Greetings FPC Family!
My name is Jon Jo and I’m your new Minister of Disciple Making. I’m married to my beautiful wife Karen and our son Micah who just turned one year old in January. Our family sincerely thanks you for the warm welcome we’ve received.
Here’s my story:
I’m a TCK (Third Culture Kid). By this I mean I have three cultures in me. I was born in South Korea, raised in Argentina, then moved to the states at the age of 10. I guess you could say I’m Korean-Argentine-American!
I was raised in a Christian home along with my two older sisters. It wasn’t a perfect home by any means, but my parents loved us and taught us to love the Lord. At a young age, the Lord met me and I surrendered my life to Him. I don’t ever recall not knowing God, and I realize this is a unique blessing from the Lord.
During my senior year of college at Purdue, I sensed the Lord calling me to full time missionary work. I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but it left a deep impression. I ended up graduating with a degree in business and moved to New York City to work at one of the Big Four accounting firms in Manhattan. Although I was thankful to learn from the best in the business, something was missing - I felt empty inside.
As I was wrestling with the Lord about my calling and future, my dad who was living in Indiana suddenly went to be with the Lord through a tragic accident. In an instant, my world got turned upside down. In the midst of the shock and grief, I sensed the Lord calling me again: “Jon, will you still follow me?” All I could say was, “Yes, Lord I will follow.” Those words were a deep comfort to my grieving soul.
After 3 difficult years working in the business world, I took a leap of faith and left New York City to pursue a 6 month Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With a Mission in Kona, Hawaii. For the first time in my life, I felt like this was where I was supposed to be. There was a divine peace, and a strong desire to take my faith seriously. Those 6 months turned into 2 years, living on mission in places like China, North Korea, Taiwan, and Cambodia. It was the time of my life!
It’s been 10 years since I took that first step of faith in becoming a disciple and disciple-maker seriously… and I haven’t looked back. Since then, the Lord allowed me to study theology at Fuller Seminary, help launch a church plant in Downtown Los Angeles, and pastor a house church network in Fresno.
I’m excited to join the staff at First Pres in pursuing the vision of “In Fresno as it is in Heaven” and seeking the shalom of the city. I believe FPC is uniquely positioned to be a beacon of light in the heart of Fresno. God has called each one of you to be a disciple of Jesus: One who follows Jesus, is transformed by Jesus, and joins God in His mission to love the world.
Thank you for welcoming Karen, Micah, and me into this beautiful community. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story of grace.
Grace and Peace,
Jon
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