HELP! We're Out of Commission!

Yesterday morning (12/29), the studio computer assumed room temperature. The hard drive is corrupted, at least 25% of the RAM is out, and the motherboard is starting to have issues. Granted, I've nursed the old girl long past her useful life and pushed her beyond her limits. When I bought it back in '10, it was the state of the art. Now, not so much. It's bad enough that I'm not certain that I'll be able to recover the data on it. (Prayers really appreciated on that one)

The problem is that it was the only computer in the house. All the rest of our work and other sundry activities are done on tablets and phones. Everything for Jesus' Outsider production, videos, and design is on that machine. We are completely dead in the water without it. Nothing can move forward until the machine is replaced. That includes the Sex, Porn, and Freedom Conference. I can't even finish the updated Jesus' Outsider site reflecting the new direction and expansion.

If you've been following the last several posts and episodes, then you know that we have paused the work on planting Freedom Church and are putting everything into Jesus' Outsider Ministries. That includes expanding the reach of the program, moving into additional areas of media ministry, and conferences. In this modern age, all of that requires a functional, media production capable computer. Unfortunately, this isn't something we can purchase off the shelf at the local Best Buy.

In order to move forward, we need a machine capable of running the current versions of the software we use. We've been limping along on old, outdated versions of Adobe Creative Suite that isn't supported by Adobe anymore. Bare minimum needs for the computer, software updates, and other miscellaneous gear come up to close to $2500. That's way more than I found in the cushions of our couch.

Many of you are very interested in the program continuing and in our conferences, especially the Sex, Porn, and Freedom seminar. As I said, none of that can happen without a fully functional computer. I'm asking you to prayerfully consider supporting us in this hour of immediate need. There's a PayPal button on this page and on the Jesus' Outsider site under the "Support" tab. We tried Patreon but this isn't the kind of need that fits well into a site for supporting artists.

Please, prayerfully consider how you can help. We need everything we can get. As a bonus, everyone who donates $25 will receive a free ticket to the conference and a conference tee shirt (design pending).  Anything received above and beyond the immediate need will go to the conference costs.

Thanks you for supporting our efforts.

Looking Forward

Usually, the last broadcast of the year is a chance to look back but not this time. Time to look ahead. What might the next year hold? Is there reason for hope amidst the darkness that seems to be gathering at such an alarming rate?

Check out this episode!

A Different Kind of Christmas Message

You've already heard about Jesus' humble birth. You've sang the Christmas carols. You know the story. It's time to hear a different message this Christmas beyond Jesus' being the reason for the season.

Check out this episode!

Big Announcements!

It's time to kick this thing up a notch! What does the future of Jesus' Outsider hold? You, my wonderful listeners have had a lot to say about it. Big announcements in this episode that you won't want to miss. The Lord is doing huge things and is letting us play in it!

Check out this episode!

Repentance and Retooling

There are times when we all must face some hard truths. That time is now. It's time to make some serious changes to this program for God's glory. Details in today's episode.

Check out this episode!

Time For A Little Retooling

I've been podcasting for seven and a half years. During that time I've reinvented the program several times. It started out as the Wicket Gate Podcast (Yes, that's a Pilgrim's Progress reference), became Foundational Truth, Foundations when it briefly went into syndication, Madman in Crazytown for politics, and finally Jesus' Outsider.

The current program is by far the best listened to of the entire run. In many ways, it's also the best. However, it's still been primarily a hobby ministry, a way for me to keep my chops up while I've been taking a break from pastoring a local church. That's partly why there have been times when the broadcast has been a little hit or miss. It's also why there hasn't been a set time signature since the Madman days.

I do put a lot into each episode, at least the content. I've done a some episodes that I have really been proud of over the last four years. A few have garnered a lot of attention and a lot of listeners while some of my best had below average hits. When I don't have time to prepare, I just don't do one. I too often let the affairs of daily life get in the way. But, as a hobby, it really didn't matter. I take the content very seriously but didn't sweat it too much if I missed one. Quality over quantity has been the motto.

The truth is, my listeners deserve better. The Lord deserves better. In our media-obsessed culture, the more voices crying out with the truth, the better. I have been convicted by the Holy Spirit that I need to take this platform He gave me more seriously. The content is not going to change much but I'm going to put more into the production and into building an audience.

To date, the only money spent every on the program (apart from the equipment) has been the monthly hosting fees and cost of the site. I haven't put anything into finding people to listen or read any of my assorted blogs. With the Lord making some updates to my calling and occupation, I need to do more with the program and blogs than I have for the past few years and that includes putting some money to promoting both. I have a good start but I need to do more to fulfill what I've been called to do.

I am also going to put more into the production of each episode. That includes better a intro and outro. I'm not changing the music, especially the intro. They're instrumental rock music from a close friend and easily one of the best all-around guitarists I've ever come across. (Check out all of his stuff here.) I am going to recruit someone else for the introduction and tagline at the end. I'm not sure who yet, but I have some thoughts.

In order to make the show more radio friendly, I'm also implementing a set duration time for the program like I did when I broadcast the previous incarnations. I haven't fully figured out what that time needs to be but it will most likely be between twenty-five and twenty-seven minutes.

The website is also going to be upgraded and integrated with the other sites (MikeKerby.com (currently a blog while the main site is being rebuilt), Freedom Church, and Deep Mystery Studio) that are a big part of this change. I am building something I've never had before.

The changes I'm planning will go into effect the first of the year along with several others that will be announced here and other outlets. This is just one part of a much larger picture as the Lord integrates all of the areas of my life for His glory.