The King's Table

Hey family & friends,

We hope you’re doing well! We wanted to take some time to share a bit of what this season of ministry has looked like and invite you into what God has been teaching us along the way!

Recently, one of the guys on our squad shared a testimony that has stayed with us. He told us about a man they met while walking home from their assigned ministry for the day. As they were heading back, they noticed this man sitting on the side of the road, leaning against a wall, clearly trying to hide from the sun. Something prompted them to stop. They sat with him, talked for a while, and prayed over him before eventually needing to head home.

A couple of days later, he saw the same man sitting in the same spot. This time, he felt led to stop and sit with him. With the help of our leader translating in Spanish, he listened as best he could to the man’s story. They talked about Jesus, about hope, and about the ways God meets us right where we are. They prayed together again, and then something unexpected happened.

The man reached into his bag, pulled out some bread, broke it, and handed him a piece. Then he poured a bit of juice and shared it with him. Sitting there on the side of the road, they took communion together.

It was simple. Quiet. Holy. There was no church building, no official plan created. Just two people acknowledging Jesus together in the middle of an everyday moment.

In reflecting on this moment, we are reminded and deeply encouraged that everyone is invited to dine at the table of the Lord. Your invitation wasn’t lost in the mail. It wasn’t torn up because you’re walking through a hard season. It wasn’t tossed aside because you feel like you have nothing to bring. The truth is, the table of the Lord is already set, and He is longing for us to join him. 

The only question that remains is this: will we accept the invitation of the Master, the Lord, the King, the Creator of the universe, to come and dine with Him?

Jesus Himself modeled this again and again. He didn’t choose to dine with those who thought themselves high and mighty. He didn’t dine with kings or with people who believed they had it all figured out. Instead, He dined with those who knew their need for Him. Scripture tells us in Matthew 9 that while Jesus was reclining at the table, “many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.” When questioned about this, Jesus responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:10–13).

This is the heart of the Gospel we are witnessing and participating in, a God who draws near, who invites, and who meets people exactly where they are.

While we often share photos of what it looks like to lead and support a team from afar, the truth is that much of the work happens quietly and behind the scenes. We’re seeing God awaken the hearts of those who are called to be sent, like our team who is on the field in Guatemala. Through them, we’ve watched the Lord draw people to Himself over and over again, and often, He raises people up to stay and make disciples of their own nation - picture local Guatemalans starting their own ministries, inviting their village to hear the Good News, and raising their own kids to know Jesus. Then, there’s us - God has called us to send, stay, and be sent. For example, oftentimes, you’d see us on a Saturday morning, still in pajamas, on the phone before we’ve even had our first cup of coffee, helping navigate team needs from the States - ensuring that those who we send are cared for. Here in our home in Georgia, God calls us to stay, be part of his Church, and minister to those who are right in front of us daily. He’s also graced us, at different times of the year, to be sent - you’ve likely seen photos of us on the international mission field too. We feel honored to be part of the Kingdom of God in this way, and we pray that you’ve been blessed in some way by being part of it too!

As we continue serving with Adventures in Missions, we’re trusting God to provide for every step of the journey. Part of that provision comes through the generosity and faithfulness of people who choose to partner with us through prayer and financial support. We are currently raising funds so that we can continue stepping into moments like these and respond when God opens the door.

If you feel led to support this work, either through prayer or finances, we would be incredibly grateful. Every gift plays a direct role in making this ministry possible, and we don’t take that lightly. Please visit our support page if you feel led to give! You can be praying for us in these ways:

• Pray that we’d be refreshed in our own walks with Jesus as we continue to be part of ministry!

• Pray that as we continue to navigate living far from our families, friends, and even our team on the field, that we’d grow deeper roots in our local church - we’ve felt so filled up by them in this season!

• We will be traveling to Guatemala in March to spend 2 weeks with our team on the field! During that time, the team’s parents will be joining us for ministry - this is always a powerful time where God brings families together, rekindles love for Him, and opens up eyes to see Him more clearly! Pray for the Holy Spirit to have His way!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of this journey with us. Your encouragement, prayers, and support truly matter more than you know. If you ever want to hear more, ask questions, or pray together, we’d love to connect.

With love, 

Ethan & Baylee Johnston