Practical, day-to-day support can make Bible translation possible.
That’s why JAARS helps dozens of partner organizations get the support they need most, whether that’s a laptop and Internet access, a lifejacket and water safety training, or a flight to a remote island or mountaintop village. In the words of Cameron Townsend, founder of JAARS, SIL International, and Wycliffe Bible Translators, “Airplanes and radios don’t just make translation easier; they make it possible.”
Watch this three-minute video for a glimpse of our beginnings and a peek at our feature-length documentary, Whatever It Takes, about how God has worked through JAARS over the last 75 years!
The JAARS Vision
Our vision is that people’s lives and communities are transformed as they experience God’s Word in their own languages.
The JAARS Mission
We reduce barriers, ease burdens and deliver God’s Word. We do that by training, equipping, deploying and sustaining individuals, teams and stations to aid in the work of proclaiming the gospel to the whole creation.
Who We Are
JAARS is a multidisciplinary team of problem-solvers committed to the belief—and the vision—that people’s lives and communities are transformed as they experience God’s Word in their own language.
We are a community of full-time missionaries, dedicated volunteers, and a few employees who work together to accomplish the Great Commission goal of providing Scripture to every people group on earth in a language and form they clearly understand. We do that by supporting Bible translation and language development partners globally, and by working with prayer and financial partners in the United States to help make a range of unique on-the-field solutions possible.
What We Do
For decades JAARS has been making Bible translation and language development possible, especially in the most remote and difficult places on earth.
We do that by enabling locally-appropriate and sustainable solutions in transportation, technology, media, and training. Sometimes, our boots are on the ground (or in the air, or on the water). Other times, we’re providing expertise, training, logistical support, research and development, project management, or funding. In all cases, we’re working hand-in-hand with global field partners to identify, design, test, refine, and implement solutions that can be sustained going forward.
Core Values
Together in Christ Jesus, we commit to:
- Seek God Above All
We will demonstrate prayerful dependence on God, abiding in Christ, studying his Word, and seeking his wisdom in all decisions. (Matt. 6:33; John 15:4–5; Prov. 3:5–6) - Serve in Love
We will follow Christ’s example of sacrificial servanthood, looking first to the interest of others, both within our community and toward those we serve. (Phil. 2:3–5; John 13:34) - Act with Integrity
We will act towards others with honesty, transparency, accountability, and dependability. (Prov. 21:3; 11:3a; Heb. 13:18)
- Steward God’s Resources with Courage
We will make bold yet wise decisions as we care for and make best use of people, time, finances, and opportunities. (Matt. 25:14–30; I Pet. 4:10; Eph. 5:15–16) - Pursue Excellence
We will strive to meet and exceed professional standards and best practices, learning and improving together. (II Cor. 8:7; II Tim. 2:15; Phil. 4:8) - Collaborate with Respect
As we work together on internal teams and with ministry partners, we will communicate clearly, assume goodwill, and value each other’s contributions. (Eccl. 4:12; I Cor. 1:10, 12:12–27)
- Create a Culture of Innovation
Not content with the status quo, we will question assumptions, seek new approaches, and design innovative solutions in all areas. (Ex. 35:30–35; Eph. 2:10; Prov. 22:29)
What We Believe
- We believe the Bible, the inspired Word of God, is completely trustworthy, speaking with supreme authority in all matters of belief and practice.
- We believe in one God, who exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- We believe all people, being created in the image of God, have intrinsic value, but as a result of sin are alienated from God and each other, and therefore in need of reconciliation.
- We believe that Jesus Christ, the son of God, born of the virgin Mary, is fully God and fully human. He demonstrated God’s love for sinners by suffering the penalty of death in their place, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to heaven where he intercedes for his people.
- We believe all who repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior are, by the grace of God, declared to be right with him, receiving forgiveness and eternal life.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return personally in glory, raise the dead, and judge the world.
- We believe all people will rise from the dead, those who are in Christ to enjoy eternal life with God and those who are lost to suffer eternal separation from him.
- We believe in the Holy Spirit who imparts new life to those who believe in Christ; through his indwelling presence and transforming power he gives assurance and equips believers for holy living and effective service.
- We believe the Church is the body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers, and is commissioned to make disciples of all nations.
