Jamie Janosz

A chilly Iowa landscape became the final resting place for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Vallens, and the Big Bopper. They were like any other musicians, travelling from place to place, arriving at new venues, hoping that their songs would receive the same rousing reception that they had found on the radio.   This past summer, we visited the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.   The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, was a perfect venue. Huge wooden dance floor. Tropical theme - to warm their spirits in the bitterly cold Midwest winter. Who knew that the evening of February 2, 1959, which held such energy and promise, would end in tragedy? That night, the Winter Dance Party, would be forever immortalized by the fans who couldn't quite believe they were gone. Fast forward some 50 years later, and their memories have not yet faded away. Fans of Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper, gathered at Willowbrook Ballroom this January to hear the touring tribut...

This morning, I signed a book contract with Moody Publishers. I am so excited! Not only am I thrilled for this opportunity to be published, but I am honored to tell the stories of some amazing turn-of-the-century women. The working title of my book is: HEROIC PIONEERS: 8 Christian Women Who Changed Chicago, the Church, and the World. And they did! The book will highlight the lives of eight, Chicago women who were contemporaries of evangelist D.L. Moody. One was a slave’s daughter – one a single school teacher stricken by typhoid fever – one was a wealthy philanthropist - yet each of them achieved amazing things for God and His Church. They started schools and ministry organizations. They preached at the World’s Fair. They marched boldly into Chicago's vice district and changed taverns into missions. They worked alongside United States Presidents to change public policy and challenge injustice. Together - they instituted many important outreach organizati...

One day, on eBay, I found this silver key charm from 1915. Because I love history and all things vintage, from time to time, I do an online search for items that are related to Moody Bible Institute. This charm belonged to at student named Myron Griswold - and asked to be returned if lost...for a reward! As I walked to my Chicago office, Myron's charm on a chain around my neck, I smiled. This little bit of history was going back to the right place, a place where I have worked since 1990. Funny how things come full circle. I work at Moody Bible Institute because I love my job - I teach writing to college students who are driven to change the world for good. I help them learn to tell their stories and articulate their faith. They are hopeful, sometimes naive, but always determined that they can make a difference. I also work there because I believe in the purpose and history of this unique and important Chicago institution  The college, located in the center of...