For JAARS Executive Director, God’s Word Must Transcend Every Language Barrier

by Cathy Stover
The Charlotte World, January 21, 2000

Waxhaw—From the rural plains of North Dakota to the skies over Vietnam to the rainforests of New Guinea, Jim Akovenko’s life has been a series of missions.

The former Air Force officer and missionary now oversees JAARS, the tactical division based in Waxhaw, N.C., which provides air transportation and other technical support for Wycliffe Bible Translators. As executive director, Akovenko ensures that training and funding reach Bible translators working in more than 50 countries. But Akovenko’s greatest mission of all began when his love for aviation connected with his own understanding of his need for Jesus Christ.

Growing up in a rural community in North Dakota, Jim Akovenko became intrigued with airplanes during high school. His interest influenced his decision to attend college at North Dakota State University where he joined the ROTC. After graduating with a B.S. degree in agriculture in 1968, Akovenko enlisted in the United States Air Force

“Of course, the Vietnam War was occurring at that time,” Akovenko reflects. “My father was a World War II veteran and I saw how much that generation sacrificed. I always felt an obligation to do my part.”

While waiting for his orders from the Air Force, Akovenko watched a Billy Graham telecast while alone at his parents’ home.

“I was a person who went to church, but I was not aware of the personal commitment. I remember Billy Graham saying that anyone could accept Christ from wherever he was watching - that night I prayed to receive Christ,” he says.

At his pilot training, Akovenko found himself surrounded by young men who had been discipled by Navigators, the Christian ministry based in Colorado. He soon began Bible study and scripture memorization. Halfway through training, he married Sue, whom he had met at North Dakota State University.

Although not assigned to Vietnam, Akovenko volunteered to go to the war-torn country. Despite his training in jets, Akovenko flew helicopters while in Vietnam.

“I was shocked when I had to fly helicopters because that is considered a step down in the Air Force, especially for an officer hoping to make general,” he says.

During his stint in Vietnam, Akovenko was sent to Thailand, resulting in a temporary separation from his wife.

“The helicopter experience and the separation from Sue were part of God’s plan for me. While on 24-hour shifts, I had a lot of time to read - I memorized scripture and read many missionary biographies,” he says.

One book in particular, helped steer Akovenko toward mission aviation.

“When I read Jungle Pilot, the story of Nate Saint who was killed along with other missionaries trying to take the gospel to the Aucas, it was the first time I had heard of mission aviation. I realized God can use pilots in missions,” he says.

Returning stateside, the family attended Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Ala., where the senior pastor encouraged Akovenko to pursue his lingering interest in mission aviation.

In 1976, the Akovenkos, with the prayers and financial support of their church, joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. After completing maintenance training at the JAARS Center, they traveled to the island of New Guinea, where Akovenko’s aviation training paid off. In the midst of a rainforest and mountainous terrain, the Akovenkos’ contact with the outside world was via a small aircraft and landing strip. Without roads, the area was so remote that many of the people had ventured only a few miles from their homes.

“To come into their world, learn their language and culture, translate the Bible and see them come to understand the forgiveness of God—it’s an incredible experience,” he says.

In 1992 after 13 years in Asia, the Akovenkos returned to the United States to be with their older son as he attended college. Akovenko joined the staff of JAARS’ stateside operations. In 1996, he was named executive director.

Switching to his executive director hat, Akovenko’s final thoughts reflect his passion and his mission for Bible translations in every language.

“In eastern Indonesia alone, more than 250 languages have been identified. Almost 7,000 languages—not dialects—have been identified worldwide. We are working in remote and urban areas, some as close by as Charleston, S.C., where we are translating the Bible into Gullah. The whole focus of JAARS is to minimize the time that linguists have to take away from projects to seek air transportation, computers, and other technical needs,” Akovenko explains.

“Having the Bible translated into a people’s language is essential to church planting and fulfilling God’s command to tell the world.”