Jonathan was raised by Christian parents and came to the saving faith at the age of six, and was baptized the following year, at First Baptist in Bryson City. He was homeschooled his whole life, the sixth of twelve children, and was trained throughout in the scriptures, and service. Having grown up in Bryson City, Jonathan has a particular attachment to Camp, having volunteered in various ministries here since he was 12. After graduating High School, he left to serve 8 years in the United States Marine Corps, followed by a short career in electrical engineering and IT. In 2021, Jonathan and his family returned to Bryson, where in 2023, he accepted the call to serve as Executive Director.

As Executive Director, Jonathan works to support the overall mission of the Camp, by improving the organization, managing fundraising efforts, and planning for future projects and improvements to the campus. Jonathan also works to help the team stay in communication, and stay on task.

Jonathan and his wife Jessica enjoy homesteading, and homeschooling with their three children, Mark, Ezekiel, and Esther, and enjoying their only current animal, Ziva the Border Collie. Jonathan also enjoys playing wargames with his younger brothers, and being outdoors with his family, as well as his parents and siblings, who only live 500 yards away from the Camp.

Jonathan’s prayer for Camp Living Water is that we become a beacon of gospel ministry to the surrounding communities and counties of Western North Carolina; that camp would provide common ground where God’s people can partner together, regardless of denomination, to share the good news of salvation offered in Christ, and to disciple the next generation of believers and leaders.