“From a single parent household, his mother beat him terribly. The police took him away to another home from which he escaped. He was eventually brought here. His mother is forbidden from seeing him. His only other relative is an aunt who does not visit.”

While it may be brief in length and without many details, one can readily see that his circumstances do not indicate much happiness in his life. Jon Henry was 10 years old when he arrived at Casa Aleluya, already having experienced much more than a child his age should.

Five Years Later
Jon Henry has truly persevered. His desire is to one day become a pastor, and yet at the age of 14, he is already ministering to the children here at Casa and to the people of the area. One night last September, while Mike was traveling in the States, Jon Henry filled in to preach to the older children. At the end of his anointed teaching, more than a dozen kids asked him to pray for their salvation and received Jesus Christ into their hearts. Jon Henry spearheaded the revival of morning prayer among the boys in his dorm, which quickly spread throughout the campus; he was instrumental in forming a group of boys that lead regular devotions for younger children. Jon Henry frequently accompanies Pastor Dave when he goes out among the people of Guatemala, witnessing to them and truly walking the path of Christ. His countenance alone testifies to the joy and pure love in his heart.

Living Proof
Jon Henry has a level of spiritual maturity that is at once uplifting and convicting. His understanding of the love of our Father, his commitment to living as Christ and the exuberance with which he shares the Gospel testifies to the spiritual education that is provided the children, and also illustrates that the presence of the Spirit is truly upon our home. Jon Henry is living proof that joy is not based on circumstance, but is rather a fruit of the Spirit – readily available to us all if only we will choose it.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2,3 (NIV)