Jake Tastad – Wakeboard Program Leader Interview
1. Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jake Tastad. I am a 22-year-old action sports junkie going to Azusa Pacific University for youth ministry. My passion is to see youth in the action sports culture become mature followers of Jesus.
2. How long have you been with JSAW?
This is my second summer as a JSAW wakeboard program leader. But, I have been involved with various JSAW activities, such as Bible studies, trips and contests since middle school.
4. What is your favorite part about your job with J?
I love being able to see kids utilize the space we are offering for both on the boat and in the shop. The space becomes alive and is a safe and positive atmosphere where they can feel belonging while doing what they love as well as being spiritually encouraged in their walk with God.
5. What makes you so relatable with the kids here at JSAW?
I have been in the same shoes as many of these kids. The action sports culture filled with brokenness and is not like most sporting cultures; There are no coaches and no teammates, therefore, kids scream for individual attention and have a need to be seen. I can relate because when I was a teenager, I wanted to become the best athlete possible in order to progress into more and more prestigious contests to receive the encouragement I was lacking, but the attention never seemed to be enough. This need to be wanted stemmed from a broken upbringing within my home, which is where most other kids in these sports get their drive to be seen from. My goal as a missionary to this culture is to recognize kids and encourage them for who they are and show them how God sees them.
6. How can you be supported in your endeavor to reach kids this summer?
There are many ways that people can support. By June 1, I need to raise $1,500 to support my position here with JSAW, if you are able, you can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.jsaw.org/donate or by sending a check with addressed to ‘JSAW’ at 7385 Bush Lake Rd., Edina, MN 55439. Just make sure to put my name (Jake Tastad) into the description box. If you know of others who would be interested in giving financially, I would love to get connected with them as well. Also, please pray for me this summer; I would not be here today without the prayers of my friends and family.
7. Thanks for allowing us to interview you. I hope this helps you raise support and awareness for your wakeboarding group at JSAW.
Thank you very much. I am excited for this summer being able to get to know more kids and be out on the lake sharing the Gospel!
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