Throughout my journey I want to also let this blog be a space where those who are coming alongside me in this journey can also share what this trip means to them and how God is working in their lives. If you would like to write one please reach out! I’d love to talk to you more about it. My sister wrote the first one and I could not be more thankful for the continual support she has given me.
Guest Blog 1!
Written by: Maggie Anthony
As the second month continues and the holidays begin, Jonathan being on the World Race is getting more and more real. Although binge watching seasons of Survivor during Thanksgiving break without him is not nearly the same, the entire world will not be the same because of Jonathan and his team. The blessings that flow from the team are so very apparent as we hear of the prayers they are saying, the work they are doing, and the faith they are illuminating.
Reading the blogs, catching up through Facebook messenger and video calls, and seeing the occasional picture has been one of the absolute biggest blessings for all of our family and friends here at home, but as a sister, it just really doesn’t feel like enough. Many people do not understand the idea that in order for missionaries to go and serve, they must fund themselves and raise money in order to help people. Jon left home having complete faith that God would provide the remainder of the money needed to complete the Race. After raising thousands through extremely generous donations and fundraisers and giving thousands of his own personal savings, he still is in need of over $4000 in order to continue his work for the least of these.
I pray for Jonathan in the shower, 1. because there are no distractions and 2. who doesn’t love a good shower prayer sesh? So, one day during my shower prayer, I realized that all of my friends asking “wait so your brother is really gone for 11 months to help other people?”, “is that even sanitary?” and “do you think he will trim his beard at all?” also all continually mentioned that they wanted to support him in any way possible. Just then, I reached for my body scrub and- BOOM IDEA! An Adventures in Missions Sugar Scrub Fundraiser. The community service fraternity I am a member of, Alpha Phi Omega, helped me to get the project going and has been incredible in providing opportunities to sell the sugar scrubs I am making and provide an end donation to the project as well. As I drove around and collected donations from supermarkets, not only did I realize that I am going to need a LOT of coconut oil, but also that I am so freaking honored to be helping out such an incredible cause and purpose. Romans 8:28 says that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. Jonathan’s call is so obvious as he not only has already grown in the Lord, but has promoted love and joy to all those him and his team have encountered. I felt almost guilty as Jonathan left, as his call and purpose seemed so much more important than anything else I had going on in my life. Heck, while I figure out which gas station to get gas at, his team is trying to figure out how to travel to the next country in order to serve the unserved. BUT, as I have witnessed Jon’s team and their passion, I know that right now, in this moment, my purpose is here as a sister and supporter. My purpose is to be a prayer warrior. My purpose right here, right now, is sugar scrubs ??
THAT BEING SAID, just a little plug, I am selling the sugar scrubs at my school to my clubs and friends in the following weeks, BUT if anyone who knows and loves Jon would like to participate in the fundraiser, message me or Jon and we will hook ya up (Peppermint or Vanilla Coconut). We all know our skin needs some lovin’ in the winter months ?? No matter what, I will be opening up the fundraiser to the Mechanicsburg area if we still have left over scrubs and/or funds in a few weeks!
