It was on a short-term trip overseas that God gave Jonathan a deep love for the peoples of the world. He returned home to the University of Akron and completed his degree in English with a focus on Teaching English as a Second Language. The plan was to move overseas. Little did he know that God had other plans. After completing a seminary degree through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, the Lord opened the door for him to gain ministry experience caring for others at a young church in the suburbs of Cleveland where he eventually became the associate pastor.

However, years later, his desire to serve internationally remained unchanged. While volunteering as an English conversation partner, he was deeply affected by the fact that international students can spend up to six years in the U.S. without gaining a single American friend. The result is that they often return home with the same preconceived ideas about people, culture and faith as when they arrived. This seemed unacceptable.

He and his wife, Megan, sensed the Lord calling them to devote themselves to welcoming, serving and sharing with the international student community in Cleveland. He currently serves as Area Director of the Greater Cleveland area. His passion is to “lead from behind” by empowering and equipping volunteers to bless students with the love of Christ on four college campuses.

Support Needs: Jonathan is working full-time with IFI and relies on the Lord to provide for his needs through like-minded ministry partners who contribute financially to this work.