November 2025

Thrown from the motorcycle, Jonathan suffered severe damage to his leg and hip while also sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Thankfully, the first responder on the scene, credited for saving Jonathan’s life, is a city policeman who just days before had completed tourniquet training! 

After 24 days in the hospital and multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one of his feet, Jonathan returned home to Richfield, Utah.

Jonathan and his wife Chrissa are currently pastoring a church in Tropic, UT, about two hours away from their home. Jonathan also shares a gospel message on two different radio stations twice a day and leads a Bible study in their home on Monday nights. They are the founders of Eagle’s Nest Baptist Ministries and are involved with supporting multiple fellow pastors and ministries in the Western United States.

After years of faithful service and a clear desire to continue their ministry, this new season of life requires adjustment for both Jonathan and Chrissa.  

Jonathan manages to move about his home with the aid of a walker, but his doctors say his hip will likely need to be replaced in less than a year’s time.  Additionally, he has about six months of healing and muscle growth ahead of him before they can begin to explore prosthetic limb solutions. As Jonathan put it “walkers are for people with two legs.”  Meanwhile, Chrissa continues her responsibilities while providing wound care, administering medication and driving Jonathan to appointments. They are especially grateful for the Lord’s provision of part of the funds needed to purchase a used vehicle easier for Jonathan to climb in and out of.  While the Edwards have received support from several friends, they live in a town of only 10,000 people on the frontier of Utah—nearly two hours from the closest hospital and doctors equipped to handle Jonathan’s injuries and recovery. On top of this, mounting medical bills are placing a significant strain on their finances.

Between alumni nominations and expressed concern on social media, the choice for this year’s Giving Tree recipients was fairly obvious. Many of you know the Edwards or have some connection with their years of ministry and your outpouring of thoughtful words and prayers have been a blessing. 

Please continue to pray for Jonathan’s recovery—specifically for his body to heal and be able to accept the prosthetic when the time comes. And please pray for strength and adequate rest for Chrissa as she cares for him. But per Jonathan’s request, pray especially for the ministries where they seek to continue faithfully serving even in the face of these extreme physical challenges.

To financially support the Edwards, you can donate online by clicking the link below. You will also have an opportunity to give in person during the Christmas Celebration on Friday, Dec. 5. We would love to see you at the Giving Tree exhibit located in the Welcome Center Lobby, alongside the Alumni Christmas Market booths. Donations will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.