LOOKING BACK…..
We have been here going on 7 years!
Soon after we arrived it was evident more help was needed. So we prayed. We’ve had mechanics who came to volunteer on a temporary basis, missionaries on furlough, and new missionaries training for an overseas assignment.
We are happy to report that we now have a full time mechanic who has joined Wycliffe and will be assigned to the JAARS Center.
We met Phil and Jeanette Heinecke after they responded to the need posted on the JAARS website. Phil performed very well during Mike’s technical evaluation. They have been accepted as members and are currently raising their financial support. They have four children and we have enjoyed getting to know them as we have written letters on their behalf.
LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD…..
In January, 26 people arrived at JAARS to attend Intercultural Communications Class (ICC). This is the pre-field training that all Wycliffe members attend prior to going to their assignments. Mike taught four wheel drive maintenance to a group of those.
These also attended the four wheel driving course, which takes place on the rugged trails behind the JAARS Center.
With the help of our son, Sean, and a couply of temporary volunteers, the JAARS Auto Shop continued to repair many vehicles of our very mobile population at JAARS. Many repairs are accomplished in the shop, on the parking lot, and on the phone, both U.S. and overseas.
Daniel–volunteer
WE PRESS ON….
Vision 2025
Currently Mike is teaching another maintenance course to a new group of missionaries. His responsibilities at JAARS are comprehensive. Nearly everyone involved in Bible translation has to use some form of land transportation whether in the U.S. or overseas. The JAARS Auto Shop continues to meet this need. But we need more help.
Continue to pray for more mechanics to join us. The position is listed on the JAARS website. Better yet, have them call us. We stand ready to help any who would be interested.
For some of the tangible ways God has used us in Bible translation click or copy and paste the following links:
http://www.jaars.org/stories/roading-ethiopia
http://www.jaars.org/multimedia/speedingtheword/bob-carter-july-20-2008
As always, thanks to many of you who partner with us in prayer and finances.
We greatly appreciate you!
Blessings,
Mike & Kathy
The following are photos from the JAARS Auto Shop and the work of Wycliffe around the world. We hope you enjoy them!
Transportation Challenges
The Word of God taught
The Word of God joyfully received
I stepped outside and there it was, right outside the auto shop. It loomed behind a fence. But nevertheless, there it was. Huge and very real. And there I was……..face to face with a Kodiak.
I sure wish I’d had a camera that day to take a picture of the humorous contrast outside, me vs. the ‘bear’. I thought the aviation guys were playing an absurd joke on me, parking it adjacent to the auto shop. During my time here at JAARS it’s not unusual for a pilot or aviation mechanic to park their car on my lot and ask my assistance with their own repairs. Surely, aviation was not expecting advice on this! I know they have high expectations of me, but really……….
As I pondered this aircraft, I wondered what its future held. After doing some ‘tours’ and testing in the U.S. it will be shipped to Papua New Guinea to begin service. JAARS has obtained the eighth one manufactured. As God provides, it hopes to acquire about five more over the next few years. I wondered how many missionaries it will take to remote places to reach hundreds of thousands of people who live in isolation so extreme that they’ve never heard the Gospel, never seen God’s Word in their own heart language.
The next day the Kodiak was gone, now parked in the hangar. I can walk over and see it any time…and periodically I do. It’s hard to see the Helio phasing out. It has been a worthy Messenger of Light. Now as we look to the future, may God bless Quest Aircraft and may God bless the Kodiak as it begins service.
“Thank You, Lord, for Your provision of the Kodiak. May it be a blessing in carrying your Word and the truth of the Gospel to many.” 
Mike and Kathy Smith 
