JAARS Volunteers Speak

Sue Bormuth had read Wycliffe publications over the years, but never suspected she would one day get involved in supporting Bible translation. In the spring of 1995, she and her husband moved to North Carolina to be near their adult son. Only a few months later, her husband suddenly fell ill and passed away. Alone in a new place, her children grown, Sue wondered, “Now what will I do with my life?”

Soon after, son Al planned a program for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He invited Bob Griffin from JAARS to speak. Bob and his wife arrived early, sharing a meal with Al, Sue, and others in a local restaurant. The conversation centered on the various opportunities for service at JAARS.

Later at the EAA meeting, Bob recounted his experiences flying overseas in support of Bible translation ministries. Sue found the program fascinating. But what excited her most was the possibility of her own involvement in the Lord’s work. She discussed it with Bob after the meeting.

“By the end of the evening,” Sue says, “it was all decided. I would come to JAARS, stay at the Griffins’ home and interview for a part-time volunteer job. That was my first trip—and I’ve been coming ever since!” Sue lives two hours from the center. She commutes most Sunday evenings and stays through Wednesday, living in on-campus accommodations.

Sue helps develop and maintain databases for JAARS administrative and business projects. These include the human resources database, housing reservations, aircraft history, short-term mission projects, redeployment of overseas staff, schedules for the upcoming Wycliffe international conference, and others. She also traveled to Brazil to set up a database for office needs there. Sue adds, “When I first came to JAARS, I was also involved in training for almost every department. That gave me a view of the great variety of work done at JAARS.”

Sue has a degree in business administration with experience in operations management. Part of her former work involved evaluating and selecting computer hardware and software, and training employees in their use. After retiring, she gained valuable experience by setting up computer databases for a private employer.

“My prime motivation for being here is to contribute to Bible translation,” Sue says. “But a great benefit is working and socializing with like-minded people. Each day gives me opportunities to meet people with fascinating life histories. Their present work projects are equally captivating.”

Sue’s children are “absolutely thrilled” about her work—and that she “has a life!” Yes, God had lovingly planned the answer to her question, “Now what will I do with my life?”

Are you asking the same question? Maybe working at JAARS in support of Bible translation will be your answer too.