"..I figured if missions was that important to you, it had better be important to me too."-- by Jon Dunagan --
MISSION CHALLENGE #1:
Dad's BIG Missions Heart It was almost exactly one year ago when my dad, Thomas J. Dunagan, left this earth for his home in heaven. This is written in loving memory of him, and his BIG HEART for missions: The week prior to a planned mission outreach, Ann & I were up in Olympia, Washington with my parents. Knowing that my dad was in very critical condition, we earnestly prayed for the Lord's guidance and direction concerning this mission. Should I still go? What if Dad passed away while I was gone? After praying, we believed the Lord was directing me to still go..and even at the very moment while praying in the hospital halls (specifically seeking God for a confirmation for this decisions) a chaplain came on the intercom system with the following prayer, "Even if I would get on a plane and fly to the other side of the world, I know that You will be there to protect and guide my paths..." Several others (whom Ann & I highly respect in the Lord) also contacted us; in prayer, they too felt this mission outreach was God's will. Although it was hard, we decided to obey. Right before I left, on August 17th, 2001, I went into Dad's study, sat down at his rugged old desk, and wrote the following letter: Dear Dad,
Well, I am off to Africa again! Lord willing, my team will hold two crusades on this outreach. Months of preparation and planning have gone into this endeavor. I pray that God will honor the labor with multitudes of precious souls coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Dad, you and mom were the first people to plant in me a desire for missions evangelism. For many years you had been faithfully in charge of the missions department at East Olympia Community Church...always making sure that these laborers received their material support and plenty of love and encouragement. I remember one time in particular, when I was about 12 years old, that a certain missionary from South America had come to visit you at the farm. I knew that at the time your own personal finances were tight. However, I observed how you and mom wanted to bless this man. You saved a little here and a little here, and even sold a cow. When you gave your gift, you gave joyfully and humbly. Little did this man know of the sacrifice behind what you gave.
Seeing your act of giving stirred something inside of me. I immediately ran to my room and gave the missionary all of my money to help him in his work. I figured that if missions was that important to you, it had better be important to me also.
Dad, in the event that your body passes away while I am in Africa, I know that your soul and spirit are with Jesus. To be sure, there is nothing I can do to bring life back into your body now, however, through my labors, I trust for salvation to be granted to many. More than likely, I would not be able to make it back in time for your funeral, but in that event, I would like to dedicate the souls that come to Christ on this outreach to YOU. I trust that the Lord will add them to your reward.
I love you Dad! Thanks for being such a godly example to follow.
Your son, On August 24th, 2001, while I was in the middle of the Kasese/Bwera, Uganda outreach, my dad did pass away, and I was unable to make it home for his burial. This letter was read at his memorial service by our son, Joshua.
(NOTE: Click on the picture to see a copy of the original newsletter.)
Jon Dunagan - Harvest Ministry
Jon
Matthew 6:20,21 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”