Mission Statement Making a difference in our community through Christian outreach in a fun and safe environment.

Purpose Statement Our primary purpose is to expand the knowledge of Christ among youth by setting a positive example and providing a safe place for recreation.

Vision Statement To be Washington's premier skatepark and recreational facility by providing each guest with a variety of activities in a friendly, affordable, Christian environment.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

MADmobile!

Jason has dubbed our new van the MADmobile!

Today my boss and good friend, Jeff Crockett, surprised me with an unexpected gift for M.A.D. Skates. A 1992 GMC Rallyvan with only 78,000 miles on it. The vehicle is in great shape, and Jason drove it home tonight. It's sitting in my driveway now.

Tomorrow, I'm taking the paperwork to get it licensed, and I'm working with a couple of insurance companies to get the best coverage for the money. This weekend I'll remove the graphics from the previous owner, pull the seats out and list them on Craigslist, and do a little fine tuning on the detailing of the interior and exterior.

Ladies and gentlemen... skaters of all ages... introducing...

the MADmobile!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Skate Church in 2009!

This just in...

Bethany Bible Church in Kenmore, WA has agreed to allow us to use their gym one night a week for skate church. We will begin hosting skate church in January.

For those who don't know what skate church is all about, here's a brief run down.
1 hour free skating
15-20 minutes sharing of the Word
1 hour free skating

This is an awesome opportunity to reach out to young people in our community, give them a safe place to skate, and show them the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible way.

There are a few things to iron out with the church over the next six weeks, and we need additional funds to get everything rolling. So please, join us in prayer, and if you feel led, send a check to M.A.D. Skates & Rec Center, 21705 2nd Avenue SE, Bothell, WA 98021.

Your donations are tax deductible.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Boarders for Christ - Heading to Egypt!

This is a copy of an email I received today from my good friends at Boarders for Christ. Please read!

Hello Everybody,

Hope you're all doing well. I wanted to fill you all in on a huge upcoming opportunity that was offered to Boarders For Christ and see if any of you would be willing to lend a hand.

A couple months ago we received a phone call from a Christian Church in Cairo, Egypt called Kasr-El Dobara Evangelical Church. This church is a church of 5,000 Christians in EGYPT. They are putting on a festival from December 5-7 and they have invited BFC to do skateboard demonstrations and share the gospel with over 15,000 Egyptians that will be in attendance. We at BFC really felt a burden to go no matter what it took. The only problem, we have no money and they need us to pay our own way. So, knowing that finances are not an issue for THE MOST HIGH, we decided to commit to going. This is probably one of the biggest steps we have ever taken, especially in a time where our personal giving to BFC is down well over 60%. However, these people need Jesus and this opportunity was not a coincidence. Along with this opportunity we had an idea to also pull together 100 complete skateboards from various skateboard companies and give these out to the Egyptian kids. We think it is an amazing idea for us to not only go there to share our hearts and our stories but also skateboarding and bless these kids.

In the last couple days we were also given the opportunity to extend our trip and go down Burundi (which is inbetween Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania). Some friends of ours are running a project down there called THE HOPE PROJECT, building 60 homes in 40 days. BFC created a tshirt this last summer that we sold on tour and with the sales of that shirt we, BFC, raised enough money to build a house. We are hoping to be able to fly from Cairo to Burundi and build the house along with the people and help build the other 59 homes as well.

We will also be taking our filming equipment and making a short film documenting the trip. As of now we will have 4 BFC guys going and depending how much money we can raise we may take more.

You're saying to yourself....whats it gonna cost....dont they know the state of the economy....and the answer is yes, but we believe when God calls He provides. We received the call and now it is up to us to ask that people would help make this trip possible. Basically, we are trying to raise $20,000 in 1 month. I know it sounds eager, but I really believe if you take the time to pass this along to your friends and family.....we can do it. The U.S. Spends more than 450 Billion dollars a year at Christmas......that is a lot of money.....we are wondering if you would be willing to spend a little less and consider giving towards this trip. I am convinced that people will be blessed through our going and I know that we all know of people that may be willing to give. Would you partner with us....would you help us get the word out.......would you pray for us.....and would you take the time to ask the Lord if this is something He may want you involved in.

Our offer to you is that if you give $100 or more to the trip, we will send you a BFC tshirt. I know its not much but we want you to know how much we appreciate your generousity. Also, if you own a business and your business gives, we will feature you in our Press Release as well.

If you are wanting to give....paste this into your browser: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=941211Thank You for your time....I appreciate all of you and your devotion to Jesus. Thanks for always being there for us.

Blessings,

Chris Lauri
DirectorBoarders For Christ

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Uprising!

The Uprising starts on October 16th.

Unprecedented, uncompromising, and unashamed best describes “THE UPRISING,” Steelroots’ newest reality television show. The series follows born again pro skateboarders Jay Haizlip, Christian Hosoi, and Brian Sumner as they comb skate parks, backyard pools, and other hangouts in an effort to spread the Gospel. Committed to affecting the world around them, the trio shares their faith and hope with friends, drug addicts, even police. Misconceptions of Christianity will be shattered as their unconventional approach to modern day evangelism reaches across cultural boundaries. With guest appearances by some of today’s top pros, “The UPRISING” delivers the future of skateboarding right to your doorstep. Experience a journey of boldness and faith as lives are restored, people accept Christ, and fellowship abounds. You will agree that the time is NOW! This is “THE UPRISING.”

For more information - http://www.steelroots.com/theuprising/

For details on The Uprising Contest go to http://www.steelroots.com/contests.aspx

Saturday, September 27, 2008

M.A.D. Coffee Fundraiser has begun!





The M.A.D. Coffee fundraiser has begun! We're making a difference one cup at a time, and so can you. Please email me at brett@madskates.com to receive an order form. We have over 30 bags of coffee in stock today!

Our coffee hits U.S. shores in Florida, is prepared by a local company there in small batches to ensure the best flavor, and is shipped to Bothell, WA within one week of landing on U.S. soil. This is fresh coffee! We offer auto drip, whole bean, and espresso grind.

Some comments from our first buyers:

Indonesian Sumatra - "The Sumatra was great!" - Jeff C.

Colombian Supremo Decaf - "It was better than the last several cups of Starbucks I have had. I think this is one of the best decafs I have ever tasted." - Karen B.

German Chocolate Cake - "It smelled wonderful. I had one cup straight and thought it was a bit bitter, but would have been great with pie or cookies or something sweet. The second cup I added sweetener and cream to which mellowed it out a lot. I could see where people who like flavored coffees would LOVE this one." - Karen B.

German Chocolate Cake - "I had it this morning with some flavored creamer, and it was fantastic. I want to order a whole bag." - Kym N.

7am Grind - "The coffee was fantastic! We just got done with it. It definitely was high octane." - Nathan W.

Italian Espresso - "We tried that coffee and it is great!" - Leah S.

Email today to receive your order form! brett@madskates.com - We're building on solid grounds!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Ramps Arrived!





Check it out! Our first ramps arrived. Thanks to Freshpark http://www.freshpark.com/ for giving us a great deal!


You should have seen my co-worker (Shane) and me trying to cram 4 ramps in my little Calais. These are pictures upon my arrival at my house. It was a cozy drive home.











Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Board Meeting

Our next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 29th at 5:20pm at the Canyon Park Applebee's. We are seeking a 5th board member. Please join us in prayer as we wait for God's direction.

If you are interested in the position, please notify me via email and join us on Monday the 29th.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Huntington Beach Trip (Skate Conference 2008 & ASR)

Getting there:
We were blessed by our day job boss & friend, Jeff Crockett at EK Coaches (http://www.ekcoaches.com/) who paid for our rental car during the trip. Jason's friend (Brian Burton) allowed us to stay with his family. We had our own bedroom and bathroom for the entire trip! They were fantastic to stay with and saved us a ton of money. God blessed us with two unexpected checks which arrived just before we left for California which helped cover all of our expenses for the trip. God is faithful!

Skate Conference:
The 2008 Christian Skaters Skate Conference (http://www.christianskaters.com)/ was a true blessing! Jason and I were able to meet many people that we have been conversing with for several years. We also worshipped along side our new found friends, and learned a ton about skate ministry, insurance, fundraising, and God. We made some new connections with a band (Alexander) with hopes of having a concert here in WA soon. We also connected with Dan Libby (skate filmer) who we hope can put on a "how to shoot & edit a skate video" class for young skaters in our community. We were thrilled to hear what is happening around our country and across the seas. Christian Skaters is doing an awesome job of pulling us all together into one big family that helps each other out to further the work God has called us to do.

ASR (http://www.asrbiz.com/):
The ASR show was also incredibly insightful. We got a good look at the current trends in the skateboarding world, which seems to be filled with sex, alcohol, and anger. Christ is needed here. We spent 30 minutes talking with a gentleman from Tapout regarding selling a small portion of their product in our skateshop when it opens. This conversation was not only beneficial to us in gaining a new product for the skateshop but also in the education we received from him on the retail industry. He was very helpful! His information helped us as we went through the rest of the show and made contacts with Triple Eight (http://www.triple8.com/), Truth (http://www.truthsoularmor.com/), and a couple of other potential manufacturers. Special thanks goes out to Kelly from Freshpark (http://www.freshpark.com/ ) who got us into the show for free because we are planning to use and sell their products. We are looking forward to getting our shop open for business. Income from the shop will help sustain the skatepark and rec center for the long haul.

Current Needs - Please Pray:
1. A place to call home - We are still waiting to hear back from the church for one night a week. I am also praying for God to provide us with a place to call home. This may not be our final resting place for the full skate park & rec center with all of our goals, but it would be great to get started with the skatepark, rec center, and cafe now.
2. A vehicle for MADSkates. Nothing Jason and I own can haul much of anything. We need a cargo van, truck with enclosed trailer, or similar vehicle.
3. Money, money, money. As always this is a constant prayer request. Please pray.

Donations:
Make checks payable to M.A.D. Skates, 21705 2nd Avenue SE, Bothell, WA 98021.

Thanks for visiting our blog! Stay tuned... God is on the move.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Donations Welcome!

Monetary donations are needed in order to get this off the ground and running.

Three Main Needs:
Box truck or cargo van
Ramps
Insurance

Please send donations to...

M.A.D. Skates & Rec Center
21705 2nd Avenue SE
Bothell, WA 98021.

Thank you.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Box Truck or Cargo Van Wanted

We're looking for a donated box truck or cargo van for our mobile skate ministry. Either one will do to get us started. Eventually, we will definitely need a box truck, but for now, we'd take either one.

The vehicle must be in solid running condition and look decent.

The cargo van must be a true cargo van not a standard van with the seats removed.

The box truck cannot have a box longer than 20' (14' - 17' would be preferred).

A tax deductible receipt will be provided to the donor.

Thank you for you consideration and prayers.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Skate Church Coming Soon?

On Sunday, we delivered a written presentation to a local church in hopes that we might use their gymnasium for weekly skate church. Please join us in prayer as we ask the Lord to guide the hearts of the decision makers.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Website Back Online

The website is back online. Thanks Brent Spore of Synergy and Chris Molitor of Rain Networks.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Not of This World

I stumbled across this skate style, Christian clothing site while looking for the lyrics to an Eowyn song. I thought many of you may truly enjoy the styles and the message. I have added a link to their site in our links section, and I hope you take a moment to check it out.

www.c28.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Website Temporarily Down

Our main website is temporarily down during the final reconstruction. It should be back up sometime Monday.

Thank you for your patience.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Show Me The Money!

M.A.D. Skates & Rec Center needs your help! The time to act is now, and every penny counts, so pick them up and toss them our way.

Current needs:
1) Funds to purchase ramps and rails for skate ministry
2) Cargo van or other vehicle in excellent running condition for hauling skate equipment

Donations:
1) Checks should be made out to M.A.D. Skates and mailed to M.A.D. Skates, 21705 2nd Avenue SE, Bothell, WA 98021
2) Spare change can be dropped of at EK Coaches, 11601 Cyrus Way, Suite 101, Mukilteo, WA 98275 Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm.

Thanks for continuing to pray for our success. We can't wait to see you at the ramps.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Making A Difference - What's with the M.A.D. Skates Name?

I posted this one of my other blogs when I realized it might be good to share with all of the M.A.D. Skates readers where M.A.D. came from. Therefore, I am cross posting here.

A huge theme in my life is making a difference. It was first heard by me in junior high or high school when a speaker at a conference told the story of sending his kids off to school every day. As they left the house, he would holler out the door, “Go MAD!” Everyone wondered what that meant, and the kids were able to talk about how their father had instilled in them the concept of making a difference. Every day as they left the house they were challenged to “Go MAD” to “go make a difference.”

This idea has stuck with me for many years. It's what I fashioned the name of the skate park and recreational center after. It’s how I try to look at both every day of my life and the grand scheme of my life. The question I have to ask myself is “How am I making a difference?”
There is a quote that was mentioned in church last Sunday. It has several variations, because no one has ever found a written copy of the original version. Edmund Burke is credited with the saying, and it goes something like this…

The reason the forces of evil are winning in the world today is because too many good men and women are doing nothing.

So I challenge you, the good men and women of the world, to “Go MAD!” every day of your life. The victory is ours in the Lord. Lay claim to it. Pursue it. Go MAD!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

New Website - Update

The new website is up and running. Special thanks to Chris at Rain Networks for the redesign, and thanks again to my cousin Brent at Synergy Productions who has always had my back on the web end of things.

You guys are slick! Thanks so much!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

New Website

The new website is almost done! We are very excited about the work that Rain Networks (thanks Chris!) has done on this project.

Stay tuned!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Let it Rain... Networks that is.

Yesterday, Jason and I met with Chris from Rain Networks to discuss redesigning our website. Chris seems to know what we are looking for, and we are excited to see what he comes up with for our interactive web flier. Please stay tuned.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Scion Xb Please

M.A.D. Skates & Rec Center is looking for someone to graciously donate a 2004 -2006 Scion Xb in good condition. Any light color would work, but our preference is white. Manual or automatic will be fine. M.A.D. Skates is a 501 C3 corporation.

What will we do with it?
1) Carry small ramps and rails to various outdoor skate parks and church facilities to spread the word about Jesus Christ and M.A.D. Skates. Mini-Mobile Ministry!
2) Put our graphics on it and drive it around the area advertising for M.A.D. Skates and making our name and logo recognizable. It would be taken to skate boarding and youth events as well.

**If the donor so chooses, we would gladly put "donated by xyz" on the vehicle.

Please contact me (Brett Elizabeth Spore) at brett@madskates.com if you are interested in donating a Scion Xb to expand our outreach. Thank you.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Uganda Skateboard Union's Video Preview

As some of you may know by either knowing me or reading my other blogs, half of my heart is always in Africa. Recently Christian Skaters sent out their email update and included a link to this video.

For anyone who thinks "We can't afford a skate park here." Watch this.
For anyone who thinks "Youth can't put something like a skate park together." Watch this.
For anyone who has given up on their dream. Watch this.

http://current.com/items/88840051_uganda_skateboard_union_s_video_preview

May God bless you all and may He use this video to light a fire in you for whatever it is He has called you to do.

Remember: Nothing is impossible with God.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

10% from the board

On Monday, June 2nd, MAD Skates held the quarterly board meeting. At that time, we discussed a new idea of setting aside 10% of all income and received donations. That 10% will be used to support other skate ministries, missions, etc. This is our way of passing on what God has given us to help others reach others.

Thank you for your continued support. A little goes a long way in God's kingdom.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

M.A.D. Skates Website

The M.A.D. Skates website is encountering some difficulties right now. Please continue to watch this blog for updates on M.A.D. Skates and the website.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Higher Power Radio

Higher Power Radio.com is the first 24/7 Christian Alternative and Modern Rock internet radio broadcast, operated by recording industry professionals.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Christian Skaters - Skate Conference

Jason and I will be traveling to California this September to attend the Christian Skaters Skate Conference. If you have a moment, take a look at their site to see if this is a conference you need to be at this year.

http://www.christianskaters.com/

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Calvary Chapel Corona - Skatepark Update 2

The report from Boarders For Christ is that "The installation went awesome."

Calvary Chapel Corona is looking to open the skate park soon. They are currently working to get their insurance finalized.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Calvary Chapel Corona - Skatepark Update

Boarders for Christ is scheduled to install the skatepark at Calvary Chapel Corona next week! This is the first collaborative effort between Boarders for Christ and MAD Skates, and we hope it is only the beginning. By matching funds with Calvary Chapel Corona, MAD Skates assisted in the purchase of the BFC skate park. We are all excited about the way God is going to use this park for the youth in the Corona area.

To learn more about Calvary Chapel Corona visit: http://www.calvarycorona.org/To learn more about Boarders for Christ visit: http://www.boardersforchrist.com/

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Food Crisis in Zambia Africa

As many of you know, Jason and I are involved with two missions groups in Zambia, Africa. Today I received the following email from one of our missionary contacts there.

"At this point, the biggest challenge in the feeding program is that it is rainy season and the cost of food and supplies has gone up significantly. It has been raining here every day to the point of roads being washed out. Charcoal has gone from 40,000 kwacha a bag to 100,000 per bag because it is all wet. We are starting to see an increase in fish as well because they can’t get it into the city. Several bridges have been washed out as well.

The National food storage places in the South and East have been flooded and they have lost their reserves. With the rain not letting up, crops have not grown or they have developed fungus and are going to be spoiled. We are worried about there being enough food to go around this coming March, April and May. I am keeping an eye on the newspapers and radio."

This email came as a response to my question of how much more money they needed to feed the kids more than 3 times per week. For many of the children these are the only three meals they receive each week. It seems the crisis has reached a point of just trying to get them fed the three times per week right now.

I won't take any more of your time, but if you are interested in helping out, please send funds to Action International (mark Zambia Feeding on the memo line) or simply say a prayer for the flooding and food crisis in Zambia.

Action International
PO Box 398 Mountlake Terrace,
WA 98043-0398United States
www.actionintl.org

Thank you for your time.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Orlando Surf Expo

Join Christian Skaters at the Surf Expo (http://www.surfexpo.com/) January 10 - 13th. If you at there, stop by our booth and introduce yourself. If you can't make it, pray for many to stop by and for Christian Skaters to be a bright light at this industry event.