So, I bet you are wondering who this good looking guy right here is right? (Yeah I bet that's what you were thinkin!) Seriously, I am Jason Smith and the beutiful girl next to me is my wife Leanne. It's exciting to be able to see what God is doing in the Uth of Del Norte and those who are in the valley!
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in a good home. I was raised like a sensible young man by an awesome mom & dad (kinda sucking up to the folks a little here!).
My mom and dad were divorced when I was eight years old. So I know what divorce can do to a family. I remember moving from house to house between my parents as a teenager. I would get tired of one place and want to got to another (little did I know I was just running away from my problems).
I went to quite a few different schools during Junior High. I'd just get tired of seeing the same teachers and getting in trouble by the same people everyday I guess?
I ran into drugs and started drinking at the age of twelve. I remember doing many of these things because of the pressure from some of my friends, but I was also doing some of these things because I wanted to get away from the pain of my parents splitting up. I remember
Our picture here soon!!
getting into a lot of trouble in Junior High (if any of my former teachers read this they would agree!). My eigth grade year was probably when I was at my worst. I skipped school often. I was suspended from school for fighting, cussing out my teachers, and anything else you could possibly imagine. I remember many days that we would start huge fights between those who of a different race or a different color. We fought often and planned to fight for good.
My mom had a hard time with two growing boys in her home. She raised us the best way that she could. She worked long hours in Tampa trying to support us. We almost went under a few times that I can remember but we always seem to make it through.
It was my second year of ninth grade that my life started to change (yes, I said second - I did fail ninth grade). I did not realize it then, but God was starting to call me out of the gangs, the drugs, the alcohol, and the hell-raising.
I remember going to a church one night (because of this girl I liked) and hearing about the love of Christ. I knew about God because my parents took us to church when we were younger. I knew a little bit and it got me thinking. Not to mention that I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. (I thought for sure I was going to die and go to hell). God was seeking me out. He obviously had overlooked the ignorance that I was in and loved me anyway.
It was not long after this that I dedicated my life to Christ and I know that all of the ignorance that I had been in was not only gone but it was forgiven! What I didn't realize was that my journey was just beginning and that I would one day beome a Uth Pastor! But, God saw a better plan and He was seeking me out. To this day I question why but I put that in His hands.
I want each of you who may read this or who have been told by a friend to check this out to listen close. My life was a real one. I only gave you pieces of the story of who I am. Jesus Christ has changed a once hardened man into someone that wants to love and to reach out to the Jason Smith's in this world. I believe that God has given me the abilities (and experiences) to relate to your generation. I believe that your generation is THE generation that is going to change America. This change has to start with each of you.
I will tell you straight up that Xtreme Uth Ministries exists for one purpose and that is to see you as a teenager changed for Jesus Christ! Yes, we have lights, and we have a fog machine, and our Uth Church is not like your typical church, but our goal is to see a life change in YOU.
God has called Leanne and I here to be a beacon of light to each of you that we meet. It is our goal and purpose to love and care for each of you. We want to believe in a generation of teenagers that so many other people have given up on. We want to believe that you can make a difference in this world and in your life - even when the world, friends, and maybe even parents tell you that you cannot!
We hope that our lives and our love can be a different perspective of Jesus Christ that you may not see anywhere else! If you do not have a personal relationship with Christ, email me and let me know. It's not about a "religious" experience. It is about knowing a real Savior, a real Friend and a real Companion that will always be on your side. It is all about knowing Jesus Christ and it is all about Uth!!
Jason & Leanne Smith
