"Go forth from your land ..."

 “Go forth from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” -Gen 12:1

Baby Noah

               “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” -Mark 8:35

I still remember sitting in my church as they announced the short-term mission teams they were sending. “Let’s have all of the youth stand up …” Everyone in the packed auditorium clapped and cheered “They are going to such and such a place to do …” Now it was my group’s turn, “Let’s have all of the ladies stand up who are going with the women’s ministry to Slovakia” Everyone clapped, but I was too embarrassed to stand up. I was 20 years old, driving a truck for a paint company, and had just given my life to Jesus. I was raised in the church by good Christian parents and had given my heart to Jesus many times. But this time I didn’t just give my heart but my whole life. That led to me going to Slovakia to work with young people, a trip that would forever change my life.

My first trip to Slovakia

I returned from that trip believing Jesus was calling me to Slovakia to live and serve. I shared this crazy idea with a pastor, and they agreed with me that it was crazy. I was told that everyone who goes on these trips feels called to go back full-time, it’s like the flu, don’t worry you’ll get over it.    

Lucy and me

Four years later still sick with this flu I moved to Slovakia with two suitcases and no plans. I didn’t know for what or why Jesus was inviting me here but I just wanted to help. Nearly 20 years later I am still sick (sometimes my friends think it’s a mental illness) with Slovakia and still here. Still feeling very much like Abraham who was only told the big picture and the next step.

Matus and Lily

The years in Slovakia have been wild and during them, Jesus has blessed me with an amazing wife, two wonderful kids, and more friends than I can count. I have experienced God’s presence and blessing in my life as well as loneliness, doubt, and failures. I have struggled and stumbled through preaching, youth work, counselling, marriage, fathering, studying, pastoral care, discipleship, and accidentally planting a church. There are plenty of stories to share and maybe someday I’ll write them down they include digging a grave, killing pigs, and having the car you borrowed seized by the Austrian government leaving me, my wife, our 4-month-old, and visiting sister, brother (his girlfriend) stranded by the side of the road with no cash and no ride (A reason I am still a little upset with Austrians).

Pig slaughter

Suffice it to say that all of these experiences have formed and forged us into who we are and what our hearts get excited for. We want everyone in our town to hear and trust in the good news of Jesus, to find a place at the table with Jesus’ community and learn how to follow Jesus in His upside-down Kingdom.    

BBQ in our yard

I will write more about this and other things in upcoming blogs. Until then, all blessings in Him.

The Johnsons