We'd like to introduce you to Jon...from Justin

My name is Justin Brown, and I've been a member of La Croix UMC for 6 years. I've always wanted to serve Jesus in a missions manner, as learning other cultures has always been an interest to me, but have delayed it because of my sense of parental duty to my young children. Thankfully, I have the greatest parents, as well as the greatest in-laws that Christ could have blessed me with. Because of the peace they've given me in knowing my babies will be taken care of, I have been blessed with one the greatest experiences of my life by going on this mission trip to Guatemala. I love you all, and you are as

much a part of this as me.

It's very easy to take for granted the blessing of having parents. For the those of us with both our father and mother, we are especially lucky. Even if we only have one loving parent, we are doing better than some. Most all of these wonderful children at the New Life Children's Home(NLCH) don't have a father or a mother. Kendon and Wendy Wheeler have filled in these roles beautifully, but there is another father-figure here at the NLCH that I really don't want to be overlooked.

Jon David came to the NLCH at the age of 2. He grew up here, and along the way, overcame personal struggles to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. All of the kids living here at the NLCH

have grown up knowing Jon. Jon has stayed here at the NLCH on staff to help disciple the children, and it's easy to see why. Not only is he a shining example of what a father filled with the love of Christ should be, he is the ideal brother for any and all siblings.

Like a compass points north, the children naturally gravitate to Jon. It's easy to see why.

The children have given him the nickname of "mono" or "monkey" because of the many funny faces he makes.

His heart is dedicated to the Lord, and it's reflected in the love he emits to the children, and all those around him. All of the La Croix missions team, and me especially, have had our spirits regenerated and our hearts filled by the graciousness exhibited by Jon.

I've felt a special connection with Jon because we are the same age and share a lot of the same interests. He hopes to one day make it to the United States to tour our nation's universities and landmarks. My hope is that when that day finally comes, I can have the great pleasure of hosting Jon in my home, and being as welcoming and loving as he has to me and our whole mission team. I am forever grateful that God has blessed me with the acquaintance of Jon, a friend I will treasure and miss after our trip. Hopefully, this will not be the last time we meet on this earth, but all thanks and glory go to our Lord Jesus Christ that I have the promise that we will meet again in His glorious kingdom!

-Justin