JAARS Fact Sheet |
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JAARS Mission |
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| Through partnerships worldwide, JAARS provides quality technical support services and resources to speed Bible translation for all people. | ||||
About JAARS |
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| As part of Wycliffe Bible Translators’ family
of organizations, JAARS desires to see the Bible translated for all
the world’s people groups that need a translation. JAARS serves
Wycliffe Bible Translators and related organizations worldwide by
providing transportation by air, land or sea; through computing and
information technology; media in local languages; and other vital
services.
Training, coordination and operational support for these services are located at the JAARS Center. The center also provides conference facilities and office space for Wycliffe and other Bible translation partners. William Cameron Townsend founded Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1934. As the organization grew, Townsend saw the need for airplanes and radio to reach remote areas, to provide safe access to language groups. JAARS was formed in Peru in 1948 and moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina in 1961. Jim Akovenko has been president of JAARS since November 1996. |
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The Challenge |
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| There are 6,912 known languages in the world. The 1,415 languages Wycliffe personnel work in represent 93 countries. They have helped to translate the New Testament into 721 languages which are spoken by 80 million people. In many languages Wycliffe translators have helped translate the entire Bible. However, there are still 2,251 additional language groups representing 193 million people needing Scripture translation programs. JAARS, along with its partners, embraces the vision that by the year 2025 a Bible translation project will be in progress for every people group that needs one. | ||||
Who We Are |
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| People who serve at the JAARS Center or overseas are typically members of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Three hundred and thirteen Wycliffe members serve at the JAARS Center and more than 400 provide technical and transportation services globally. In addition, 258 volunteers provide invaluable help at the JAARS Center. | ||||
Partners |
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| JAARS receives financial and prayer support from Christian churches and individuals. JAARS works closely with SIL International, a faith-based organization that studies, documents, and assists in developing the world’s lesser-known languages; and Wycliffe Bible Translators, which actively seeks to engage the worldwide Church in the Bible translation ministry. | ||||
Opportunities |
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| Weekday tours, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and the Saturday “JAARS Day” programs, challenge visitors to broaden their worldview. Call 704-843-6130 for information on tours or “JAARS Day.” To inquire about serving as a JAARS Center volunteer, or concerning career possibilities for all ages, call 704-843-6150. | ||||
Annual finances |
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| JAARS’ expenses for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007 were $21.4 million. Fund-raising costs were 2.8%.
Get a copy of this fact sheet in Adobe Acrobat format. |
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JAARS, Inc. PO Box 248 Waxhaw, NC 28173 |
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