JAARS Volunteers Speak

Moody Bible Institute, Wycliffe Associates banquets and thirty years of praying for two missionary couples committed to Bible translation were all part of God’s design in leading Dick and Ann Baer to JAARS. In 1992 the recently retired couple was eager to become involved in some type of ministry for the Lord. The JAARS Center was an obvious choice and they arrived on campus to spend the winter volunteering.

The Housing department drew on Dick’s software expertise and Ann settled in as a receptionist in Purchasing and Shipping. By their own account, the two learned a lot. This initial experience awakened in them a desire to return soon. However, JAARS was placed on the back burner as caring for their aging parents became a priority.

When these responsibilities were fulfilled, Dick and Ann moved near Orlando, Florida, where the warm climate and leisurely lifestyle appealed to them.“ It was fun to ‘play’ with new friends in our adult community,” the couple concluded, “but little by little God caught our attention. The Wycliffe USA Mobilization Center Headquarters had recently relocated to the area and Dick volunteered there in the Accounting department. After making an audit trip to Kenya, he began thinking seriously how God might be directing our lives.”

God made it clear to Dick and Ann that they were to consider JAARS as an avenue of service. In February 2006 they responded to His call and headed to Waxhaw. With a background in finance, Dick applies many of his skills in the Accounting department. Ann found that her secretarial and computer skills were needed in Human Resources.

“Since our six children are scattered across the county, we can’t live near all of them as we would like nor could we settle near one to the exclusion of the others. Consequently, we have chosen a place where we can work together, and our children take comfort knowing their parents are busy and happily productive.

“It is great realizing that even in these silver years of our lives, we can contribute not only money, but also time and energy to advance the Lord’s kingdom and bring His Word to unreached people. As we have become acquainted with other volunteers at JAARS, we have heard so many wonderful stories of how God has orchestrated their lives. How diverse! How encouraging! How amazing is our God!

“Productivity is not just for the young. We challenge and encourage everyone to use their God-given talents. Shelf-sitting is boring!”