Dear family, friends, and strangers reading Jon’s blog,
This blog was not written by Jon, but by the members of his team. We, Team Centurion, have been with Jon from day one of the World Race. We have seen God move in Jon’s life, and we have seen God use him to build his Kingdom in Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. It has been an honor to watch Jon serving the Lord, and we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of what we have seen with you.
Catie Sundberg: Over the past three months, I have seen Jon grow in what the Lord has been calling him to. Jon has grown in his ability to lead worship. When we first arrived in Serbia during month one, we had to learn what worship for Team Centurion looked like and it started off a little rough, but Jon has grown in his confidence in playing his guitar and leading us in the songs, and now worship is such a sweet time for our team. God has also been teaching Jon boldness, boldness in sharing his faith, in sharing what God is doing in his life and in who God is making him. Jon and Zach have been meeting people on their off days, creating relationships with them, and sharing Christ with their new friends. Jon has a passion for people and for creating relationships, and it has been so awesome to watch Jon grow in that.
Crystal Avery, our squad leader: Jon embodies what it is to be a humble man. I remember at training camp when we asked him about leadership and he was taken back with a look of confusion saying “me?” He is a gentle and humble leader, and an influencer. I have watched him walk in boldness and grow in confidence. He has led worship sessions for the squad, and led in sharing his faith with strangers. I can’t wait to see how much he will continue to grow in his walk with the Lord. The Lord is calling him into change.
Faith Hensley: I have seen Jon grow so much these past 3 months. One of the main ways is in his desire to surrender every part of his life to the Lord and to live a life that is pleasing to God. He has stepped out of his comfort zone to lead worship and to lead our team and squad. I have also seen him grow in living his life on mission. He seeks to build relationships and share the Gospel even outside of our given ministry. It has been such a blessing to serve alongside Jon and to see him grow more and more everyday into the man God wants Him to be. Thank you for supporting Jon financially and spiritually!
Molly McDonald: God has been equipping Jon with so much courage and leadership over the last three months. Jon has been so courageous in following God’s call and praying bold prayers throughout the race. I have seen him transform from someone who apologized after every worship song to a man of God who leads powerful worship before our entire squad and various ministries. One of my most treasured memories from Romania was the all-squad worship night that Jon organized and led. Jon has an ear to the Holy Spirit, knowing what God is asking of him and how he can best serve God. I have loved watching him lead with humility and share the incredible workings of God that he has experienced through ministry. I have also been so impressed by his vulnerability in sharing his struggles with our team. I feel so honored to have had him as a team leader!
Morgan White: I specifically remember meeting Jon at training camp. He came up to me as we were getting food for our respective tables and asked me my name. I remember this because I was still feeling so awkward around the squad and felt unknown. Jon has this way of making others feel known and valued. Just as I felt sought out at training camp, people feel sought after around Jon. This is clear in our squad and in our ministry; Jon puts others first. In fact, this is one way he worships the Lord. Jon worships the Lord in the way he invests in others. He shows each person how much they mean to him and how much they mean to Him. I have watched Jon seek the Father with his full heart–in fasting and prayer, in meditating upon the Word, and in the way that he worships. Jon challenges me to seek the Father more, and I am so incredibly thankful for his example.
Patricia James: I have had the privilege of having Jon as not only a part of my team, but as my team leader for the past three months. Jon pours out love, hope, peace, and steadfastness every day to each of us. His leadership on this team has been one that has continuously pushed me in my relationship with the Lord, encouraging me to walk in boldness, and always offering a listening ear to anyone who needs it. I have gotten the pure joy of watching Jon grow in recognizing the gifts that Jesus has given him. From leading worship, to learning more administrative skills, to playing soccer with Roma children, Jon’s heart is one that is so in tune to the Father’s, and it clearly shows. He is truly what a man after God’s own heart looks like.
Zach Siegrist: It is hard to put into words how much Jon means to not only me but Team Centurion as a whole. This man has become a brother to me over the last three months and I am in such awe of God’s masterpiece in placing us on the same team. The Lord has been showing Jon things he didn’t even know he had in him over the last three months. Jons ability to lead courageously and boldly is one of the most admirable things about him. His leadership style has created a team that embraces communication and conflict, relishes in God’s joy, and finds comfort in one another as a community. Another quality that Jon has exuded since he started the race is strength. I’m not talking about physical strength (although he does take us to the gun show quite often…), but mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. There are days when no one wants to do anything, the team has just about had it with the race, and Jon puts the “team on his back” to keep us going. There are other days where Jon doesn’t want to do anything and has just about had it with the race but he pushes on knowing full well that God has placed him here on the World Race for a purpose and while it might not be easy, it is for the glory of God and that is all Jon needs to know to get up and keep going. It has been such an honor to learn from such a man of God. He has shown me how to be a better man, better future husband, better future father, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. Thank you so much for supporting and sending Jon on this journey. He is a man of courage, boldness, and steadfast faith who I can only image will continue to impress us all.
Thank you to each person who has supported Jon on this journey through prayer, encouragement, and donations. Our team would be lacking without Jon’s presence. He still has $300 to raise before the final financial deadline, November 30. We ask that you would pray and consider donating to help him reach the final financial deadline.
Thank you so much for praying for and supporting our team, through sending Jon!
With gratitude,
