Jasper Journal Q1 2021

Jasper 1 st QTR 2021

UNCHANGING FOUNDATIONS FOR 2021 PROJECT 434: A STEADFAST PURSUIT

Journal

The Jasper Journal is a quarterly publication of Jasper Ventures, Inc.

Communicating, celebrating and engaging the people of Jasper Ventures, our clients and communities.

JA SP E R V E N T U R E S I N C .

101 Glenda St. Whitehouse, TX 75791 903-939-1555

Maureen Kaiser Elissa Thompson

E D I TO R S - I N - CH I E F

JA SP E R J O U R N A L E D I TO R I A L A DV I S O R Y B OA R D

Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yearty Melissa Winebarger Liz Low Jim Newberg Joshua VanBuskirk G R A P H I C D E SI G N A R T I S T S

Bright Creative

C OV E R P H OTO : F R O N T TO B ACK ( L TO R )

Adam Glover, Darrell Petty, Ashley Miller, Kelly Cooper, Duane Morrow, Jim Newberg, Kenny Cantrell, Shawn Forgy and Pete Hines.

Not pictured: Jason Crawford

TABLE of CONTENTS

U U U U UN N N N NC C C C CH H H H HA A A A AN N N N NG G G G GIIIIIN N N N NG G G G G

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ANNOUNCEMENT S

5 VALUES AWARD WINNER S

88 - 1 6

WHEN YOUR BOOTSTRAPS OR SHOEL ACES BREAK

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UNCHANGING FOUNDATIONS FOR 2021

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STANDING FIRM; DEPAR TMENT BY DEPAR TMENT

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FOUNDATIONS for 2021

21 RESTOR ATION FUND

A STE ADFAST PUR SUIT

22 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

ANNOUCEMENTS EMPLOYEE MATCHING FUND DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Jasper Ventures’ Employee Matching Fund is designed to match your monetary giving to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations – dollar for dollar – up to a certain amount depending on years of service. This means your financial donations will have a bigger impact on the nonprofits you believe in, and the impact they have on our communities.

Employees who have been here one to 4.9 years as of January 1 will have the opportunity to be matched dollar for dollar up to $1,500 per year.

Employees who have worked here 5+ years as of January 1 will have the opportunity to be matched dollar for dollar up to $3,000 per year. If you would like your giving to be matched, there is a link on ADP or go to www.jasperventuresinc.com/matching and complete the form. The deadline to submit receipts and the form is May 31. After this date, your requests will be reviewed at the end of November.

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HEADS UP: COMMUNITY GIVING DAY IS APRIL 27

Now more than ever, the charities that help people in East Texas need our support! JV employees, get ready for East Texas Giving Day on April 27. Plus Jasper Ventures will match qualified gifts that day and hand out swag to those who give. Find a list of participating nonprofits you can give to at www.easttexasgivingday.org. Look for details at April’s Refuel + Refocus on how to get your swag and give to the organizations that matter to you!

TAX REMINDERS FOR 2021 BY JOSHUA VANBUSKIRK

As a reminder, taxes are due on Tuesday, April 15. Do not complete and file your return until you have received all tax documents. You will see separate documents from your employer, retirement plan provider, unemployment office, bank and eligible school loan/mortgage provider, depending on your situation. These documents are required by law to be sent out by January 31, but address changes or postal issues may affect when you receive them. Failure to report these documents, regardless of whether you received it by mail or not, could cause delays on processing your return or lead to investigation by the IRS. If you are someone who does independent contract work (side gigs, freelancing, etc.) the IRS issued new 1099 forms to report your income in 2020. They have split the form into 1099-NEC, which applies to most people completing work. The older 1099-MISC is for individuals to report rent or similar payments, which would apply for those receiving rig rent.

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4TH QUARTER

VALUES AWARD WINNERS 5

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K•

CH A D E L L I S Ownership

R . D. G U N N Excellence

M I CH A E L SH A D D OX Excellence

M AU R A H U M PH R E Y Overall

D O N ’ T F O R G E T TO N O M I N AT E YO U R COWORKERS!

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SS SS STTTTTEE EE EA A A A AD D D D DFFFFFA A A A ASS SS STTTTT FOUNDATIONS for 2021 B Y M E L I S S A WI N E B A R G E R Be yond Business M ana ge r

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n our current world, we can easily find ourselves questioning the presence of a God we hear “is always present” and that God’s plan will win in the end. In the book of 1 Corinthians of the Bible we find the following verse in chapter 15, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Sometimes we wonder, where is this victory? And how can we be steadfast while living in a constantly pivoting world?

Meriam Webster defines steadfast as “firmly fixed in place, immovable.”

Steadfast is not a word we use regularly in our everyday talk, but this is the word the Beyond Business team felt led to focus on for 2021. So why this word? What does it mean for us?

C.S. Lewis wrote in his book Mere Christianity, “… All that we call human history … the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

I would ask you to consider these words of C.S. Lewis and evaluate where your hope rests. You see, God does not care about the other things you are seeking to find happiness. He cares about you. He knows that when you believe in His care for you and trust in His steadfast love, the other

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things will fade away. In the book of Exodus we find this verse, “In your unfailing (steadfast) love, you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength, you will guide them…” God never asks us to pull ourselves up. He asks us to trust Him. He will pull us up and give us strength and lead us in steadfastness. Your heavenly Father is a steadfast, immoveable, neverchanging God. Steadfast for Jasper Ventures means that we will trust in the One who created us and gives us the victory in life because He gave His. We can pursue life with grit and determination to stay the course regardless of the winds that blow around us because He gives us the strength to endure. We enter each day knowing the work we do will be fruitful in God’s timing. The work in my relationships, health, finances, job, faith and communities all have a purpose that HE will fulfill. You can be steadfast daily because the victory is already won. “’For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

(Isaiah 54:10) In this issue, we asked each department how they have seen steadfastness in their team, and what they anticipate the year to look like.

STANDING FIRM; EXECUTIVE TEAM

BY BRENT JASPER

I have heard many times in that past that “we try to be all things to all people.” While it’s good and necessary to be able to meet the needs of our clients, we cannot sacrifice other areas in the process.

As we enter into a new phase for our company, we need to hold steady in accomplishing the job we set out to do by keeping that as our primary focus. I think it will be important for the entire JV team to remain steadfast through 2021. Our industry was hit by a catastrophic storm of sorts, unlike anything we have ever seen. I believe we have weathered the storm well as a company, even though there were a lot of casualties. That means we will be in a rebuilding phase for some time going forward.

Even when the amount of work/projects comes back strong, we are not going to be able to flip a switch and go back to our old normal (pre-pandemic/pre-oil crisis), nor do we want to. We need to look different as a company on the other side of this thing. We can recreate ourselves as a company, and we do not need to make the same mistakes that we have made in the past. To do so, we will need to have the right people in place to do the job, be able to do it more efficiently, and be able to produce the data/metrics which should operate like our dashboard so we know if things are working the way they should.

HUMAN RESOURCES

BY MELISSA HINES

Our HR team is driven and committed to this company and our employees.

In that commitment, they bring determination and dependability.

Payroll was run every week on time and accurately last year whether Dawn was at home or in the office; she completed it and did it with excellence. Josh completed every HR task and project given to him. He not only completed HR functions, but also helped accounting tremendously with the PPP loan. Steadfastness is important this year because it is always a good thing when HR/ payroll is constant. The managers and employees need to know we are here for them.

We truly want this to be one of the best places in Texas to work. The HR team was flexible and learned how to think and work quick on their feet more than normal. They learned to do their job better from anywhere and learned how better to support the company and the employees from home, work and other places.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

BY DARRELL PETTY

Steadfastness is a necessary quality for Project Management.

Over the last few years we have managed many large projects with challenging timelines. Our team has shown steadfastness by successfully bringing all these projects to completion. The year 2020 brought many struggles. Not only were we dealing with the stress of trying to complete projects and keep them moving, but we were experiencing RIFs that took friends and team members, working from home to deal with the pandemic that shook the world, tough questions from our kids, and just uncertainty all around us. These circumstances forced the project management team to grow in determination.

We think this year will be awesome and plan to continue to grow our steadfastness and faith in God as we journey through 2021.

Steadfastness is not only important personally, but also for those around you. In fact this year, being steadfast is most important for others, not ourselves.

Showing those around us that we are committed and determined even when the world feels like a roller coaster ride will rub off and improve the attitudes and outlook of others.

ENGINEERING

BY ASHLEY MILLER

With several plant startups this past year, each startup brought unforeseen challenges, but our engineering team was dedicated to troubleshooting and solving those problems. My department enjoys working and solving problems, however the answers are not always apparent. When we think we have the answer and it falls through, that can be very discouraging. Staying persistent in finding a solution in a timely manner that our clients agree to, is critical in maintaining positive relationships for continued project awards.

We are hopeful that 2021 will bring new clients and opportunities, requiring the engineering team to commit and live out our company values as we pursue new relationships and technical offerings. As workloads start increasing again, it will be imperative that we remain focused and determined to meet our commitments. With lower staff numbers, we will be expected to be efficient and reliable to meet schedules and produce quality designs for our clients.

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ACCOUNTING

BY RICHARD KILE

Our accounting department has stood the test of time. 2020 brought a whole new set of obstacles and job tasks that didn’t exist before. Countless hours were put into compliance and reporting for the PPP loan for example. It’s tough to keep up morale in that situation. Whether it is working during the last week of the year, even when the offices were officially closed, calling on a Saturday with questions or working Fridays while everyone else is at home. My team is always willing to do what it takes and I don’t have to ask either. It’s a culture thing.

We anticipate more of the same for most of the first quarter of 2021, and the accounting team is prepared for that. I would like to see my team continue to show personal growth and take even more ownership of their tasks in 2021. This is increasingly important as business picks up. Doing so will allow expanded involvement with job costing, budgeting and tracking, which will have a direct and immediate effect to the company’s bottom line.

PLANT DESIGN & PIPING

BY ROBERT MILEY & KELLY COOPER

Even in this down time and reduced hours, our plant design and piping team have stayed positive that this is only a temporary slowdown and things will bounce back. Each has done their part to develop needed standards and work practices so that when work gears back up, we will be better on the other side. Some of the struggles that this team has seen, much like others, would be the lack of work and seeing the department get smaller. However, with a smaller group you can develop better relationships and see other team members step up when asked to do more, even if it is outside their comfort zone.

We expect this year to turnaround as business increases and that the department will grow in number and value. We know that when the pressure gets applied, this team will do as expected and meet any obstacle or goal head on as they have in the past. After being at a slow pace in 2020 and anticipating a turnaround in 2021, we see the commitment and dedication from this team giving a valuable effort to make it a much more positive year.

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DOCUMENT CONTROL

BY MAURA HUMPHREY

Our document control team has consistently shown steadfastness by making a commitment to be present, even though work was not as busy as we would have liked. We have remained dedicated to use this time to learn ways to improve processes to ensure that they are doing their job in the most efficient and reliable way for the company.

We have changed a few processes in the past months and I’m sure there will be some “kinks” to work out as we begin to put these in place. We commit that we are efficient in what we do, able to adapt and make changes as we see needed.

Making changes to the way things have been done in the past is never easy. My team is determined to make sure each department is aware of our changes and help them navigate the new processes.

2020 has shown all of us that our world, our communities, our jobs and our families can all be impacted by the actions of others in a very short time. Therefore the document control team has adapted quickly to be successful in what they do.

I&E

BY JASON CRAWFORD

The struggle, if any, would be time wise. The pandemic hasn’t allowed us to come together as often for us to use all our resources. We have improved working from home in many aspects, but a sit-down and iron-it-out meeting should never be taken for granted. I feel my team will continue to be dedicated and committed to the growth and responsibility of this company. We will continue to be dedicated to our craft and to put out an excellent product.

I anticipate that this year will be a bounce-back year to some degree, and my team will continue to strive for excellence through our grit, determination and reliability. Steadfastness is important in making a difference this year because expanding our capabilities as a company requires commitment, dedication and determination. I feel that enduring through 2020 has brought my team closer to Christ, individually along with strengthening friendships with one another, closer than just a workmanship, which has prepared us for what 2021 may bring.

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PROCUREMENT, FACILITIES & SAFET Y

BY LES CAMPBELL AND PETE HINES As Christians we are asked to remain steadfast in our love for the Lord. That extends to all aspects of our lives and thus we are also led to be steadfast in all that we do including our work. It is no secret that 2020 was a challenging year for the world, our nation, our company and our Shared Services department. I believe that everyone in the Shared Services department has remained constant in their dedication to making sure that the work required in our department(s) still got completed in a quality manner. Procurement and facilities have been identifying our streamlining processes and procedures as well as the tools they use to do their part of the heavy lifting. Safety has been stretched due to reductions, but we remain committed to the belief that our role is to ensure that everyone leaves every day of work and returns to their family in the same health as when they arrived.

This year will bring renewed opportunity and growth for Jasper Ventures. We will all be stretched to accomplish everything that will need to be accomplished when that dam breaks. Our teams will remain steadfast so that even though we may feel we are being pulled underwater, we make every effort to accomplish each task with excellence and that we work together to stem that tide when it comes.

WAREHOUSE

BY HECTOR ARCHUNDIA AND JAKE ROGERS

We have all had to get out of our comfort zones. When we were larger, if someone didn’t do their duties, no one would notice. Now that’s not an option. We perform better and are more productive as a result. We no longer specialize in one thing. Now it’s, “Who wants to take lead on this?” We need to be more flexible and cross train, but with a grateful attitude because we know there are 3 people in our department and not 12. With a small team, you get to really know your team. We can grow in trusting each other and having patience with each other more. We become family.

Daily we walk through the warehouse and say, “What can we do to do this better?” We don’t want to put it on the back burner and then have to catch up. We need to get our systems established so we can handle a lot before expanding and hiring anyone else. We’re trying to be proactive. When we know something is coming, we are taking the time to plan and get ready for it.

We are thinking through how we do things so we are anticipating people’s needs and questions, so we have answers. Last year taught us to temper our expectations, be resourceful and be grateful.

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AUTOMATION

BY JIM NEWBURG

In 2020, the automation team faced daunting challenges. In the peak of COVID when most people were isolating at home, the automation team was on the road. The team never complained through the challenges and were steadfast in their commitment to our customers and to our company. It prepared our minds and hearts that we can endure just about anything.

Like many other teams, automation has been reduced to its essential core. Team members are learning new tasks and facing challenges as we push to be successful for our customers. Working together as a team has made this possible and brought us together like never before.

The automation team is looking for new and creative ways to help build business and make our current operations more efficient.

In times of certainty, we must pull on what we do best and what we believe in. Our strong faith in God, our commitment to the company and to customers drives us to be better than ever. It is also in these times that people do their best growing. We are working to capitalize on that in our people and our procedures. I am proud of the changes I have seen in the automation team.

STRUCTURAL DEPARTMENT

BY GEORGE STARKEY

No matter what the task is, the Structural Department have had a good attitude about it, even if it’s out of our normal scope of work. We have developed grit and are still seeing the goals we have as a company even though they’re not tangible at this moment in our department. It’s improved our longrange vision.

This group of six was kept because they work well together and respond well as a team.

Steadfastness helps because there’s not a lot of drama going on. They’re keeping in mind the main goal of getting the next module out, even if it’s not for months, and staying primed for that.

Talking to the guys and letting them know what’s going on in the future, gives them something to look forward to, which lets them be unwavering.

After going through 2020, we are better off because we’ve learned patience. We can also plan a little better and are close to having it dialed in perfect with the people we have.

Right now, I project this year to be slow but steady – and as long as there is work coming in that we can do, and I keep being transparent, they will be unwavering.

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PIPE SHOP

BY LANCE STRICKLAND

Recently, we got a project that I didn’t think we would be able to stay within budget. I called the guys together and explained to them the challenge. I told them how tight it was going to be and that it was very important we didn’t go over the allotted hours. They told me not to worry about it.

From there, the crew worked with steady determination.

They made a liar of me. It took everyone to pull together and do an excellent job. They asked what day I wanted it done, then low and behold when that day hit, it was done. In my mind I figured it would have taken a month, and they did it in half that time. They pulled together to do an excellent job and it was impressive.

We’ve done what we needed to do despite all the distractions, and there have been a lot of distractions in the world. During all of it, they’ve been dedicated to safety and quality. No one got hurt. Going forward, that won’t change when work increases. That’s who they are. That’s who they’re going to continue to be. They’re going to continue to perform at a high level.

COATINGS DEPARTMENT

BY JIMMY FORGY

My whole team is dedicated to putting out the best product they can daily. Even through the slow months of 2020, my team bonded even more because they knew we had to work together to survive. It brought up that natural grit of “we’re going to march through this and get it done.”

As we look at taking on more work, we are excited to grow as a department. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to the performance we put out. As work increases, our attitude and camaraderie will grow and blossom even more.

Steadfastness is being able to stand against all odds. If you’re not willing to stand up and continue walking forward, you’re never going to get anywhere in this life, whether work, personal relationships or in the community. Hopefully it will make it easier to adapt as changes come and we ramp up.

Going through 2020 has brought into awareness that we can make it through a crisis. Yes, we want 2021 to be better, but if it goes the opposite direction, we still know we will be able to survive.

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ASSEMBLY

BY JOEY POPE

Considering everything that is going on with COVID and job security, my team has really been dedicated to their specific roles and projects we have worked on. With all the uncertainties, there will always be talk and conversations that could affect the work and the team, but I feel like my team has not been affected by that. 2020 was a bad year and 2021 has started out that way, but everything is in God’s hand.

I think my team is going to do well this year. We don’t complain about the stuff we can’t fix and change. They have a good attitude.

I’ve been saying that we are going to be alright even with everything we have gone through. It has started out well with the project we have acquired. The way we move past the hardships and start this year, is to lead by example, starting in Whitehouse and flowing down to me as their leader. Things can’t stay bad; they will turn around some time.

QUALIT Y CONTROL

BY JEREMY LIGHTFOOT

Since we are such a small department [two people], we have to be steadfast and dependable. If we don’t show up, it’s not going to get done.

To show grit, it’s not fun. Production wants to get it done and out, and here comes QC saying something needs to be changed or fixed. So we’ve got to show grit; we have to get along but get our job done. At the end of day if something goes out that’s not quality, they’ll say Jasper Ventures didn’t do quality work so our department can’t let it go. We’ve had to be careful to be sure we don’t leave gaps.

Any time we overcome something, we become stronger as people and as a group. It develops trust; I have to trust James to do the right thing out in the plant and he has to trust me to do the right thing.

I see this year being challenging to our department. The more work we get, the more it will stretch us thin. We will put our head down, do what we need to and take care of it, and we’ll hold each other up. Like Forrest and Bubba [in Forrest Gump], “You lean on me and I’ll lean on you and we won’t sleep with our heads in the mud.”

With everything changing, it’s nice to see something that is a standard that isn’t going to move. Like your faith, that’s something that doesn’t move regardless of what’s happening in the world. QC has to be like that. We have to be there and continue to do the job even when it’s hard.

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BEYOND BUSINESS

BY MELISSA WINEBARGER

The Beyond Business team always shows up. Each member of the team is all in when it comes to finding ways to come alongside our employees. They are committed to finding opportunities to help, grow, encourage and celebrate each person who enters our doors.

JV has had time to rest, learn, consider and try new things. It is time to move forward in these things, knowing it will not be perfect, but using the new tools to anticipate change and pivot more quickly.

Anytime you do a new thing that fails or is not perfect, you must remain steadfast and focused on the goal, get up, and keep going. I think Beyond Business does that well.

2 Corinthians 4:1 says, “Therefore since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” Through God’s mercy, the ministry of Jasper Ventures has been given to our employees and our community. Remaining steadfast and faithful to the work and generosity He has called us to, makes the difference in the hearts and lives of those we touch.

The year 2020 taught us to have grit … to not let circumstances tell us “no.” We learned how to pivot and were forced to try new things that turned out to be better than the old. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities 2021 brings.

VANGUARD

PLANT OPERATIONS

COVID took everyone for surprise in 2020 and caused significant disruption. Vanguard wasn’t immune to this, and in fact was hit hard in December. Entire shifts and crews were sent home to quarantine, as equipment issues and weather caused potential downtime in the plant. New Plant Superintendent Bryan Nicholson said, “All Vanguard employees have buckled down and shown dependability in moving shifts through COVID-19 quarantines.” All this in the middle of leadership changes at the plant, where he said they “welcomed him with arms open” and showing “resilience and appreciation” when it would have been easy to be negative.

Duane Morrow says, “A key pillar of Vanguard is having steadfastness in operating the facility for the client. The client expects Vanguard to operate the facility in a reliable, dependable and constant manner no matter what the issues may be,” and they continue to live up to this every day. It is easy to say this team shows their dedication to their work by consistently living up to their duties and living out our core values.

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A S T E A D FA S T

pu rsuit B Y K E N N Y CA N T R E L L ,

Vi c e P re s i d e nt o f O p e ra ti o ns a n d D e v e l o p m e n t “

S

teadfast” is not a word often heard in everyday conversation, but it is key to accomplishing something no matter the circumstance. It is defined as “firmly fixed in place, not subject to change, firm belief, determination or adherence.” We are blessed to have a group of people at Jasper Ventures that daily exemplifies steadfastness in the relentless pursuit of meeting our clients’ needs. I would like to share a recent example of this steadfast pursuit.

On July 3, 2019, Jasper Ventures received an email requesting pricing for the Preakness two tower stabilizer. It is always a rush when we receive a request for quote (RFQ) from our valued clients. As in most cases, they told us the project was going to be fast-paced and they needed pricing as soon as possible.

The budgetary pricing was submitted within a few days and project discussions continued for the next three months. The official RFQ was sent to us by email on October 16. Our team was ready for the request and we had the proposal submitted to the client two days later.

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We received notification from our client on January 14, 2020, informing us that the authority for expenditures had been approved and Jasper Ventures was awarded the project.

Immediate excitement fills the office when we get the email or phone call alerting us that we have future work ahead. The team worked on this proposal for 6 months and receiving the news that we had been granted this project was evidence that our unwavering commitment had finally been rewarded. The first draft of the contract was received on February 19, and for the next four months we went back and forth with the client trying to come to an agreement.

During this time, our client was going through some internal reorganization and we were told on July 10 that they were now required to get multiple bids before they could award such a project. The emotional roller coaster began, yet again.

The new RFQ was received two days later and we were back to square one. This RFQ had much stricter requirements and forced us to re-evaluate this project from start to finish. Work continued with the proposal for the next two weeks and it was resubmitted on July 30, 2020, more than a year after project discussions began. There was silence from our client until mid-August when a new request for pricing on a single tower stabilizer was sent. Work began again on the updated pricing and the new proposal was submitted a few days later. The client now had two stabilizer proposals to evaluate and, at that time, we believed we were the only remaining contractor bidding on the project. The once short-lived excitement returned for good on September 9 as we were awarded the project for a second time.

On December 23, the contract was signed.

This journey lasted a total of 18 months. Our team remained fixed on the goal, determined to see the project through to the end despite the adversity. This was the embodiment of a “steadfast pursuit.”

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

God’s timing is always perfect!

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when your

BOOTSTRAPS (OR SHOELACES) B R E A K

BY CARRIE-ANN JASPER-YEART Y Vice P reside nt of People

I

used to run ... a lot. I ran in the killer Texas heat, the bitter winter cold, pouring rain, pitch black mornings and nights, on treadmills, on tracks and up and down lots of hills. I loved running. I ran countless 5Ks, a couple of 10Ks, a handful of 15Ks, a dozen or more half marathons and one full marathon. I had to look back through social media posts and pictures to discover that it has been over six years since I ran my last long-distance race – a half marathon (or 13.1 miles) in Tyler in October of 2014. Shortly after that I experienced a foot injury and reluctantly retired my treasured running shoes.

As I consider what it looks like to remain steadfast, I cannot help but reflect on my running days. I find it interesting that the author of Hebrews chose the metaphor of a long-distance race, an accomplishment that is extremely difficult and requires endurance, to illustrate the Christian life. The Greek word for race here is “agona,” which can be translated into our English word, “agony.” Having run long distance races for many years, I can attest to the fact that agony is an accurate description. I can vividly remember when I

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had to push through the pain and was sure I could not manage another step.

Isn’t life the same way? There is worry, heartbreak and distress, and yet we must overcome and move forward. Too often we think we must do this within our own strength, pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, but that is not the case. I believe the Lord demonstrated steadfastness for us, because He knew we needed the example to be able to run a race before us, but He also longs for us to depend on Him as our firm foundation, our refuge and our strength. As believers, we know there is victory when we cross the finish line and enter heaven, but our time here on earth is filled with struggles, setbacks, and difficulties. Yet Scripture encourages and pushes us in Galatians 6:9 saying, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

As I write this article, I am considering registering for the Fresh 15K, which is scheduled for May. I have laced up some new running shoes and have recently hit the streets (and treadmill) again to see if this much older body is capable of racing again. Whether I run that race or not, I do know that I am called to “run with perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). I am also confident that the only way to do this with steadfastness is to lean into, rely on and place my faith in the One who is solid and immovable.

PRAYING FOR STEADFASTNESS Father God, sometimes I do not know what steadfastness looks like or how to do it well. Sometimes I want to quit and give up. But I want to trust in you. I want to believe my life matters and has purpose. I want to know that my struggles are seen and understood and that you are using those to refine me.

Lord, help me to remain committed. Give me strength to persevere. Grow endurance in me. Make me stronger, braver and wiser as I run my race. Amen.

JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 1 ST Q UAR TE R 202 1

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RESTORATION FUND A S SIS T S EM PLOYEE WI T H EMER G EN C Y SUR G ER Y

BY M AU R E E N KAISE R C u ltu ra l E n ga ge m e n t S p e c ia l is t

Have an unplanned emergency? The Jasper Ventures Employee Restoration Fund (ERF) can help. It provides short-term assistance to Jasper Ventures’ employees and dependents facing financial emergencies because of unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances.

Last December, the fund helped Martin “Tino” Zavala in the Coatings Department.

Tino is the picture of health and hits the gym daily before work at the Veritas Plant.

After suffering an excruciating stomachache for days, Tino learned his appendix was near bursting which required an emergency appendectomy surgery. In the following weeks, Tino could not lift his baby boy or even dress himself. “I was really disabled,” he said.

After using all his PTO, Tino still had mandated recovery time. “It was always in the back of my head; how am I going to pay for this? How am I going to get food on the table?”

His manager, Jimmy Forgy, knows Tino’s incredible work ethic. “He wouldn’t have even thought about this program if I hadn’t suggested it,” Jimmy said. “He’s not one to take charity.”

“The bills were stacking up. I’m not the type of guy who pays bills late,” Tino said. At Jimmy’s encouragement, he applied for the ERF which helped keep his bills on track.

Tino’s advice to any JV employee in an unplanned, unpreventable emergency: “If you need it, apply. It really helps and it’s easy to apply.”

Applicants must be employed by Jasper Ventures for six months. A spouse or dependent may apply on their behalf.

For more information or to apply, scan the QR code.

“This experience helped me realize that you don’t see the future, but God always has your back. He’s always working behind the scenes,” Tino said. “I didn’t even know about the ERF – and I was in bed worrying. God never leaves you alone; He’s always there. Sometimes He lets things happen to take you out stronger.”

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JA SPER JO U R NAL | 1 ST Q UAR TER 2 02 1

WHAT IS STEADFAST LOVE? Steadfast Love is a translation of the Hebrew word chesed. In the English Standard Version of the Bible, ‘steadfast love’ is mentioned 202 times throughout scripture.

Chesed has also been translated as love, faithful love, lovingkindness, loyalty, or even mercy.

The word is hard to define because it is a deeper kind of love: • A love that never changes, never fails.

• Always promised, always true.

• A love, mercy, compassion that we can trust in regardless of our circumstances.

REFLECTION questions

1. HOW HAVE YOU E X PERIENCED G OD ’S S T E ADFA S T NE S S IN YOUR L IFE? 2 . WHAT ARE SOME BURDENS OR S T RUG GL E S T HAT YOU C OUL D L E T G O OF AND GI VE TO G OD? 3. WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN GOD WORKING ALL THINGS TOGE THER FOR GOOD THIS PAST WEEK ? MONTH? YE AR? 4. HOW WIL L YOU SEEK TO BE S T E ADFA S T IN 202 1?

5. WIL L YOU T RUS T T HE NE VER- CHANGING G OD OF CRE AT ION? JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 1 ST Q UAR TE R 202 1

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KINGDOM PURPOSE

Building people and products for God’s purpose.

VISION:

MISSION:

Delivering solutions.

Offering the oil and gas industry an

Impacting lives.

unmatched service experience through world-class turnkey solutions.

INTEGRITY

SERVICE

STEWARDSHIP

Behaving honorably, even

Considering others’ interests

Faithfully managing what

when no one is watching.

as more important than

God has entrusted to us.

our own.

RESPONSIVENESS

INNOVATION

EXCELLENCE

Meeting needs and solving

Encouraging and applauding

Doing our best work efficiently

problems in a timely and

the exploration of new ideas

and safely and expecting the

professional manner.

and creative solutions.

same from those around us.

FOLLOW US ONLINE :

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JASPER VENTURES INC.

101 Glenda St. Whitehouse, TX 75791 jasperventuresinc.com 903-939-1555