Stand by the Johnson Family
A Giant of Faith
We want to introduce you to a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend and servant. Mr. Ronald Johnson has lived his life to impact the nations, to humbly love and to make the eyes of those around him light up with a smile. “Papa J.” truly and literally impacted the nations by loving selflessly and seeking to do that what pleased his gracious heavenly Father.
Throughout his life and in the myriad of roles he has played, Ronald inspired young and old alike, with a never-ending passion for change and a relentless thirst for God’s truth. He has done so by making someone smile, having a conversation over a cup of coffee, driving a friend to the hospital, standing by his wife in sickness, babysitting his grandchildren, praying for others in a time of mourning, and mentoring students from all over the world.
His example of faith has brought many of the lives he touched back to dreaming. We believe Mr. Johnson has built a legacy that has, and will continue to spread in the years to come.
Our hearts ache as we see Mr. Johnson and his family walk through this valley. We must say, though, that even in the midst of Mr. J’s health being in decay, his family continues to live graciously by the mercy of their God. The Johnson’s unity, faith, strength and joy overwhelms all of us, and leaves us in awe of God’s love.
Mr. Johnson loved, guided and embraced us all, never holding back. In return, knowing that we would never be able to fully show how much he means to us, we desire to stand by his family through this difficult situation. It is our way of saying THANK YOU.
Sadly, we can’t be physically with them right now. However, we can still contribute by giving financially to help with medical expenses and the like.
We ask that you prayerfully give back in the measure of grace you’ve received.
**All donations made in this campaign will go straight to the Johnson Family. Billy Stevenson (a close family friend) has set up a new bank account where all contributions will go. He will make sure to pass on your contributions to the family.
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Catch a glimpse of the impact Mr. J and his family have had on many of us
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"Mr. J as all his Walton sons and daughters called him, is a man of God. He has served people with his kind heart and shared the love of God with those around him. He believed in us and encouraged us to also believe in ourselves. In these hard times we can only think of wonderful memories with Mr. J. He is the one who taught us the real value of an “abrazo” when people most needed it; who offered his time to listen to us whenever we were having a “bad” day; the famous one for his jokes and laughs; the one who made sure we had everything we needed; he was the one who made sure that we had a family, a Walton family to support and love one another. All the things he has done for us are worth far more than we could ever pay back, but we want to show our deep affection to him and his family by contributing financially."
- Alejandra Figoni & Claudia Alvarado (JBU Class of 2017 & 2018)
"Since the first day I met Mr. J, I knew God gave a chance to give me another father on earth. I was amazed to see how much Mr.J loved and believed in every one of us. This love was beyond my understanding, after getting to know him more, share experiences and even work for him as a work study, I understood more about love for others. Mr. J always had an abrazo for you, he was a special man, his ability to see "la chispa" (just like he used to say it) in every single Walton was amazing, he knew we were meant to be part of that program. Now looking back, I am completely sure meeting Mr. J was the best part of being a Walton. I can remember that first day of classes where I thought everything was over, I couldn't understand the language, I missed my family and I was just out of my comfort zone. I went into his office
and begged him to sent me back home, he told me" Suyen, you are a chosen one, you are here because God wants you to be here and everything will be ok " At that moment I felt peace and started working harder and harder. How could I have not worked hard if there was also Mr. J believing 100% in me? He taught me how love is unconditional and never-ending." - Suyen Espinoza (JBU Class of 2012)
"Ronald Johson's life is an example of being God's servant. He impacted the life of every one who knew him with his humbleness, patience, love, care and wisdom. He trusted the Lord above anything and encouraged everyone to seek Him. Just like a Father would do, he welcomed every student to be part of his family and life. My world was definitely changed and became a better place thanks to him."
- Karen Cerella (JBU Class of 2013)
“Mr. J has been one of the most impactful father figures in my life. He had this authority that was based in grace and understanding that was unlike anything I had experienced before. I got in some troubles while at JBU, small ones at that, but they sure seemed huge for me at the time. And every time something bad happened, my main worry wasn’t that I could be expelled and sent back home, which was bad enough. My sole concern was disappointing this beautiful person who had believed in me so much and accepted me in his family and his heart with no reservation whatsoever. It broke my heart to think that I would disappoint him.
The unbelievable thing was that when I screwed up, not once or twice, but several times, there was never an instance when he looked at me with less love, less compassion, less understanding than before.
He taught me many things. But I think the most important lesson was that the kind of love he gave, the kind of love that he wanted me to understand God gave, could not be won or taken away. It was there, not without consequences, but fully and completely there, unconditional. He taught me grace.
I love this man and will forever carry him in my heart."
- Max Rodríguez (JBU Class of 2012)
"Very few people have made such a difference in my life. Not only did God use him to provide me with one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life: going to college, but he also waited for me to recover from one of the scariest moments in my life.
In 2004, I had serious lung issues and Mr. J graciously waited for my full recovery in order to take me to school in JBU. This definitely fullfilled a purpose that changed my life in many levels, and he was a magnificent mentor throughout the whole process. He is one of the most caring, dedicated and genuine people I have encountered. I have seen these qualities present in his interactions with me and all other Waltons. He is a beautiful reflection of God's love and pray fervently that this love now translates into his full healing."
- Miguel Ángel Escalante (JBU Class of 2009)
