WHAT IS THE JOSEPH PROJECT?

The TJP Network is a network of churches and individuals that are committed to being prepared for crisis. With the growing uncertainty and instability of virtually every aspect of society – from food shortages to hyperinflation to energy vulnerability to soaring crime to increased government control – it is critical that the church and body of Christ understands the times and knows what to do.

This Network of Churches, experts, and families in our neighborhoods, our communities, and across our country that are committed to being prepared and helping in times of need gives us all peace of mind that we can survive challenging times. The time to prepare for a crisis is before the crisis hits.

WE HAVE THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES:

empower the body

Help individuals & families to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, and ready.

bless the community

Have the resources and plans necessary to meet the real, tangible needs of neighbors and folks in the community.

build the kingdom

Introduce people to the love and grace of Christ.

Covid made me realize how unprepared I am for disruptions and emergencies. While I am physically healthy and take good care of myself and I’m not worried about illness, the result of the lockdowns, shut downs, quarantines and isolation really took their toll. I’ll never forget going to the store just days after Covid was announced and finding empty shelves. At first it was just hand sanitizer and paper products. But as the 15-days to flatten the curve dragged on, almost everything was gone. We had such prolonged shortages, business closings, and mandates that I went out and installed a bidet on our toilet to bypass our need for toilet paper. I couldn’t even find peanut butter and jelly – for real. The fact that the government could control our ability to work or travel or go to school or even make personal medical decisions was hard for me to believe.

And, even more concerning was that so many people were willing to give up essential freedoms for a little bit of safety and security; we will never get those freedoms back. And, it’s almost never a good idea to give up more power and control to the government. That never ends well.

Everyone I talk to seems to have the same feeling – that things are bad, and that this feels different. Too many things seem to be breaking down all at the same time. Every single system is struggling – we’re experiencing global food shortages, supply chain slow-downs, economic inflation, medical crises, energy shortages, wars, crime and lawlessness, moral and cultural decay, world-wide protests, silencing and censorship, and increased government control. The leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF) speak openly about the destruction of western values and systems and a Great Reset that replaces God, freedom, and privacy with Government, control, and the surveillance state; in their own words, we will “own nothing and like it.” And, regardless of whether you think these events are coordinated or coincidental, almost everyone agrees that things are changing and tough times are coming. Families are already struggling to make ends meet and we see the writing on the wall. But this presents us with an incredible opportunity to become self-reliant, connected in community, and more capable than we’ve been in years.

preparation = Freedom

Jocko Willink says that discipline equals freedom; he’s right. And so does preparation. It also equals peace of mind, readiness, confidence, and resilience. Preparation ensures that we are not simply sitting ducks when a crisis hits. Preparation is empowering. Athletes spend 95% of their time preparing for competition. Soldiers spend 95% of their time preparing for war. Farmers spend the majority of their time plowing, planting, and cultivating their fields for the harvest. The Bible is full of stories and illustrations and principles that speak to always being ready, being prepared, and training.

The story of Joseph is really remarkable because God gave him the ability to interpret the dreams of pharaoh and then put him in charge of preparing Egypt for the seven years of famine and scarcity. They were ready. They were prepared because they understood the times and took the necessary action to get ready. As a result the entire nation of Israel was saved. They were rescued from sure starvation and death.

Life is full of challenges, disruptions, accidents, and unexpected emergencies. When you adopt the preparation mindset, there are 4 questions you will be able to answer:

QUESTION #1 – What can we anticipate and handle?
QUESTION #2 – Who will we need to provide for, protect, and sustain?
QUESTION #3 – Who might we need to help?
QUESTION #4 – Do we have what we will need?

Not politics, preparation

This is not about politics. This is about preparation. This is not about fear; it’s about wisdom, opportunity and capability. It’s about peace of mind and resilience. And it’s about having the resources and skills to be able to help those around you. It doesn’t have to be a worldwide crisis or even regional disaster like the destruction from extreme weather. It could just be a personal challenge, a storm that knocks out the power, or illness that disrupts your routines. Someone you know may need help and you’ll be ready to meet that need. Pastor Craig Groeschel encourages us to be in position to “see a need and meet it.” This is perhaps the greatest opportunity that we have as a church and as believers to get positioned to survive and thrive through disruption and emergencies and in the end, to help others and build the kingdom of God.

The Next Generation

My grandparents grew up in the early 1900s and were dairy farmers during the great depression. They were two of the most godly, self-reliant, and self-sufficient people that I have ever known. They were part of the greatest generation. They not only survived the depression, but they thrived through it and came out better on the other side because they were prepared. When we cleaned out their house after they had passed away we found a root cellar full of food and preserves. They had also saved just about every other container that could hold food in the event that they needed it. They were resilient. They had grit and a toughness that very few people today have. They also had faith. But with the uncertainty and vulnerability of virtually every single system that we are dependent upon there is a resurgence of the idea that we need to be resilient and prepared for hard times.

Dependence on Community

At the same time we’ve become more dependent on systems for the basics that sustain life, we’ve become more independent and disconnected from each other. Many feel isolated. The days of knowing our neighbors are dwindling; asking a neighbor for a cup of milk or a couple eggs are almost unheard of in many communities. But connection with our neighbors and in particular our faith communities is a vital part of being able to weather the storms of life. And that is by design.

The church was never intended to simply meet spiritual needs. Even Jesus modeled the idea that believers in Christ should meet tangible, physical needs as well as the eternal spiritual needs of those around us. The church was intended to be a visible representation of God’s family at work. God‘s family influencing the culture, inviting people into a relationship Christ, utilizing the unique gifts and talents of each member of the body, with everyone working together for the good of others and the glory of God. The church was intended to be a force for good and a force for God.

The church as well as individual believers in Christ have an obligation to take responsibility for every aspect of the life that they’ve been given. Completely dependent upon God but using wisdom to live life well. We are not victims. We have been given everything we need to live a life of godliness and to make a difference in the lives of others. In fact, some would say we have a tremendous advantage because we can operate in a position of peace and confidence and power in the midst of the storms. We more than any others should be unshaken when everything in life shakes. We need to get ready. And we need to get ready now.

Independence from "the system".

There is a growing sense that we’ve become too reliant on “outside systems” for just about every aspect of life. Healthy communities are built on systems and we all benefit from that. However, when we find ourselves completely dependent on others for all the things that sustain life – food, water, energy, power, protection, medical care – we become much more vulnerable than we should be.

Think about it – If your only way to get food is to go buy what you need from the grocery store, what do you do when the shelves are empty or scarce? If your only source of clean water comes from your tap, what do you do when the system is contaminated? If your only way to protect yourself from a home intruder is to call 911, what do you do to defend yourself and your loved ones in the time it takes before the police arrive?

It’s safe to say, most of us have become too dependent on the system. We’ve given up personal responsibility and control of many things we are meant to take care of ourselves. The conveniences of modern society are amazing as long as they work. But when those systems and services are disrupted, every one of us feels the pressure.

The time to prepare for an emergency is before the emergency happens. Anticipating the most common problems you may face and having backup plans is simply a prudent thing to do. Becoming less dependent on outside systems leads to peace of mind. Becoming more capable in each of these areas leads to resilience and confidence.

mission for men

As a man, husband, and father I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to protect, provide, and preside over the well-being of my family. That’s what a man is designed to do. We are designed to be responsible, accountable, and capable. The last thing I want is another situation where I feel that I can’t provide for my family, protect them, or leae them through challenging times. That’s why I am calling on all men of God to step up into this responsibility. To understand the times. To know what to do. And then to take immediate decisive action to get it done. This is your mission as a man. This is a godly mission. Because in the end your family will be positioned to thrive and bless other people in need and then share the good news of the love and Grace of Jesus.

movement for women

Most Women that I know are fiercely protective of their family and kids. They are fighters. If anyone threatens one of their children, you will get a big bad dose of Mama Bear. In fact, women, more than any other group, have been standing up to protect their kids in the culture war by the tens of thousands – showing up at school board meetings, choosing to homeschool, fighting for private medical choice, and protecting them from destructive ideologies.

And, this quest to be prepared for challenging times is an extension of that. We need women to get ready just like the men. The more active role women play, the more successful we will be in weathering the storms, thriving, and meeting the needs of our neighbors. Plus, let’s face it…women are often better at developing close relationships and community.

The 4 quadrants of preparation

power

Power is all about strength and resilience of mind, body, and spirit. We need to take care of and invest in our health in every dimension so that we are prepared to handle unexpected disruptions and even emergencies. We can largely control the health of our mind, body, and spirit regardless of outside circumstances. Taking steps to become more resilient and strong on the inside helps us become more capable to respond to external challenges and pressure. We have an opportunity to develop a resilient mindset, a strong body, and an unshakable spiritual life so that when crisis hits we are able to not only weather the storm, but also thrive in the storm and help others in need. This is a huge opportunity to fulfill the greatest command and demonstrate our love of God and our love for our neighbors. Believers should, of all people, be prepared to help others in need.

MIND.

It all starts with our mindset. The first step is to get control of our thinking. Our thoughts drive our emotions and ultimately our actions. Three shifts in mindset help put us on the path to preparation and resilience:

**1) Believe it can happen**

**2) Anticipate it will happen**

**3) Get Ready for if it does happen**

The first change in mindset is to come to grips with the reality that it can happen; that instability and uncertainty are likely here to stay. What you think “can’t happen” right now quite possibly can. This helps you understand you should probably do more than you might otherwise do to get prepared. The next change in mindset is a decision to anticipate it will happen and take full ownership of and responsibility for your life and your loved ones. Opening your eyes and seeing with a little wider lens helps you realize that our systems are vulnerable and you don’t want to be a sitting duck. Assessing your current vulnerabilities is a great place to start. This leads to the next change in mindset where you accept that you need to take action. The realization that no one is coming to save you is important because it wakes you up. In other words, you have to drop the victim mentality and start thinking victoriously. There is no room to blame somebody else for what you did or didn’t do to get ready; this creates a sense of agency. When you get to this spot it can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed because you will feel so far behind. That’s ok. But it will be important that you start taking action and moving in the right direction. This creates a sense of urgency.

BODY.

One of the most important and empowering ways to prepare for challenging times is to get healthy. It’s no secret that when we neglect our physical health it directly diminishes our ability to weather storms and be resilient. Under stress, we will need all the strength, power, and endurance we can muster. When we optimize our health we are far less vulnerable to serious illness and injury. We are able to bounce back more quickly too. Being sick or relying on medications is the last thing you want to have to deal with because emergencies often demand physical strength and endurance to get through. Plus, if you’re like me, you want to able to help other people who are in need. In Greek mythology, a hero is said to have “strength for two”. True preparation is not just for yourself, but for the benefit of others. Staying healthy and strong is also important because it makes you much more capable of protecting and defending your family if you if the need arises. No one wants to be in a situation where they have to defend themselves, but we all want to be physically able to if we need to.

SPIRIT.

Spiritual power is truly a secret weapon. Being prepared spiritually means that you have a growing and deeply rooted relationship with Jesus. The Bible tells us that those who build their life on wisdom from the Word of God, that when the storms of life come they will be able to withstand it and their “house will stand.”

Believers are completely dependent upon God and place their trust in Him. By focusing on the capabilities and power of God rather than circumstances, an unshakeable peace is produced. We have been given everything we need to live a life of godliness and to make a difference in the lives of others. In fact, some would say that people of faith have a tremendous advantage because we can operate in a position of peace and confidence and power in the midst of the storms. We more than any others should be unshaken when everything in life shakes. Faith and belief are muscles that need to be exercised to grow. We need to get ready. And we need to get ready now.

PEOPLE

People is all about community and logistics.

One of the best ways to prepare for crisis is to be connected in relationship to others who share your values and who you can rely on. There is strength in numbers. There is strength in community. God refers to this as being part of the family. There is beauty in being able to bear one another’s burdens. Being together lifts everyone’s spirit. Being together assures you that you are not alone. It breathes courage and a sense of belonging into your soul. There is a reassurance in knowing that others who share your values “have your back”, are there for you when you need it, and vice versa.

Covid also showed us that isolation from one another is deeply destructive in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, and morally. God made us to be in community with each other. And when crisis hits and lockdowns are imposed, we discover how fragile we are. We discover our need for one another. We discover our need for the expertise and resources of one another. And we rediscover the beautiful design of community.

From a TJP Church Network perspective, every church that joins the network will have a designated Watchman and Warriors.

The watchman

The Watchman takes the point. In biblical terms, Watchmen were responsible for keeping watch and protecting their communities from threats, attacks and other dangers. They also were positioned to deliver warnings and instructions; it’s important that they are rooted in their faith and also committed to the overall spiritual strength of those they serve. They understand the times and have a passion for helping people get prepared.

They will coordinate the overall church strategy of preparedness and help develop a game plan for emergencies. They will help recruit and organize the Warriors in their church who have particular expertise in areas of preparation.

the warriors

The Warriors are people with particular expertise in areas of preparation including communications, water, food, energy, self-defense, medical care, education, spiritual growth, transportation, physical health, prayer, and more.

Because they have particular areas of expertise, they will help develop game plans to help others have the knowledge they need and take the necessary steps toward self-reliance and preparation.

The TJP Network will ultimately link churches, communities, and individuals around the country so that no matter where you find yourself in a disruption or emergency, you will have access to a community that can help. It will have experts at each church and in each region for all of the essential provisions and protections. For those of us with loved ones at college or scattered in different states around the country, this gives great peace of mind.

PROVISION

Provision is all about self-reliance and sustainability.

The simplest definition of Provision is the state of being prepared in advance with materials or supplies to deal with a need or challenge. It’s about having the basic supplies for survival for a period of time. For this project, with the goal of empowering individuals to become more self-reliant and ready for crisis while positioning the church to bless their communities, we focus on the following key areas of preparation:

Water
Food
Energy
Shelter
Medical
Money
Communication

Transportation

Fuel

Each of these areas is essential for weathering all kinds of storms that life may bring. A disaster can easily disrupt the food, water, and energy supply at any time for extended periods. The storm might be a personal one like a serious illness or loss of job or it may be much bigger than that, affecting entire communities, regions, or even the nation. No matter what challenge may come, the time to prepare is now. It’s too late to get ready when the challenge hits.

Becoming less dependent on government services and outside systems to sustain the basics of life is a key part of being prepared. We need to stop depending upon the government to save us and provide what we need to survive. God is the only one that saves. God has trusted us with gifts and talents and skills and expertise that we have an obligation to maximize and share with others, especially in times of need.

Key considerations for making sure you are as prepared as you want to be are the following:

Time frame

We will help you answer the question of how long of a disruption you want to be prepared to weather. Typical time frames are 3 days (emergency), 3 months (security), 6 months to a year (sustainability), and off-grid (survivalist).

redundancy

We will help you have multiple options in key areas to make sure you have backup systems for heat, preparing food, and medical care for example.

connectivity

We will help and encourage you to get your friends, family, and neighbors involved as well. When people you do life with and who share your values are all empowered to get more prepared, it creates a sense of connection and confidence.

generosity

We will help you identify others that you would like to be in a position to help like family, friends, and neighbors. Preparation does not mean hoarding; it gives us an opportunity to bless others.

Portability

We will help you decide what you need in the event you need to leave your home to find safety.

The first step is to take our free Preparation Assessment to give you insight into vulnerabilities and opportunities.

protection

Protection is all about safety and security.

There’s no question that we’ve seen an increase in crime and lawlessness and that always happens in times of uncertainty and disruption. That’s why being able to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community, and your belongings is critical. Most of us feel relatively safe in the communities we reside, but that can change depending on the seriousness of the emergency. When circumstances get bad enough, people often act out of character. Evidence of that is easily seen when stores get robbed and looted when resources are scarce.

The key for protection is to become more aware of your vulnerabilities and gaps in your safety and security. We focus on providing tools and resources and helping you develop skills needed in the following key areas of protection:

Self Defense
Home Security & Defense

Personal Safety & AwarenessCommunication
Neighborhood

Location

Go-Bags
Auto
Skills & Training

Becoming more aware, prepared, and capable in each of these areas empowers you to handle situations as they arise and protect your family and community.