Upon our arrival to Black Mesa, Arizona, we were introduced to two of greatest people I have ever met, John Wilson Jr. (J.R. for short) and his wife Marylou. They have taken in the four of us EM Summer Staff with open arms feeding and making sure all our needs are met. From our very first day, we could tell there was something different and very special about this couple. As the weeks go on, we have had the opportunity to spend many days and nights with these two, and it has become clear they live their lives exactly how Jesus calls us to live in Luke 14.
In the New Living Translation, this set of verses is called “The Cost of Being a Disciple.” Often times, we forget what being a true disciple of Christ looks like. We make it out to be a glamorous lifestyle or some kind of special status. These verses are clear on what is expected of us as Disciples of Christ. Jesus says: “If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you can not be my disciple.” He also says: “So, you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” (Luke 14:27 & 33)
Both Pastor JR and Marylou live how Christ calls us to live here. They give every second of their days to the Lord and to the service of others. On a typical day, Pastor JR and Marylou wake up early and join the teams for breakfast. Then, Pastor JR helps direct and teach teams on multiple work projects. He spends time talking and meeting with members of his congregation. He makes sure the week-long Tent Revival for the week is all set up and ready for the night. And at Tent Revival, you can find him leading worship, emceeing, and interpreting for the people in attendance. Most nights, he doesn’t get home until the early hours of the morning. This is all while being the Pastor of his congregation at The House of Joy Church and running a food bank out of the church basement.
After breakfast with the mission trip team members, Marylou can be found cooking for the close to 50 people who attend Tent Revival every night. She also comes and helps us out with meals for the teams each night. You can always find Marylou at Tent Revival happily serving the people in attendance and staying late to help clean up and prepare for the Revival service the next night. On top of that, she makes handmade jewelry and helps organize and facilitate the food bank.
As you can tell, both Pastor JR and Marylou “give it all.” They give of their time, energy, and possessions to help build and serve their community. They take little time to themselves and they give love every person they meet. No matter how busy they are or how much they have going on that day, if you run into them on the Mesa, they take the time to have a conversation with you, hug you, encourage you, and lift you up.
These are two selfless people who set an incredible example of what it looks like to be a Disciple of Christ.
They “give it all” to the Lord on the best and worst days, when it is easy and hard. They do their best to live like Christ in ALL aspects of their lives, and we are thankful to have two amazing examples to look up to this summer!
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
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