Volunteers: Larry and Terry Blackwell
“Are you calling us, Lord?”
That’s what Larry and Terry Blackwell prayed in 1994 after listening to keynote speaker Henry Blackaby, co-author of Experiencing God: How to Live the Full Adventure of Knowing and Doing the Will of God. His challenge to get involved in missions work evoked an excited and positive response from the Blackwells.
But finding a way around obstacles to their involvement seemed daunting. Both had aging parents who needed their support. They themselves were approaching retirement years. And finances posed a problem, too—they thought. Larry says, “The Devil seemed to put all kinds of doubts in our heads.”
Six years later, friends insisted the Blackwells accompany them on a visit to JAARS. The Blackwells had never heard of JAARS—only 115 miles from their home. They enjoyed a JAARS Day open house, and on the way back, they both thought the same thing: this is where God wants us.
Once home, they doubted, pointing to the day’s excitement. But God kept affirming His call. Their pastor encouraged them to trust Him to provide for their needs and take away any roadblocks to service.
Larry and Terry, former salesman and secretary, then decided to come volunteer for a week. Enthusiasm built each day as they learned more about the work here. After returning for a weekend, they went home firm in their decision to move toward service with JAARS.
New obstacles appeared. Some family members opposed their decision. Finding a new home at the right price took time. And the financial support needed for their ministry did not immediately appear. Frustration showed up, too.
Terry says, “I learned the Lord was going to ask me to do other difficult things in the future. He wanted me to obey, step out and trust Him alone. It wasn’t people who would provide for our needs, but Him.”
Eventually, all the barriers came down, and in February 2001 the Blackwells moved to JAARS. Terry worked as a center tour guide for two years. She then became the volunteer coordinator, meeting new volunteers and helping place each one in a job he or she enjoys.
Terry says, “I can relate to these people and encourage them to seek God and see if this is where He wants them. We are willing to train them so they can enjoy what they do here.”
Larry adds, “The beauty of serving at JAARS is that if one job does not suit you, you can try another.”
Larry serves in Partnership Ministries, telephoning people interested in the work of JAARS. He calls to thank them for donations and asks how he can pray for them. In addition, he calls pastors to tell them about the Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project. Churches that want to connect more intimately with a translation project overseas can talk to him for details and help.
He’s also been involved in coordinating the funds received for four-wheel-drive vehicles destined for translation teams in Africa. “It’s a blessing to see translators get safe, reliable transportation,” Larry says.
For the Blackwells, it certainly was an adventure finding the will of God for their lives—positions at JAARS.
