Beyond His Dreams
THOUSANDS OF CONTESTANTS have competed to conqueror seemingly impossible obstacles to claim NBC's American Ninja Warrior title. Johnathan Morin, a 2008 Rhema graduate and youth pastor, is one of those competitors. Never did Johnathan imagine God would give him such a platform to share the Gospel.
Johnathan grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. In high school, he dreamed of playing college football. As a star varsity defensive end, he spent hours at the gym lifting weights to strengthen his upper and lower body. On the field, he competed hard. College recruiters were impressed with his athleticism and tenacity. One Big South school offered him a full-ride athletic scholarship. Johnathan was living the dream.
Over a school break, Johnathan visited some friends in Pennsylvania. There he attended a church service and God began to speak to his heart. "You're going to be in ministry," the Lord told him. "I want you to say no to college football. I want you to say no to the scholarship."
Johnathan was frustrated. He couldn't understand why God would tell him to turn down something he had worked so hard to obtain. All his coaches, friends, and teachers were on board for him to play college ball. He wrestled with the decision. But he knew the Lord had only good plans for his life, even if he couldn't see the full picture. His parents, both devoted Christians, had graduated from Rhema Bible Training College in 1979. And he had always sensed a call upon his life.
"Fine," Johnathan said in surrender. "I'll do it. I'm all in." His coaches and friends thought he was crazy to turn down a full scholarship. But Johnathan wanted God's plan more than his own reputation. He chose to follow Christ.
After graduating from high school in 2002, Johnathan spent a few years working in his uncle's church. In 2006 he stepped out in faith, packed his bags, and traveled to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to attend Rhema Bible Training College.