John Bernard is on a mission to skate. This has been a mission for much of his life, but it goes far beyond himself. This mission starts with his passion for skateboarding, but stretches all the way to eternity. Let me explain.

The local church in John’s town growing up was unique in one way. It was one that actually allowed kids to skate in their parking lot. Everyone is so afraid of being sued that it’s rare to find a church, store, mall or any other place with a parking lot putting up with boards and the kids who ride them. So when little John started picking up skating in the 5th grade it was a natural plot to learn on.  Through this he got to know the youth minister who would reach out to John and the other kids hanging out using the lot. In time, he gave his life to Christ and grew up to become a youth minister as well. During those years of growth John’s skateboarding skills also grew. He got serious and eventually was sponsored as a competitive skater.

Now that he’s passed his years facing off with other skaters, he has time to pour into younger ones. How does he do this? Besides his standard duties working with youth at his church, he created Middleman Skateboards. Middleman is the culmination of his love for boarding, the Bible and the betterment of youth. He takes his youth minister’s approach a few steps forward. It started out as a ministry to kids who skate in the church parking lot and eventually turned into a brand of boards that are handed out like the grace of God…freely. And that is the whole point. Middleman is all about sharing the love of Christ. The pro skateboarding industry is built around giving free stuff to GREAT skateboarders who are “deserving” so they’ll wear the brand and others will buy in. Middleman is different in their approach to who they give the boards to. John isn’t looking for an amazing skater to wear the brand in order to magnify the name Middleman. He’s interested in finding kids who have passion and drive and simply love skating because it’s fun.

The t-shirts and boards are a great way to reach out to kids in a unique and creative way. As I write this John, his wife Mandi, and their two children are traveling the country (much like us) to visit skate parks and ultimately the Purple Door Music and Art Festival in Lewisberry, PA…giving away the boards and shirts and meeting kids where they are.

I love what John is doing with Middleman. He’s using his passion for skateboarding to love others. Most people that I know have gifts or passions or things they simply like a lot that can be used for good. John is reaching out and serving a community of kids who are typically looked down upon. What a picture of love and creativity.

Do you want to be a part of what Middleman is doing? You can! How?: First go to the website and you can learn more. There is also a place where you can donate money to help make more skateboards and shirts that will be given away. $30 buys a board. Also, John said prayer is always needed for the work they’re doing. So go now and chip in some money to help and pray for Middleman and the kids being reached through the ministry.

middlemanskateboards.weebly.com