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Ministry Status

Our ministry is incorporated according to the Laws and Statutes of the State of Florida. We are a non-profit ministry supported by tax deductible contributions and prayer. Working in conjunction with local church bodies, we provide the certification, administration packages, support materials and instruction necessary for those interested in this martial art/sport.

Ministry Focus

It is our desire to make the training completely balanced. Many times we find in martial arts schools, especially secular ones, that the physical and mental training may be met, but rarely is the spiritual training there. This leads to an imbalanced individual. An individual cannot perform at their peak efficiency if they do not have the balance and the peace of God in their life.

• Physical Training - for the healthy conditioning of our bodies as the very best temple of the Holy Spirit that we can provide.

• Mental Training - for the discipline of our minds and lifestyles to better serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

• Spiritual Training - for the strengthening and enlightenment of the individual to better enable him to complete the unique path God has prepared for that individual (Hebrews 12:13).

• I Corinthians 9:24-27, shows us that we should maintain this balance in training. It is therefore essential that we train the whole individual.

Ministry Structure

The structure of our organization is simple. Charles W. Coker, 5th Dan Black Belt, is President and Founder of the ministries. Each individual location functions under the direction and auspices of a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree Black Belt. That Black Belt should not only be trained and familiar with the style, forms, techniques, and other aspects of Tae kwon Do, but also must be well versed in the scriptures and be able to counsel, aid and assist all students.

It is his/her responsibility to be the spiritual leader of the class as well as set the example for those people he/she is training. Black belt instruct ion will be given by Mr. Coker. It is his job, along with the student president/vice president, to aid and assist the 2nd Degrees in each of the individual churches to perform their function in a satisfactory manner before God and man. (Scriptural discipline will apply whenever necessary.) All Black Belts are required to attend Saturday monthly meetings or view the video tapes that are necessary to keep up their leadership and spiritual training.

Ministry Student Officers

• President - Joel Martin
• Vice President - John Rogers
• Secretary/Treasurer - John Silsby
• Demo Team Coordinator - Fred Valasco

Board of Directors

• Dr. Jeff Burnsed
• Chancellor Coral Ridge Schools, Seminary & University
• Senator Dan Jenkins, Ph.D. (Retired)
• Educator
• Dr. Richard Peterson
• Cardio Vascular Surgeon
• Mr. John Wolfel
• Certified Public Accountant

Council of Advisors

• Mr. James Coker, Chief Executive Advisor
  7^th Dan - Tae Kwon Do, 4^th Dan - Shotokan,
  4^th Degree Yudo, 4^th Degree Hapkido

• Dr. Charles Coker, Founder Yesha Ministries
  5^th Dan - Tae Kwon Do, 1^st Dan Jijitsu,
  3^rd Level Moc Ving Tsun, Kung-Fu

• Mr. Joel Martin, President Yesha Ministires
  3^rd Dan-Tae Kwon Do

Ministry Memberships

Yesha Ministries is a member of a number of different organizations. Each one of these organizations provides a specific function of the aspects needed to insure that achievement of goals that we have set forth.

United States Tae Kwon Do Union - This organization is the chief certifying organization for the World Tae Kwon Do Federation throughout the United States. This organization provides insurance and membership that allows the individual to compete within certified WTF tournaments in the United States. In order to compete on an Olympic level, one must be a member of this organization. Our school is chartered with this organization because of the opportunities that it provides for our students. It is also the liaison to the United States Olympic Committee.

The World Tae Kwon Do Federation - Through USTU and Coker Tae Kwon Do we adhere to the rules and regulations of this entity. This is the main certifying organization throughout the world. The World Tac Kwon Do Federation was formed over 40 years ago in Seoul, Korea. They are the largest certifying organization in the world. They have also implemented the format for Tae Kwon Do's place in the Olympics. Their certification entitles the individual to international recognition of his/her Dan grade.

One must adhere to the WTF uniforms and contest rules when involved in WTF tournaments, which ultimately lead to the Olympics.

Coker Tae Kwon DO - Coker Tae Kwon Do has been in existence now since 1963. Presently, it is the instructional body that dictates the Tae Kwon Do system to the schools. The founder is James R. Coker, 7th Dan Black Belt. Extensions were formed in the United States under Charles W. Coker, 5th Dan Black Belt. This teaching unit coordinates all memberships as well as planning all direction for training within the ministry.

Christian International Martial Arts Association - The Christian International Martial Arts Association was formed for North and South America as well as the Caribbean. It is intended to bind those Christian athletes together, regardless of their specific style, into an integral unit that sees the importance of mental, physical and spiritual training to accomplish the task that God has ordained

Ministry Arts & Requirements

Standard classes teach traditional Tae Kwon Do in compliance with the United States Tae Kwon Do Union and World Tae Kwon Do Federation

Special classes offered in oriental weaponry and self-defense.

Children’s requirements are administered to all attendees ages 6-12. For the purpose of grading and promotion requirements are that all attendees are considered adults from the age of 13-up.

Blending Beliefs and The Art

One of the hardest things for many people who are Christians to understand is the fact that we as Christians can participate in a "martial art". They may be looking more for negatives than the positives that can come from it. I Corinthians 6:12 and I Corinthians 10:23 state that "All things are permissible, not all thing are beneficial, but all things are permissible." Immediately following this paragraph is an article (written by Dr. Coker) that was published in the November 1990 Tae Kwon Do Times. It addresses many of the aspects most people question. If you have unanswered questions, please contact a second degree or Dr. Coker.

Ministry Membership

Membership to our ministry is open to all who would like to participate in the activities we offer. Those who are actively taking instruction at one of the locations are required to be members in order to test for their belt grades. The cost of membership is calculated on a calendar year basis. (From January through December 31). The fee is $2.00 per month or $20.00/year, and will be assessed on the month's remaining in the calendar year (example: January $20. 00 or July $10.00). Once the individual has filled out the appropriate form and paid his/her fees, they will receive a membership card for use on tests.

This card will be presented at each examination to the appropriate grading officer. All pertinent information will be logged and the card returned after the test.

Other uses of the membership card will be to allow our discounts on all uniforms and equipment ordered as well as special events.

Memberships may be obtained by others who are not participating as students for the range of activities we have planned.

All members will receive each and every publication produced by the ministry.

Ministry Finances

Yesha Ministries has and will continue to be a place of service rather than profit. Our focus will be on heavenly rewards rather than earthly ones which "rust and moth doth corrupt". As of this writing, since 6/14/83, no one individual has been paid for this or other similar services.

Below is a comparison of training costs for a student working toward a Black Belt. Minimal time is two years while the average is three years. Comparison is based on 30 months.

* Based on six north Florida commercial Academies

The ministry does not require large amounts of money for day to day operation since almost everyone donates their time and resources. As the ministry continues to grow greater levels of administration and finance may become necessary.

Several times during the year funds may be needed to help finance outings, publications and projects for the ministry. In most cases Bake Sales, Car Washes, Lock-ins, tee-shirt sales, etc., will be used to help fund these activities. We prefer not to have to solicit funding as many ministries do today. We will not rule this out, however especially in cases of the summer tour for the Demonstration team. We hope to have some corporate sponsors in the future, who will help us avoid fund solicitation.

Ministry Scholarships

Many times we have been made aware of students who want to participate in Training, Tournaments or grading to a higher belt level that do not have the resources. This does not include children who have 'used up their allowances" and come from families well able to afford the minimal costs involved.

We encourage those people in such circumstances to seek out their second-degree instructor (privately) and explain the need. Once the instructor submits the request, it will be approved based on his/her recommendation. We want to insure that a person will progress, regardless of his/her financial situation.

Scholarships can be made available for all aspects of training.

Corporate Sponsors

After much prayer, the Lord has encouraged this ministry to seek corporate sponsors. Since 85% of the participants are students our funds are minimal ($1000 - $2000/year) The few funds we do have are expended on materials for Demonstrations and equipment for each of the schools. Most of the equipment has been donated by parents and students.

Many religious, prison and juvenile facilities, as well as secular organizations call on us to minister. Other groups ask for our assistance in starting their own groups. Obviously, many opportunities to minister and be of help must be passed by. Not only does this hamper our ability to share the Gospel, but it also retards the "ministering time" of the participants (facilitating their spiritual maturity). Our prayers are that God will lead some to help in this area. We will trust HIm to regulate our growth.

For this reason we are setting up different levels of sponsorship. These individuals/companies will receive special recognition as well as listings in our publications.

• Ministry Supporter $ 25.00- 50.00
• Friend of the Ministry 51.00-119.00
• Sponsor 120.00 (or $10.00 ,0er month)
• Corporate Sponsor 250.00 (or $20.00 per month)
• Silver level sponsor 500.00 (or $40.00 per month)
• Gold level sponsor 1000.00 (or $85.00 per month)
• Platinum level sponsor 2500.00 (or $200.00 per month)

Chuck Coker

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