely different life because they now believe that their behavior and way of carrying themselves are different! Also, what sets me apart is that my students help me do hurricane & disaster relief!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
No matter how far gone a child seems because of their behavior, etc., you can still reach them, and their life can be changed for the better! I’ll call it in military terms and about-face! They had a different direction from the previous one!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: J-STAR MINISTRIES, Inc. and https://www.facebook.com/patrick.johnson.372
