JAARS Volunteers Speak

In 2002, after a move to Charlotte and a divorce, Theresa Custis had lost everything: her husband, her job, her big house, her luxury car, and her 401k. A self-described corporate woman and “carnal” Christian, her job skills included information technology, photography, and videography.

“After moving here, I lived off a 401k until attorneys absorbed the balance,” Theresa says. She started attending University Park Baptist Church where the people nurtured her and helped her grow in God’s love. She says, “I remember feeling a peace that I had never felt before, and I knew that it was in God’s hands.”

In the middle of her trials, she attended a missions conference and learned about a trip to South Africa. She felt called by God to join the group of six African Americans from her church who were going to minister for a couple of weeks. While she prepared for that trip, she attended a meeting for another trip to South Africa. As she listened to Bruce Wilkinson speak, she felt a call to go on that trip as well. Through funds provided in an extraordinary way, Theresa went on two mission trips to South Africa within four months.

She observed how the South Africans responded to the ministry of African Americans with enthusiasm and trust. These trips impressed upon her the need for more African Americans in missions. She determined to do what she could to encourage their participation.

While overseas, Theresa was also impressed with the power of the media to communicate and persuade—sometimes with incorrect messages. Africans would ask her, “Why do you let your children do all the things that we see on TV?” She realized that many think we agree with the values presented.”

Theresa found joy in the simple life she witnessed in the villages. “People working together, helping each other, sitting together for meals, laughing and talking, instead of watching television, playing video games and all the things that interfere with relationships. Our culture has suffered from material and distraction overload.”

Later on, one of the ladies from Calvary Church with whom Theresa traveled to South Africa wanted to visit JAARS and perhaps find volunteer work in photography. She invited Theresa to explore the volunteer possibilities with her. “I knew about JAARS from my church,” Theresa says. The friend was not able to pursue her dream because of illness, but Theresa now works in Creative Services in the video department one day per week.

While at JAARS, Theresa met Duke Simpson, a volunteer for African American mobilization at JAARS. She is currently supporting an initiative to develop a clearinghouse for mission agencies wanting to focus on engaging African Americans in missions. Ministry goals would include developing awareness, providing education and equipping African Americans for missions.

In the meantime, Theresa is currently editing a video about missions. “Working on this project has stimulated my enthusiasm and vision.” She’s walking with God “one step at a time.” She says, “God gives you gifts for His kingdom, and I’m seeking how He wants me to use them.”

When asked about what she likes about volunteering at JAARS, her immediate response was “the people”—great to work with, supportive, patient and helpful. She’s also impressed with the quality of work done here and availability of the most up-to-date technology tools.

After Theresa lost it all, she was forced to rely on God and found Him sufficient. “God took this resourceful, independent woman and put me in a place where I had to learn to depend only on Him.”