The Genesis of HaHaMen Part 7: Ups and Downs and God's Plan

Last week we talked about the email that would (EVENTUALLY) change the world. Or, at least my world and the world of one Ryan McChesney. On June 1, 2013, I sent an email via Craigslist to respond to his ad for a producer for a Christian film. It was a potential waste of time in that I was not, nor had the ability to be, a producer. However, I knew the value of networking and connections, so I thought it couldn't hurt to attempt to reach out.

Ryan and I met at a coffee shop in Chicago, just off the Red Line. As was my custom, I carried my Bible with me. I carried it with me on the trains to the city any time I went. Partially for protection, partially to see if anyone might ask me about it. The protection part worked as no one ever messed with me on the trains...but being over 6' tall and 400 might also have something to do with it.

We met in the afternoon and chatted about each other's stories, each other's faith, and our shared desire to do something with out talents and passions to honor God. We had talked on the phone about starting a Christian improv group before-hand, and this is where my (unoriginal) idea for Himprov was shared. Ryan and I left that day ready to make this happen.

Over the next couple of weeks, I posted for auditions on Craigslist and any other free service I could find. It wasn't long before Ken Lubinski would audition and join the group. We shortly thereafter added Kimberly Garrett making us the original four of hahahAMEN.

From the beginning, Fountain of Life Church and Pastor John Cross were incredibly supportive and incredibly vital to our team's growth and success. I personally, and this team, cannot thank them enough for their graciousness. With the exception of a few months after my wedding, Fountain of Life has been our rehearsal home from the beginning.

So, to Pastor John, Debbie Durrbeck, and Tim Hageland, and the entire family at FOLC...

THANK YOU!

Kimberly's addition gave this troupe many positives. First, it added a woman and added someone non-caucasian, something the three whitest guys in Chicago-land sorely needed. The diversity was essential for this ministry to get going. Secondly, Kimberly was well connected and a good salesperson. Our first official gig was at a fundraiser for a State Senator and State Representative. On November 13, 2013, hahahAMEN performed at Brunzwick Zone in Romeoville, IL.

Now...NOW...we're a REAL team!

In the spring, Kimberly managed to get us booked at The Comedy Shrine in Aurora. The ensuing few months was a combination of immense blessings, brutal lessons, and challenges of my personal faith in this mission, as well as my mission to perform as my ministry.

Performing weekly at the Comedy Shrine was incredible in the bonding and quality of our abilities as a team. During this time, we also went to perform at a church near Champaign, IL, performed live on the WCIA Morning Show, and got our first paid gig at "The All-Night Rager" in front of 300 screaming teens.

In June, we were fired by The Comedy Shrine and in coincidental timing, Kimberly left the team, announcing shortly thereafter that she was putting together a new family friendly show at the Comedy Shrine.

Kimberly's departure, the loss of the weekly show, and the recent departure of Ryan for eye surgery created a huge deflation in hahahAMEN. Ryan was involved as much as he could be, having relocated to his family's place in Missouri. But, suddenly, it was just Ken and me.

Things were not looking good. It appeared that this dream and idea was about to die.

However, God was still at work in my doubts, fears, and anxieties. On December 20, 2013, when we performed a small gig in the church for my mom and a few people, that morning was a Men's Breakfast. In that breakfast, Sam Marks, then-associate pastor, gave a devotional. I cannot remember WHAT was said...but I remember what God revealed the message to be: "Wait. I've got this. I've got you."

In the midst of all this downturn, God also used a text message from my girlfriend, who became my wife, that reaffirmed me and this team. She sent me a text after I left rehearsal feeling incredibly discouraged. Her text was God-annointed as it confirmed two major parts of my life: she was the one God had chosen for me and that hahahAMEN/HaHaMen was worthwhile and He would use this team. I do not remember the words of the text, but again, the message was clear.

Over the last 4 years, I have been so close to throwing in the towel and giving up. I have been almost ready to end it. To tell those with me that I had lost the vision, that I am sorry to have wasted everyone's time. But, each time...God gave me just enough to keep going.

It's funny, as I write this, I see the parallels. It just now dawned on me that the testimony of my life and the testimony of HaHaMen are the same. So many times, it felt like it was time to give up, give in, hand it all over to the ages, and go quietly into the abyss. However, in my life and in this ministry, there was that still small voice...there was the Hand of God guiding, leading, and providing for what I needed to keep going. Just when I thought it was time to end it all...God.

Just when I thought it was time to end it all...God.

Now, in 2017, we have the most talent, most impressive group of people. I am so thankful for this group. They are amazing people with diverse stories and incredible testimonies. I am so proud of them and what we can do in Jesus's Name for God's glory!

As I wrap this series of blogs up, I have to say it's been a journey. It's helped me remember where I've been, how far I've come, and, most importantly, what God has been up to all these 36 years. I am only here, typing these words, because God. I should be dead. I wanted, many times, to be. I took some foolish risks. I begged for death. I planned for death. I planned it and cursed myself for being too weak and too scared to just do it. But, I see how it wasn't weakness or fear...but God.

To end this series, I wanted to end with my Oscar Winning Moment speech. I wanted to thank each member of HaHaMen for their contributions and their gifts. I love the six current members, and one part-time member, dearly. I am eternally grateful for their friendship and love. I have a shout out for each of them below.

In order of membership of the team...newest first...

Brooke-You are an amazing talent and a wonderful woman of God. It is no doubt in my mind that you are supposed to be here. God ordained it. Your meeting with Mitzi was not chance and not random. God knew what we needed. It is you.

Anna-You are such a gifted talent. I am humbled that you are a part of this team. I love

your spirit, love your energy, and love your heart. I cannot wait to see what God does with your talents

Angela-You are a walking miracle. Your love for Jesus and for God is inspiring. Your testimony will lead many hurting, lost souls to the healing and redemptive power of Christ. You are a beautiful, talented, supermom with a heart of gold and a Proverbs 31 strength.

Jim-What an amazing guy. Your fearlessness in standing up for what is right is inspiring. Your ability to be fierce with the Sword of the Spirit on Facebook and in person is something that God will use in many more mighty ways. Your character creation and vocal diversity is something that will set HaHaMen apart.

Dave Z.-I am so proud and humbled to have been able to walk beside you these last two years. You have been hit hard by life, yet you keep walking forward. You keep moving. You keep reaching for God. You are an incredibly talented actor and it is only a matter of time before God's plan for your life is revealed. The agencies and casting directors will start at the end of their contacts list looking for Zarbock!

Kimberly-I have no idea if you will ever read this, but I wanted to thank you for what you brought to this team. Your ability to get us booked on some outstanding opportunities was so vital to this team getting going. I am so thankful for these opportunities to perform. I am also thankful for the many things and lessons learned as a result of your time with us. Thank you for what you contributed to this team's future.

Ken-Not sure if this will ever get to you as I am not sure as of this writing how you feel about me or HaHaMen. Ken, your influence on our team is till this day. You are a great man and a talented improviser. I am humbled and proud that we had you for the time we did. I do apologize for not leading this team in a better way while you were with us, but know I am grateful for you and for the times we shared together. I pray for and think of you often.

Ryan-My best man. I am so thankful that you answered my email and didn't toss it. Our friendship and this team we built are huge blessings straight from God. I don't know if God's plan includes your relocating back to Chicago or not, but I do cherish the times we had in the beginning, the friendship that developed, the love and support you've always given, that you were my best man at the wedding, and that we have some pretty good times when you come back to town. You are a very talented improviser and it's always a joy to perform with you.

And...last but not least...though not a real "member," but a supporter and my MADtrimony partner...

Bobbie-I love you. Your love and prayers have been so crucial to this journey. God used you that night after rehearsal to encourage me in our relationship and in this ministry. It's been hard and it's been a lot of work, and that's not going to change. But, at the end of the day, you are my partner and I know you will be with me until the end, both in this ministry and in our lives' ministry. I love you, babe!

ILYBE <3<3<3<3<3<3<3

2 years down, Eternity to go!

Thank you so much for reading! I hope that some part of my story speaks to you.

If anything over the course of the last couple months has touched you, blessed you, or otherwise impacted you, please let me know. Send me a message at:

LOL4God@hahamen.org

#improv #Jesus #God #testimony