Jon Heymann was born in poverty, trafficked as a child slave overseas, and adopted as a young boy into an American family. He’s been a Pastor, a Counselor, a college instructor, and a non-profit CEO, and even sold large construction equipment. He’s a husband, a father of three, and a grandfather of a growing number, as well as a prolific writer and speaker. Join the Tell Your Story (TYS) team as we learn more about Jon and his story.
Are you longing for peace? Searching for answers? Jon Heymann boldly addresses the pursuit of peace with fresh answers not commonly taught. Agonizing Peace is a must-read for those enduring traumatic experiences or anyone wrestling with restlessness who desire authentic and lasting peace.
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Jon Heymann, I was Born in Athens, Greece, adopted and raised in New Jersey
What do you do for a living?
My professional background spans 35 years and ranges from private ministry to public penitentiaries and is now the President of Heymann Consulting. He recently created Elevate Jacksonville, and prior to this, was the CEO of the Jacksonville Children’s Commission providing $38 million dollars to support numerous child-serving non-profits.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Water and snow skiing; hiking Appalachian Trail; boating; family outings; cruises
What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?
Went skydiving; trafficked as a child in Greece.
Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?
Child abuse
What is your story as a person?
I was born in Athens Greece and was a victim of a child trafficking ring that rendered me a slave of oppressive and brutal traffickers, but was eventually adopted by an American adoption agency working in Greece, and lovingly raised by the Heymanns. I grew up in NJ, went to college, then graduate school and got a Masters Degree in Education (University of Florida), and completed Graduate work in Psychology, and Doctoral work in Education.
Clemson University awarded me their Crystal Award, their top national award for my work in drop-out prevention and Stanford University labelled me a “Transformational Leader”. My professional background spans 35 years ranging from pastoral ministry to public penitentiaries, I’m now the President of Heymann Consultanting. I recently created Elevate Jacksonville, and prior to this, was the CEO of the Jacksonville Children’s Commission providing $38 million dollars to support numerous child-serving non-profits. Greatest accomplishment? I’m the husband of one, the father of three, and the grandfather of many.
What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?
That no matter what happens to you or how tragic life may become, remember that Peace with God means surrender to him through the inexplicable experiences of life. Using Christ as our example, we are free to exclaim loudly “Father, pass this cup from me – I do not want to go through this”, but then conclude with our Lord’s words “But not my will, but your be done.” Our surrender to God during the rough times of life does not decrease our power (like a wartime surrender) but rather increases our power (e.g. dunomous = dynamite) through love and self control (II Timothy 1:7). This life is not for the faint-hearted or puny-souled (II Tim 1:7 “spirit of fear”),but for the brave and powerful through God’s Holy Spirit.
If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?
True Peace is garnered by having a solid foundation rooted in Jesus which provides us purpose, peace, joy and vision that helps us “power through” our traumatic experiences. `Nuff said.
What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family.
I’m the husband of one, the father of three, and the grandfather of many. They are my pride and joy. God gave me a great wife, fantastic kids, and wonderful grands. When all is said and done, family provides solace, comfort, love, protection, wisdom and fun – the same ingredients that come from our heavenly Father. God is good – all the time.
Jon Heymann is the author of “Agonizing Peace” available for order on Kharis Website and Amazon
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