Imagine getting to a new place, with friends you haven’t
seen in a while, spending your first night getting settled, and the next morning
having your leader tell you that the next 3 days are going to be spent in
solitude! No computers, no phones, no talking to anyone except for God! That
was our welcome to Mexico, and even though it sounds hard, it was truly amazing!
It gave me a chance to take my mind off the past season in my life, and begin
to focus on this new season. I can’t say
it was easy, but it was a blessing! I don’t think I’ve ever read my Bible more
in a two day span. Mom and Brigette, I read and highlighted the scriptures you
gave me!
Life is slowly going from a surreal state of being here, to
a realization that this is my life for the next 8 months! That’s awesome, but
it also reminds me that I won’t see most of you reading this for that period of
time, and that isn’t a pleasant thought! But, I know God is going to do amazing
things in and through me, so I’m cool with it.
Everyday here is different, but it also brings something new
and exciting! I already have a couple hours worth of stories, and I’ve only
been here 6 days! Everyday involves exercises
at 7 a.m., team building times, teaching which is radically changing and
reshaping my view of Jesus, times for meals, and of course, ministry times!
Each team has a family which we’ve been spending time getting to know. Today I
got to play Halo 3 with Bryan, my Swazi Brother, and one of the kids from the
family. They have an Xbox 360 at their home (their not wealthy, I have no clue
where the got the Xbox), so we decided to do some guy stuff!
Today we also got to go to a foster home. The kids were friendly
and immediately asking for piggy back rides! I have never seen so much joy in
kids that have lost so much! I almost cried as we left, because all I could
think of is the love of my parents, and how much I love my brothers and my little
brother and sisters (the Kimmer children). These kids deserve so much more than
what they’ve been given!
I know a lot of people have asked me for a physical address
for this base so they can send things. Well, there isn’t one! Totally not cool!
But, I’ll try to figure out another way if someone wants to send something!
This has been my life for the past week, and I know there
are even greater things to come. I love all of you back home, I miss you, and I
can’t say I’ll see you soon cause that wouldn’t be true, but time will fly by and before you
know it I’ll be home again! In the mean time, I’ll keep you updated on life!
Thank you for all your prayers and support! Oh, just to let you guys know I’m
currently only $2,165 away from my total goal! You guys are amazing! Thank You!
In Christ,
Jon
JON,
Wow, that sounds amazing. Im so excited to hear all of your stories and testimonies of Gods faithfulness and love! I pray you continue to stay safe and healthy. I will be praying for you!
God Bless,
Heather
Jon,
It is good to hear from you. I pray for you daily and will continue to do so. I know that God will use you in a mighty way to reach the lost because you have a heart for the Lord. God will be glorified by the work He does in and through you, Jon. Trust in Him all the days of your life and know that He is with you always.
I know that you will have such a great experience over the next several months. Enjoy this time and this wonderful experience while you learn the awesome responsibility of being a Missionary. There will come a time in the furture when you go to Swaziland that you will need to rely on the things you learn during this time of training. So learn well my friend for God has such great plans for you. Above all else, use this time to draw closer to God each and every day.
As the people hear you speak and see you do things with the love of Jesus in your voice and in your heart, they will be drawn to that irresistable love and then you will be able to share Jesus with them. Remember, it is not your job to save them. You don’t have that power. But it is your job to tell them about Jesus and He will use His Holy Spirit to convict and to save them.
I can’t wait to hear of your experiences when you get home. Again, I thank you for asking me to be one of your prayer partners. I am truly honored by that more than you realize.
Take care Jon and may God Bless you and keep you safe.
Love,
Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
John
Solitude? What an amazing idea for self-preparation. I’m so proud of you! As I was praying for you the other day God lead me to John 13:1-17. It seems you’ve been washed, now start washing others. I am so proud of you! Keep going after God!
Your biggest fan,
matthew
Hi Jon, thanks for the update. Hugs. God’s hand upon you, to steer you and to encourage you. Mark
Jon! I’m so glad you’re having a good time! You are doing amazing things for other people and I’m sure that they are very thankful for what effort and passion you put into it. I don’t think I would’ve handled the solitude part of the trip though! That must’ve been a little difficult, but enlightening!
Be safe!
Miss you!
-Em
OK so the 3 days of solitude might have worked out well for you but it almost had me on a plane to Mexico looking for you…. 🙂 Just kidding I’m glad your doing well. I miss you like crazy, pray for you daily and have complete confidence that God will protect you and use you to be His hand and feet.
The kids miss you too. They pray for you everynight and have asked their classes to pray for you during the school year. John Michael wants to know, “When can we go see Jon Melo in Africa?” They Love You and I really appriciate the awesome example you have set for them! We have a map on the white board and all 3 of them know exactly where you are now and where you will be going in Africa.
I Love You, I Love You, I Love You
Brigette, Mom #2
Hey Jon
Praying for you, and love hearing about your adventures so far….Miss you, and I am praying for you. It was weird going to youth Wednesday and not seeing you, and not seeing you lead worship…but your buddy Johnny is doing a great job 🙂 love and miss you dearly.
Britt
Awesome! Praying for you continually! You have such favor with both God and man. Always remember…. He is a Very Present Help in Times of trouble… Psalms 46:1 and one of my favorites.. Proverbs 3:26… For the Lord shall be your confidence….. Love, Grammy