From the President: Why We Serve
President Steve Russell reflects on the staff at JAARS and their heart for the Lord. This is the last article of the series; you can read his first and second articles now if you missed them.
Why do they do it? Because people who bear the image of God are living in villages in the most remote parts of the earth, where only they speak their language.
Romans 10:14–15a (ESV) tells us, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”
As I wander around this extraordinary community, I see people who took Jesus at His word when He said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV).
As believers, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. The people I have met here are those who have demonstrated they are willing to walk. They can … because others are used by God to encourage, pray, and support. It reminds me of the Philippians who saw the needs of the church suffering in Jerusalem. They did not live there nor were they able to travel there; instead, they organized the Macedonian gift and generously gave to assist in other parts of the world where God was working in the body of Christ.
As you ponder how God is working in your life, maybe these stories will encourage you to help others in the Body. This year, our Aviation Training operations will require roughly $500,000 to support our aircraft, fuel, maintenance, tools, and logistics. Plus, we’re committed to provide logistical support for land and water transportation, technology, media and more to multiple mission partners and people groups around the world.
As you pray and consider any year-end giving, we’d be honored and humbled if you’d consider a gift to our Where Needed Most or Transportation Solutions funds as part of your plans. Both of these funds give us the ability to respond quickly and effectively to a range of critical, time-sensitive needs.
As Christmas approaches and a brand new year, let me close by saying—as Paul and Timothy did to the Philippians—that we thank God every time we remember you!
