Enjoying Life: Adoption Update

Hi everyone! It has been a while since we have given an update on our lives, but we wanted to share the latest news! Last year we shared how the Lord called us to adopt. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise the money needed for phase one of the adoption! Last March, just before we submitted our paperwork, we went on a ministry trip to New Orleans. Joanna was invited to be a part of a worship tent at a music festival.

Unfortunately, we both contracted Covid-19 in New Orleans. Jon recovered after a few days, but Joanna became very sick. Joanna’s symptoms continued to persist, and we ended up going to the Mayo Clinic to meet with specialists to help in her recovery. It has been a long year of being in and out of doctor’s offices and hospitals, but we are amazed and in awe of His constant faithfulness. There is so much the Lord did for us during this season, and we plan to be writing more of this story later.

Because of all this, we had to put the adoption on hold. We have been learning A LOT about trusting God and His timing! We are happy to report that we are moving ahead with the adoption! Even though Joanna is still dealing with some effects of the virus, she is feeling well enough for us to continue forward. We are currently working on completing our home study and getting information needed for our agency to match us with a birth mom. We are also beginning to raise money for the next phase of the adoption.

We have been working this year with our church and non-profit coffee shop. Leading a church in this season has not been without its challenges, but again, the faithfulness of the Lord has left us in awe of Him.

Last year, due to restrictions, we began having church in our parking lot. The Lord began to speak to us from Matthew 9:36-38, “When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. He turned to his disciples and said, ‘The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in. As you go, plead with the Owner of the Harvest to thrust out many more reapers to harvest his grain!’”

The harvest was ripe outside the walls of the church! People began to come to our parking lot to receive ministry. People came to be healed and some came saying they just needed a hug. We have seen countless people healed and set free this year! Our church is located across the street from our government buildings. We have been praying, praising and declaring the name of Jesus over our city as the sound of our praises echoes on the buildings!

We are excited to be doing ministry trips again! We are going to Texas soon to minister at a worship event and are planning some other ministry trips later this year!

First, we are asking you to pray. Pray that the Lord will guide us through the adoption process. Pray also for baby Gurr and his/her birth mom that the peace of the Lord would be over her during this time.

Secondly, we are asking for your support. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity. It is truly humbling and we can not thank you enough. We are raising $15,000 for our next phase of the adoption. You can donate at paypal.me/babygurr. We are raising $5,000 for upcoming ministry trips. If you would like to donate to our ministry, you can go to iwellspring.org/give and choose “Missions - Jon and Joanna” from the list.

Now that we are moving forward with our adoption journey we will be updating a lot more. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Again, thank you for your continued prayer, love and support!

Love,