Hi there!
My name is Jonathan Manning and like most twenty-three year olds, I thought I had my life all figured out. As my undergraduate degree came to a close and I decided to take time off before attending graduate school, I applied to the Peace Corps. I researched the Peace Corps for months before applying and felt confident that it was the right fit for me. However, after being honored with the invitation to serve in Ecuador, God asked me to decline. I had no alternative trip in mind, and though I was startled, I felt a strange peace in turning them down. Almost immediately after submitting my resignation, I began to pray desperately for some direction. I had just turned down the very thing I took time off of school to do and was now bewildered by my situation, but God totally answered me. Less than a week after I rejected the Peace Corps, my mom left out an article about Christian Shappee, a missionary leaving for something called the World Race. I had barely finished the page when I knew that this was not only what I had been waiting for, but what Jesus was calling me to walk through with Him. And so here we are!
I am one of four children in my family and I love them to pieces because even though they didn’t have much of a choice, they stayed by my side during my bowl-cut days. I cherish my family and am inspired by their beautiful and compassionate hearts. My parents have given every ounce of their energy to transforming four screaming monsters into functioning adults and you can trust my very biased opinion when I tell you that they did a wonderful job.
I’m so excited for the various mission opportunities on the World Race. The chance to experience so many different areas of servitude all around the world is amazing and I cannot wait for all the unique situations God will walk my team and I through. I’m particularly thrilled about working with children’s ministries. I love investing in kids! Encouraging the future generations of God’s Kingdom to embrace their gifts and chase after their futures is a deep passion of mine. I’m eager to see how the Lord moves in each community we visit and how He develops and equips me for His purposes. I’m praying for personal revolution as God takes me around His creation and I’m confident that He will respond. This is a big step for me in seeking the Lord and trusting in His provision. I want to thank you for accompanying me in this journey. Let the revolution begin!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this! Stay tuned.
