"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25

Jonathan and Celeste Daugherty are 28 and 26 years old, and are deeply passionate about following Jesus, loving each other, and living lives shaped by God’s mission and adventure. Jonathan is a Globally Assigned Missionary serving in the USA/Canada region, working behind the scenes in Global Missions for the Nazarene Youth Conference and General Assembly. Celeste currently serves in Global Communications for the Church of the Nazarene as a graphic designer.

Jonathan first felt God calling him to missions at five years old. That calling stayed with him through every season of life, becoming a steady reminder that God had a purpose for him. At 17, after attending his first district assembly and witnessing an ordination service, he began to feel that God was also leading him toward ordained ministry. He will be ordained on May 4th, 2026, with Celeste by his side.

After graduating from Southern Nazarene University with a degree in Missions and Pastoral Ministry, Jonathan stepped into full-time missions, serving in Armenia from 2023 to 2026. That season further shaped his heart for people and for God’s work around the world. After returning to the United States, he married the love of his life, Celeste, in March 2026.

Celeste felt called into ministry in high school, but wasn’t sure what God would have her do in life to fulfill that calling. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a degree in Graphic Design with an emphasis on Marketing and Ministry, in hopes of doing graphic design in churches or non-profits. This is where she felt that the Lord was leading her to serve Him in ministry. Serving in missions has always been something that Celeste has loved doing, and now she is taking steps to become a Nazarene Missionary to serve alongside Jonathan. Together, they share a calling to missions and are preparing to serve internationally beginning in 2028.

If there’s one thing Jonathan and Celeste hope people remember, it’s simple: follow Jesus. Wherever He leads, whatever He asks—even when it’s difficult—there is always something beautiful on the other side of obedience.

“If Jesus calls you to it–do it!”