SCS' Missions Team Trip to JAARS

Did you know that there are over 7,000 languages in the world and that just under 2,000 of them still do not have one word about Jesus written in them? Our SCS Missions team learned that first hand on their trip to JAARS in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Over winter break, our students went on the trip of a lifetime to serve God by serving missionaries. It was everyone’s first time visiting JAARS, including the 3 chaperones, and right away we could tell this was a place where Jesus was honored and people were loved. JAARS stands for Jungle Aviation and Radio Service and this organization serves to support missionaries and Bible translation all around the world. The team was engaged in strenuous work projects to beautify the grounds and repair some of the playground equipment that missionary children use when living on site. Our team was so blessed to engage so many missionaries in conversation on the 5 day trip. We heard countless stories of first-hand accounts from missionaries about the amazing things God is doing in the field of Bible translation, and we got to be a part of the process by serving the Construction and Maintenance Department (CAM).

Our days started with CAM devotions with the rest of the local crew, then on to the work site until lunch. The afternoon included more intense work projects (creating mulch borders with railroad ties) or a tour of one particular piece of the Bible Translation effort. One thing our team learned is that, no matter what skill or talent someone has, it is needed in the world of Bible Translation. Software engineers, linguistics, pilots, mechanics, marketing majors, graphic designers, teachers, and publishers all have a part to play in Bible translation. Also, each night the team got to visit and fellowship with retired missionaries who related some of the great things God did for them and through them as they fulfilled the Great Commission in some of the most remote places on the planet.

Our time at JAARS was such a blessing due to Sally, Beth, and Darlene, the wonderful ladies in the short term missions department who organized our trip. The team was also impacted by the JAARS youth service they attended where students passionately pursue Jesus and further His Kingdom. Last of all, the team had the opportunity to interact with the Bunn Family who are missionaries supported by Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle and are currently working for JAARS after serving in the Amazon as a support hub for village missionaries. This trip was a major success in that the team was able to accomplish much-needed work projects, learn about all the opportunities available for overseas missions, and then sit at the feet of old and wise missionaries who have spent their entire lives loving remote people groups and translating the Bible for them. JAARS truly is at the cutting edge of unreached people groups, and it was our joy to spend the week with them. May our students be encouraged to continue the Great commission and pick up the baton of loving God and loving people wherever they reside​​.