It’s been a little strange to say goodbye (or “until later”) to family, friends, and church family in the past few weeks. I can definitely feel a separation - like part of me is being torn away - as I am “losing” everything familiar to me. God has blessed me with an amazing community of people and supportive and encouraging family and friends. I am blessed by the prayers and abundant financial support that has come in for me. It’s pretty amazing how God has put this all together even in the little details.
The PFO teacher conference I attended on June 21-July 4 in beautiful upstate NY was an awesome time of learning and living in community. My eyes were opened to many things about working and living in another culture. I feel better prepared to serve overseas because I know what I may face and how to handle challenges that arise. The valuable information we learned and practiced about culture, teaching, and ministry has been a big blessing to me. I met so many wonderful people who are going to teach and work all around the world. We were like family after day one as we all shared a similar calling, heart, and mindset. It was hard to leave after those strong bonds were made. I got to take a trip to Niagara Falls and even got to practice teaching a tennis gym class!
I plan on keeping everyone updated throughout my time in Bogota through posts and pictures. Thank you for your prayer, support, affirmation, encouragement, and love in these last six months. We are a team in this together. Right now I have a lot of different emotions surfacing in me, and I don’t really even know how I feel. Please pray hard for me because Satan doesn’t want me down there and will put up a fight. Pray that I cling to Christ and learn to truly depend upon Him. Pray that I would have joy, peace, boldness, and confidence. Pray that others would repent and follow Him.
I know this new season of my life will be a time of great growth and a deeper walk with Jesus. This has been a strong desire of mine for several years, and I am thankful God has given me the opportunity to go. I have a strong sense that God will use me in some powerful ways in Colombia, but I know it all starts with my relationship with Him and being obedient in the little things. I have nothing to fear because Jesus is with me. Vamos a Colombia!
En Cristo,
Jonathan Snyder