Change Your Image
revjshaw
Johnny Cash and I were friends and as close as brothers for well over twenty years. Early in our friendship, John asked me to call him every day, which I did for many years. Our conversations would envelop a variety of subjects, but always lead to discussing something about God, His Word, Heaven, spirituality, etc.
John and June Cash each served as founding members of the JSMI board of directors from 1986 until their home going in 2003. They were faithfully committed to the development of JSMI�s Grace Christian Mission Hospital (GCMH) project, a God-given vision for the desperate people of Kenya E. Africa.
Their son, John Carter Cash, currently serves on the JSMI board, and is actively involved in its work in Africa as well. With God�s grace and leading, JSMI is moving forward with the construction and staffing of the GCMH project that will ultimately impact the poor and hurting of Kenya, a nation where over 850 die each day from AIDS alone.
For many years I traveled the world with John and June, their family, and others who were part of the 18-member group that comprised �The Johnny Cash Show�. At John and June�s request, I would lead them, and others who would attend, in a Bible study before each show. I also ministered and prayed with those from the audience who, through John�s invitation given just before the finale of Gospel songs, would come down to an area near the stage where I would be positioned, to talk with me at each show�s close. Many came. Many prayed and accepted Christ. Many had questions about God and His Word. Many were counseled after expressing desperate needs that very likely would never have been mentioned in any other setting. All, by God�s grace, were helped.
I am also a Christian businessman and the founder and President/CEO of three successful companies, Shaw Steeple Jacks, Inc. (www.steeplejacks.us), rebuilds and restores church buildings across the United States. Cat Claw, Inc., (www.catclaw.com) manufactures avian repellent technology available internationally. SPIRITECH, Inc., (www.spiritech.us) a partner member of the American Shipbuilding Association provides research and development technology for the US Navy, and state-of-the-art waterjet manufacturing technology services to leading Defense Contractors and commercial clients. I was honored to receive the Entrepreneur 2000 award from Pennsylvania Business Central magazine and to be recognized as one of the top 100 people in Pennsylvania.
I have been blessed with creativity that has also allowed me to develop products and services that create opportunities for jobs and personal growth. I hold more than a dozen patents.
My wife Grace and I have been married for nearly 50 years, have five children (one of them now in heaven), and a growing list of grandchildren.
LIFE GOAL: Having accepted Jesus Christ as my eternal Lord and Savior (according to John 3:16 & Romans 10: 9-10), my personal goal in life�s journey is to daily submit to the will of God; nothing more, nothing less, nothing but. Reporting for duty at His feet each day, and committing my way to Him, spirit, soul and body, allows His Spirit to be the guiding force in the life He has given me. Trusting Him then to guide my steps and provide my need (through mistakes, successes and all in between), I can become ever more capable of helping others along the way, and, hopefully, lead them to also trust their will and their way to our Heavenly Father. �For with God nothing will be impossible.� (Luke 1: 37 �NKJV)
Reviews
Walk the Line (2005)
Excellent - review by Johnny Cash close friend and minister
I was delighted when John Carter Cash, invited me to attend the premier showing of "Walk The Line".
I hope that those who view this movie will see the spiritual connections between John, his family, and those with whom he choose to associate. I am privileged to have been one of those who John called a friend. And to the producers and directors: It would be a blessing if the story of Johnny and June Cash's remarkable lives is continued from the point at which "Walk The Line" ended.
Johnny Cash and I were close personal friends for over twenty years. I loved him as a brother and miss him dearly. In the early 90's he asked me to call him every day
and I did so, as much as possible, for the many remaining years of our friendship. I would talk with him daily whether we were traveling the world, with me as the official 'Johnny Cash Show minister (or evangelist)', or while off the road and at home. We would talk about the things that most friends talk about, but always
always, about God, the Bible, a new or a favorite verse or passage, life's many challenges
and encourage one another in overcoming them.
John was one of the brightest individuals I've ever met
and, at times, as the film shows, one of the most troubled. John was one of God's sheep. He was, as the movie shows, living proof that redemption knows no limits other than our own refusal to accept it. Just as evening wolves stalk sheep, so the wolves of darkness pursued John. Yet, somehow, I believe he knew that even though a sheep cannot triumph over a wolf
he can beat it every time by staying close to the shepherd
and showed up at the feet of God quite often.
June Carter Cash was also a treasured friend. She graciously laid aside the opportunities of her own career and gifted talent to become John's life-long soul mate and a fiercely loyal devotee to keeping him happy, and making him 'walk the line'. Reese Witherspoon portrayed June accurately. June was also a faithful gatekeeper for John, and taught all of us (who were allowed through that 'gate') the grit and grace of friendship
once a friend
a friend always. The world will never be the same without June
and, likewise; Heaven will never be the same with her there.
I deeply enjoyed this film. Overall, I felt that the story was credible and portrayed accurately.
I commend Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon for delivering 'believability'. This was certainly a far from easy task, drawing deeply from their God-given talent, when you consider the extraordinary lives of the complex and unique individuals they portrayed.
I was appreciative of the spiritual content that was gracefully present for it was such a vital part of their lives. Joaquin Phoenix's insightful handling of the life-long struggle that John endured regarding his brother Jack's disastrous death, renewed deep emotions within me. John and I each lost an older brother in tragic accidents when we were young. This gave me an even deeper sense of, and identification with the pain he suffered, but rarely talked about.
There is much more that I could express about this significant film regarding the unique and remarkable lives portrayed in Walk The Line, and the treasured friendship and fellowship that God allowed John and I to share. If John could, I believe he would ask me to help others understand how he felt about God and how he tried to live his life. Therefore, please allow me to share a letter that he wrote to me in Australia.
"Jack Shaw's ministry, in tandem with the Johnny Cash Show, may be a first in the entertainment business. The Idea came to June and me on a tour last summer. Jack has long been a close friend and prayer warrior for our group and family. Before each concert we form a prayer circle in the dressing room with our family and any other members of the group who wish to join in. Jack leads a five-minute service of scripture reading, sharing and prayer. The service is uplifting and has put a positive power-edge on our performances.
Recently we took what I felt was a bold step, in that, toward the end of the concert I introduce Jack (who is positioned near the stage in the audience) and mention that he will be there after the concert to offer free counseling and advice on moral and spiritual matters. I tell them that he is a minister of the Gospel, and will talk to them about their personal problems, drug and alcohol addiction or simply about the Bible and what God has to say to them. As well as daily ministering to the needs of my eighteen-member group, many people have come down to talk to Jack after the concert every night.
Lives are changed, souls are saved, spirits are lifted and light is brought into the darkness of many hearts.
We are being led by inspiration, and I believe that God is guiding Jack in this great work he is now doing. The potential is unlimited and we feel Jack is just beginning in a great work. He gives us strength and peace through the Word and prayer. June and I feel supercharged, especially for the gospel part of our program. Jack's presence and his involvement in our work has given us an extra portion of joy and enthusiasm.
Jack is a humble man, and it is obvious that he only wants to serve God. Believers and non-believers alike have come to know that and respect that. Jack Shaw Ministries has cut a new path and the fruit of the harvest from the seeds sown along the way will be bountiful." Johnny Cash, Perth, Australia / Rev. Jack Shaw / Copyright 2005 -Jack Shaw Ministries
Flight of the Phoenix (2004)
Johnny Cash singing
Regarding Johnny Cash singing during the opening credits of this film: After being to Hell and back a time or two and traveling to every earthly geographical location (Most places, twice or more) in his lifetime... and now in Heaven, he truly can sing... "I've been everywhere, man". I love him as a brother, and miss him dearly.
I will never forget the night during a brief intermission back stage at a college venue in central Pennsylvania, when he invited me to minister to those in attendance. That was the beginning of a seemingly endless array of Johnny Cash Show dates that streamed by for years. Concert bookings that took us all over the world, into Canada, back and forth across the United States . . . through Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and on, and on, in a variety of venues that ranged from the darkest, purple spiked-hair dens of Europe . . . to New York's Carnegie Hall.
There is so very much I could say regarding the treasured relationship and fellowship that God allowed John and I to share and just how very much I loved and respected him ... and dearly miss him. But please allow me to allude to an excerpt from some of the notes that I've been compiling since John's home going, regarding the many miles and years we traveled together as well as a very special letter...
While waiting out a flight delay at LaGuardia's USAIR Club the day after the "All Star Tribute To Johnny Cash" television taping in New York City, I composed a letter to John. I faxed it to his New York hotel. The next day, he and June flew back home and I called the house for him. June answered and told me that they were both a bit road weary and lying on their bed resting... "Could you call back just a little later?" she asked. I said, "Sure June, but before I go, could you ask John if he got the letter I faxed to him at the hotel?" She asked him and I heard that familiar voice tell her, "Why yes, I did... and I think that's the nicest letter I ever got." Whether it was the nicest letter is not important to me. He said it that evening in his own gracious way! Please allow me to share the letter that I wrote to John.
Dear John: My flight was postponed this morning so I thought I'd drop you a note and thank you for a very wonderful and memorable evening. The tribute was beautiful, very much deserved and certainly well earned.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once said; "The average man goes to his grave with his music still in him." Thank God this has not been the case with you. You've given greatly of the gift God has given you. All who have been privileged to know you can testify to that John, as our lives have been immeasurably enriched through the touch of your life. No doubt this can also be echoed by the many countless, nameless ones who have so richly received from you without ever having the great privilege of knowing you in a personal way.
John, I know first hand that your road has not been an easy one. There's been challenge after challenge... some giving way to victory, and others... something less. But then this is often the path of destiny for those who carry God's treasured gifts in earthen vessels (II Cor 4:7-8). It just could be though that this is the necessary stuff that talents are nurtured in and creativity is born of. Strange as it does seem, Scripture says... the very tests, trials and tribulations we suffer result in working life (!) in those around us (II Cor 4:12).
Thank you John; for giving of your gift and your life to so many. (Thank you also June; for holding up "Moses' hands" (Ez 17:12). I know this hasn't been an easy task... especially when your "Moses" has been Johnny Cash. But I also know Johnny will be the first to recognize he could not have come to this place in his journey without God having sent you.) Thank you especially John that you have not been one of the average persons Oliver Wendell Holmes spoke of. Thank you that the gift God put within you will NEVER be buried... for you have continually poured it out to others ... in spite of, maybe even because of, the many obstacles.
Thank you not only for the fruits of the road traveled thus far, but also for the promise of what's ahead. As I've told you many times before, I believe the best is yet to come. God does save the best wine for last you know.
God richly bless you John, and all your loved ones and the road ahead. I'm very proud of you... and very thankful to be your friend. "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Phil 1:2-3)
Jack Shaw
US Air Club
LaGuardia
April 7,1999
Rev. Jack Shaw (Johnny's on-the-road minister) / (c)2005 -Jack Shaw Ministries / revjshaw@aol.com / www.jackshaw.com