Ra'Von Bonner found inspiration off the field during mission to Guatemala

Sophomore running back Ra’Von Bonner had a unique opportunity after graduating from high school last year, but he wasn’t sure if it was meant to be.

Prior to moving in at Illinois early in the summer of 2017, Bonner was set to make a week-long missionary trip to the Republic of Guatemala. But when funding became an issue, Bonner questioned whether he was destined for the journey.

Praying for a sign of guidance, Bonner said he heard someone repeating one word.

“Guatemala, Guatemala, Guatemala.”

The sign was there for Bonner and with the help of his youth pastor at Montgomery Community Church in his hometown of Cincinnati, he made it down to the Central American nation that July.

“It was a blessing,” Bonner said.

The first couple of days in the country were eye-opening. Approximately 75 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and more than half lack the basic income needed to purchase a basket of food.

Some parts of the country resemble a war zone. Up to seven people live in households that are roughly the size of a college dorm room. The country also has an active volcano, Volcán de Fuego, making conditions even worse.

But despite so many challenges, Bonner said he couldn’t believe how content the people were.

“You just see some of the roads and the homes people live in, yet just being so grateful,” Bonner said. “It’s just mind-boggling. They’re just smiling, full of joy. It was contagious.”

Athletes look for motivation in all kinds of ways. Bonner, a strongly-built runner and former 3-star recruit from Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, looks to his religious faith and church activities for purpose.

He found inspiration from a people that persevere under harsh conditions.

“The people there, they’re like the nicest people on earth,” he said. “Coming from America, nobody’s perfect, I’m not perfect, but hanging out with those people who are so genuine, so kind, ready to serve you. That’s just so beautiful to me.”

Bonner traveled to several schools and orphanages around the country, spending time ministering and playing games with kids. Developing these sorts of relationships made it hard to leave.

“It moved me as much as it moved them,” Bonner said.

He also developed a taste for the local cuisine and coffee – which he said was the only coffee in his life he’s been able to drink black.

On his travels around the country, Bonner grew particularly close to a young boy named Ramon. From day one, the two built a strong connection and continued to bond over a similarity in each other’s lives.

“He was like the little brother I had always dreamed of having, that kind of relationship,” Bonner said. “At the orphanage, we just spent that whole day together learning about him, learning about me."

Raised by his single mother, Ra’Chelle Johnson, Bonner didn’t have a father in his life. That shared experienced helped him relate to Ramon.

“I don’t even know if he has a man in his life and that’s something I always wish I had outside of football. I’ve always had coaches, but outside of football, not having that figure. That’s why it was really emotional for me and that’s why I was really passionate about getting closer to him and learning more about him.”

He hasn’t been able to get in touch with Ramon since the trip, but Bonner remembers him in his prayers.

Back home, Bonner wears his faith on his sleeve - his Twitter handle is @jesusfreak21 - but he can sometimes feel uneasy about widely sharing his religious beliefs. Not everyone understands where he’s coming from. Among the people of Guatemala it was easier to talk freely and to meet new people and develop relationships.

It made the trip all that more satisfying, Bonner said.

Being a student-athlete at Illinois requires a huge commitment, and Bonner is busy readying himself for the upcoming season. As a true freshman in 2017, he rushed for 202 rushing yards on 67 carries, numbers that he hopes to improve on. Finding time to pursue his off-the-field endeavors isn’t easy.

Still, Bonner is hopeful that he will be able to return to Guatemala someday. He feels this type of work is what he was meant to do.

“It was incredible, and I can’t wait to go back there again,” Bonner said. “That’s just what I believe in and that’s what I’ve wanted to do day in and day out. No matter where I am, the mission remains the same, just spreading the gospel.”