I am carrying this journal with me as I traverse the world on this awesome mission trip.
In the journal I have a few pages already covered in encouragement and love in the form of notes from some of my awesome friends and family, and people I barely know. I know there will be days that I will feel deeply alone, and obviously really……….far away from home, even though I am traveling in a squad of 60 plus amazing Jesus loving people.
So, I would love it if you would write me a good old fashioned letter that I can stick inside this journal and read when I’m missing you. Encouraging and loving words carry a lot of weight. In my opinion,Letters are better than a Facebook message, or a text. I get those everyday. There is something awesome about putting pen to paper. It means more, and takes effort. This mission trip is an effort, and I can’t do it without you, without my family, without my friends,without my team, without your words. Words have the power of life and death. Throughout my life I’ve experienced this biblical truth with great joy and manic depression.
People stick out as beacons of beauty and light in my life because of little short sentences that lifted me up when I felt down.
Also, people have wounded me tremendously through hurtful, manipulative, and condemning words. I have always leaned into trusting and seeing the best in people, and speaking life giving and encouraging words, even to the people who constantly fuss and complain.
Life is good. Stop complaining.
God is good, all the time, God is good.
His mercies are new today and every morning.
I know with some of the things I’m going to see as I travel to these 11 countries, I’m going to need to be reminded of that truth. I need as much encouragement as I can get. I need my community to reach out to me as I prepare for this mission trip. I can’t do it alone. I’m constantly reminded of that everyday. So I need good words, prayers, positive vibes, anything that you can write down and mail to me or hand me in passing. Thanks ahead of time. Truly. Thank you so much.
please mail your letters to
John Horton
106 Sutherland Hill Drive
Greenville, SC 29615
Much love
-John
