Connecting the World By Mark Nelson

Published: December 14th, 2009

We started a series a few weeks ago profiling a few of the unsung hero’s beneath the surface of this ever-growing 24-7 community.  Today I have the privilege of introducing one of the most faithful servants who’s work has impacted even you.  Allow me to introduce you to the awesome Mr Jonny Nott!

Jonny Nott is the friend who will always keep you smiling. He’s an electric conductor for encouragement, support and joy, and although he’s been involved almost since the beginning, he still looks fresh faced and highly energetic. For the past last 11 years Jonny has been part of a great community called Open Heaven in Loughborough, England, which was birthed out of the student scene. When they heard about the crazy self-perpetuating season of 24-7 Prayer happening in 1999 in their nation, they rose to the challenge and never looked back.

After finishing university, God connected Jonny to the 24-7 visionary Pete Worthington, who created the first 24-7 Prayer website.  Jonny got stuck into serving the movement building places of online connection and community encouraging so many others to meet with God.

Jonny’s role is an ever-changing entity! In a nutshell, most of his time is filled working as part of the team that facilitates 24-7's online presence. He is also the guy you would find behind the sound desk running the audio aspects of various 24-7 International and European events. Jonny is so hands on and useful, his willingness to get involved with anything and everything is a constant blessing to those he comes in contact with. When I asked Jonny what makes him come alive unsurprisingly he said:

“The core things I feel God's put in me are to be a servant, and a joy-bringer. I love nothing more than to get on-board with peoples' ideas, and help make them a reality. I can be paying attention to the fine details, yet helping craft the big picture at the same time."

I consider him 24-7’s own little Barnabas (which means son of Encouragement). Carla Harding, one of 24-7’s international leaders agrees,

“Jonny Nott is a true hero of the movement. What he does is very practical and administrative but the truth is the space he helps maintain on the Internet connects tens of thousands of people around the globe. The movement of 24-7 Prayer is spreading in part thanks to the hard work, prayer and expertise of Jonny and the Worthers team.  His grin, willingness to get involved in all aspects of the movement and of course his web savvy make him a wonderful and vital part of the community.”

When I asked Jonny why he thought it was important to continue to stay involved in the movement, he put it so well I just had to quote him:

“We're not designed to do this stuff on our own. God has made us people that need to be in community, and these days there is unprecedented opportunity for communities to relate, share stories and inspire each other worldwide. That's one of the great things about being part of a global family of Jesus' disciples.  We are pray-ers with different experiences, languages and culture united by a common love… The more I get to travel around meeting different people passionate about prayer, justice and being Jesus to those around them, the more inspired I get. Everyone from the founding champions through to the newest non-stop pray-ers make a vital part of the picture! Life is all about relationships. Jesus, me, and the people I engage with. Whether it's catching some waves, jamming some songs with friends or rocking the masses, it's the friends I'm blessed to have around me who make it all worthwhile.”

Jonny truly is an incredible asset to the team, the movement and the community. A true unsung hero within 24-7 Prayer.

Mark Nelson is currently taking time out to be Pete Greig's intern working both in the prayer department of a church called Holy Trinity Brompton in London and the communications team for 24-7 Prayer. He has just moved back in with his parents and loving it.... and just got engaged to his beautiful fiancee Jenna!

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