John and Josh: Changed Lives Change Lives!

Several years ago a teenager (John) new in his faith met a twenty-something Christian (Josh). With a pretty wife, leadership skills, and a servant’s heart, Josh seemed to have it all, so John was a bit surprised when Josh says to him, “Let’s hang out. I’ll call you.”

“Sure,” replied John, and as the words came out, “I’ll never hear from that guy” crept into John’s head. Soon after, the phone rang. Josh did want to hang out with him, and a friendship was born.

In his early 20s, John moved in with Josh and his wife; getting a front row seat into the successes and shortcomings of a young husband and father following Jesus. Lessons he would learn well. From there, God called John to Haiti, where his heart was pierced. He stayed for more than a month. When John finally did come home, he was changed, on fire.

Josh could see the new-found fire in John. It inspired and challenged him. He followed his own call to serve God in Haiti. A high-school friend, Abigale, could also see John’s deeper heart for the Lord. Their friendship moved quickly to courtship and marriage. The best man at John’s wedding? Josh.

Today, John and Abigal Carr serve together as the first GO Fellows in Haiti. Josh Madden, his bride Ginny, and their kids live in KC. Josh volunteers his time as a GO Project Vision Trip leader. It won’t be long before Josh will lead a trip to Haiti and find the Carrs there to welcome him and serve with him. So, did Josh help John follow Jesus, or did John help Josh? YES!

Changed lives change lives!