Slope: 15% average. 14% at touchdown increasing to 26% near the parking bay at the top
People Served: Mek (Kosarek)
Interesting Facts: Flights to Volmimpi are scheduled to arrive before midmorning. After 10 a.m., winds moving through the mountains make the runway too challenging. Precipitation on the windshield interferes with the pilot’s depth perception and is another restriction to consider at Volmimpi.
At Volmimpi the “committal point” on approach occurs just before landing, even prior to touchdown. The surrounding terrain makes it impossible to go-around and try again, so once past the committal point the pilot must continue for landing even if a pig or a person unexpectedly comes out onto the runway.
Because Volmimpi is so challenging, an important checkout process is required for any pilot flying in. An experienced instructor pilot supervises three to five practice landings and at least one go-around, points out key terrain features to reference when approaching, and discusses weather patterns and challenges.
Before taking the first passengers into Volmimpi, YAJASI sent two pilots to do an aerial survey and test landing with an empty airplane. They made notes while flying several approaches and did a detailed runway inspection. YAJASI’s runway chart for Volmimpi is based on their findings.
Time Saved: From YAJASI’s home base in Sentani to Volmimpi is a 50-minute flight. Overland travel is impossible due to jungle, swamp, mountains, and rugged terrain void of roads. If attempted, it would take several weeks. The only other practical option for the people at Volmimpi is a two-day hike to Kosarek, the next nearest grass runway in the mountains. For YAJASI, Volmimpi to Kosarek is a 7-minute flight.
The runway at Volmimpi has an average slope of 15%. Photo by Brad McFarlane
Pilatus Porter parked at Volmimpi with the runway below. Photo by Brad McFarlane
Clouds sit atop the mountains behind the PC 6. Photo by Brad McFarlane
YAJASI pilot Mark Hoving is warmly greeted by locals at Volmimpi. Photo by Brad McFarlane
Pilatus Porter parked at Volmimpi. Photo by Mike Martin
The traditional grass-roofed homes of the Mek people adorn the rugged hillsides of Pinia, the village nearest to the Volmimpi airstrip. Photo by Mike Martin
Picturesque stone walls help mark garden boundaries while protecting the produce from foraging pigs by keeping them on track. Photo by Mike Martin
Translator Mike Martin meets some of the local kids at Volmimpi. Photo by Amy Martin
Mike and Amy Martin, on the left, along with Mike’s four translation helpers flew from Kosarek into Volmimpi and some other distant villages within the Kosarek language area where they had previously spent little or no time. They held public readings of the translated Scriptures to test for understanding and clarity. Photo by Mike Martin
People gathered for public readings of the New Testament which was one more method of checking the translation before finalizing it for publication. Simon, (top right, tan hat) was frequently seen helping others learn to read the Scripture portions long after the daily sessions were finished. Photo by Mike Martin
Yesaya, in red, was the first Kosarek translator with whom Mike began working 19 years ago. He often shared with the people the importance of preserving the native language and culture, and how valuable it is to have God’s Word in their own language. Photo by Mike Martin
Anderson reading scripture to the people. He found people he knew in each location and enjoyed hanging out with the local people. Photo by Mike Martin
Gerson, far left, contacted all the villages ahead of time, organized and communicated well to bridge the gap between cultures. Photo by Mike Martin
Mike says, “People in the surrounding villages told us over and over again how glad they were to be able to understand the translation immediately, and they were so blessed by the reading of the Scriptures in an understandable language.” Photo by Mike Martin
We reduce barriers, ease burdens and deliver God’s Word. We do that by training, equipping, deploying
If you're a @libertyuniversity student and interested in mission aviation, then stop by the hangar for a chat with Dennis. He's at the hangar open house today! ... See MoreSee Less
Adelyne Burns! Hope you went to their table to say hello!!! So exciting to see JAARS at LU! Our family loves JAARS!
Delegates attending the Aviation Technical Conference being held this week at JAARS. These aviators represent flight programs in Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, and the United States. Pray for them, their meetings, and the aviation programs that each of them represent.
Mission aviation plays a critical role in Bible Translation!
Wonderful. Praise our Lord. Thanks for sharing this,so We can share to others !
As the daughter of a former JAARS pilot who went to Ecuador in 1964, It gives me such pleasure to see the JAARS legacy continue so well. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!
Published NT + Genesis and Ruth2022, Dedication date February 2024
Available in print, audio, and dramatized NT, Gospel of Mark video. MP3 with solar-powered projection units
JAARS provided aviation support.
Philippines: Karao
3,700+ Speakers
Published NT 2023
Available in print
Philippines: Isnag
125,000 Speakers
Translation began 1956
Published NT 1982, Full Bible 2023, Dedication date June 25, 2023
Available in print, and the Jesus film
Between 1959–2010 JAARS provided 17 pilots, 5 mechanics, radio people, support personnel, and computer specialists. For the June 2023 dedication JAARS photographer Rodney Ballard captured the event on film.
JAARS Shipping and other services on the Base all assisted the translators in their work.
*Name changed for security reasons
Brazil: Kulina
3,000 Speakers (in Brazil)
Published NT 2021, Dedicated June 1, 2021
Available in print, audio, digital, and Gospel recordings
JAARS pilots Jeremiah Deidrich, Jake Anderson, and Craig Russell provided aviation support, along with SIL Brasil and Missão Novas Tribos do Brasil, from 2008–2021.
Solomon Islands: Cheke Holo
12,000 Speakers
Translation began 1985
New Testament dedicated 1994, Published Full Bible 2022
Available in print, audio, and the Jesus film
JAARS provided software development support.
Indonesia: Seko Padang
5,000 Speakers
Published NT 2021, Dedication date September 15, 2022
Available in print, and the Jesus film
JAARS involvement:
Mark & Kirstin Jenkins provided computer support
Bob & Joyce Sterner provided administrative support & personal encouragement
A JAARS Fellows candidate must be a believer with a deep and growing relationship with God, can agree to the JAARS statement of faith, and embraces the vision and mission of JAARS. Beyond that, we require an Associates or Bachelor’s degree (or life/experience equivalent – i.e. YWAM Discipleship Training School, relevant work experience, etc.) and a learner attitude.
Beyond the $11 per hour compensation, the Fellows benefits package includes paid holidays, sick days, and vacation days. Health insurance is also available for those who need it. Additional benefits include community outings, life hacks (life skills classes), and enrollment in the Intercultural Communications Course and the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course.
Fellows are expected to participate in one life hack and one outing a month. This is approximately 6 hours per month outside of work hours. Fellows spend 1-2 hours per week in intentional community time with their cohort(s). This time could include games, food, conversation, etc.
All one-hour spiritual coaching and professional coaching times are during work hours. During the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course, fellows spend 6 hours on content during work hours. Life hacks and outings are not part of paid time but will enhance your overall experience as a Fellow.
All fellows help departments at JAARS fulfill crucial roles that will in turn support mission workers overseas. Each position contributes to the vision and mission of JAARS in different ways. This is a great topic to discuss in the second interview with the hiring manager.
Yes. Historically, we have had approximately 39% of fellows join JAARS staff after the completion of their fellowship. Some of those have filled short-term roles, while others have filled long-term staff roles. If there is an interest in staying at JAARS after the fellowship, fellows are encouraged to discuss potential opportunities with their supervisor/professional coach and the HR Director.
After you have gone through an initial interview, you will be invited to a Hiring Manager interview where, if the HR team and hiring manager feel confident in you as the top choice, you will receive a formal offer letter to join JAARS Fellows.
Celebrate this exciting, new step. Also, complete all of the onboarding paperwork that is sent to you by the HR Fellow and Fellows Coordinator. If you have any questions about that paperwork, reach out via phone or email.
Fellows rent fully-furnished apartments at the JAARS Center. Usually these are shared, and each person has their own room and bathroom. Apartments include a kitchen, cooking appliances, living room, one or two bedrooms, and one or two bathrooms. Monthly rent is $100, including utilities, internet, and laundry facilities.
Apartments are fully furnished, so only bring what you really need, such as clothes and personal supplies. Decorations can also never hurt! Check out photos and a video walkthrough of one of the two bedroom, two bath apartments at this link.
Fellows participate in approximately one life hack per month to add various life skills to their repertoires. We also do approximately one fun outing every other month. These are just the scheduled activities; you will have plenty of time for recreational community building activities with your cohort. Read more about outings and life hacks in the “How do we invest in our fellows?” section of this webpage.
With the exception of occasional meals during outings and life hacks, fellows are responsible for their own meals. To encourage community, fellows are asked to eat meals together often. Campus housing is equipped with a kitchen that includes pots, pans, dishes, and utensils.
The JAARS Center is located about 6 miles from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and 10 miles from Lancaster, South Carolina. While a car is not required for JAARS Fellows, most people find it helpful to bring their own car.
JAARS is located 30 minutes south of the outer beltway of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 20 minutes from Lancaster, South Carolina. We are 10 minutes from Main Street in “downtown” Waxhaw.
JAARS is located on a beautiful 500+ acre rural campus with recreational areas and a swimming pool, library, dining room, health clinic, RV Park, childcare facilities, and youth ministries. In the community, one can find game night groups, volleyball groups, Bible studies, as well as other special events.
Waxhaw, North Carolina, is a family-friendly, historic, small town, surrounded by a natural backdrop of rolling hills, horse country, and outdoor recreation. It has creative and performing arts, vibrant music, antiques, and good old-fashioned parades.
Lancaster, South Carolina, is also a historic, small town with a state university campus, shopping areas, several festivals and events, as well as a Christmas parade each year.
Recreational activities in the Waxhaw area include escape rooms, mini golf, beautiful parks, delicious places to eat, and much more! Here are some examples of what is in the area:
Cane Creek Park – biking, walking, kayaking, picnicking
These classes enhance your overall understanding of your place in the Great Commission and how to effectively engage in it. Our God is a missional God, therefore JAARS values missions. Both of these courses prepare kingdom workers. Whether God calls you to missions or the marketplace after your fellowship, you will be equipped to advocate for missions in all future endeavors.
Perspectives is structured like a college-level course. Read the course overview here. Fellows take the course at a certificate level which includes videos, readings, reviews, discussions, and an integrated project.
JAARS offers an interactive, 4 week course that trains and prepares missionaries to serve the Lord in multicultural, multigenerational teams, whether overseas or stateside. In ICC, you will learn how to further your interpersonal skills, understand differing worldviews, and deepen your relationship with God.
Fellows attend this course as their first month of the fellowship. JAARS compensates fellows for 40-hours per week as though they were working and also covers the registration cost (approximately $900). Upon completion of the course, they join their departments in their roles for the remaining 10 months of the fellowship.
All fellows positions are full-time (40 hours per week). Most positions work 8:00 am to 5:00 with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules vary for certain positions that require involvement in evening and weekend programs.
You will meet weekly with a spiritual coach, who will get to know you, and ultimately disciple you into a more mature follower of Christ. Your spiritual coach will be assigned to you after you’re given the opportunity to interact with multiple spiritual coaches and you have provided input as to which individual you’d enjoy working with.
You will have a professional coach whom you will meet with weekly, this individual also happens to be your manager/supervisor. They will work with you through the various aspects of your role, talking to you about areas of interest for you, the parts of the job you may not like. They are there to help you navigate your job and even into your career beyond JAARS.
JAARS partners closely with SIL International, 100+ organizations of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and with other local and global organizations. The majority of our supported staff are Wycliffe members (their funding and sending organization) assigned to JAARS, or seconded to SIL International and located at JAARS.
Intern's Details and Eligibility
Key Dates
October 1 – February 28: Applications are open and interviews begin with select candidates
March: JAARS Interns are selected and notified
May 25–27: JAARS Interns move in
May 28: 1-day orientation for JAARS Interns
May 28 – August 2: Interns serve at JAARS
August 2: Going away gathering
Eligibility
Qualifications for all interns include:
Completed sophomore year of college. While college freshman and sophomores have skills that are applicable to JAARS, Interns may not be the avenue to apply them. Applicants who will not have completed their first four semesters of college prior to the start of the internship can consider volunteering.
Interns are required to live in housing on the JAARS campus. Housing is not included in compensation. Monthly rent is $100, including a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment shared with a roommate; a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment shared with a roommate; or a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with no roommate. Assignments depend on the number of interns in the cohort and available housing units. All apartments are fully equipped with furniture (including a small TV, but not a DVD player), linens (bedding and towels), and kitchen supplies.
Wages
Compensation for interns is $10 per hour.
Benefits
Benefits for interns include a life skills workshop (aka Life Hack), coverage of the cost of the Highlands Ability Battery and the corresponding career advising/coaching, outings, personal, spiritual, and professional development, and two paid holidays (Memorial Day and Fourth of July).
Work Schedule
All interns work full-time (40 hours per week). Most interns work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules may vary for certain projects that could require involvement in evening and weekend programs.
A JAARS Interns candidate must be a believer with a deep and growing relationship with God, can agree to the JAARS statement of faith, and embraces the vision and mission of JAARS. Beyond that, we require the completion of four semesters of college and a learner attitude.
Benefits for interns include a life skills workshop (aka Life Hack), coverage of the cost of the Highlands Ability Battery and the corresponding career advising/coaching, outings, personal, spiritual, and professional development, and one paid holiday (Memorial Day).
Interns are expected to participate in one life hack and two outings during their 10-week internship. This is approximately 9 hours outside of work hours.
All one-hour coaching times and group Bible studies are during work hours. Two hours of career advising with a Highlands Ability Battery coach is paid time, however the assessment itself is approximately three hours of unpaid time. Life hacks and outings are not part of paid time but will enhance your overall experience as an Intern.
All interns help departments at JAARS complete crucial projects that will in turn support mission workers overseas. Each project contributes to the vision and mission of JAARS in different ways. This is a great topic to discuss in the second and third interview with the Interns Coordinator and project manager.
Yes. If there is an interest in staying at JAARS after the internship, we encourage interns to pursue JAARS Fellows after they graduate. Other opportunities to stay connected to JAARS could be through volunteering.
After you have gone through the three interviews, if the HR team, Interns Team, and project manager feel confident in you as the top choice, you will receive a formal offer letter to join JAARS Interns.
Celebrate this exciting, new step. Also, complete all of the onboarding paperwork that is sent to you by the HR Fellow and Interns Coordinator. If you have any questions about that paperwork, reach out via phone or email.
Interns rent fully-furnished apartments at the JAARS Center. Usually these are shared, and each person has their own room and a shared bathroom. Apartments include a kitchen, cooking appliances, living room, one or two bedrooms, and one or two bathrooms. Monthly rent is $100, including, including utilities, internet, and laundry facilities.
Apartments are fully furnished, so only bring what you really need, such as clothes and personal supplies. Decorations can also never hurt! Check out photos and a video walkthrough of one of the two bedroom, two bath apartments at this link.
Interns participate in approximately one life hack during the internship to add various life skills to their repertoires. We also do approximately two fun outings. These are just the scheduled activities; you will have plenty of time for recreational community building activities with your cohort and the JAARS Fellows on campus.
With the exception of occasional meals during outings and life hacks, interns are responsible for their own meals. Campus housing is equipped with a kitchen that includes pots, pans, dishes, and utensils.
The JAARS Center is located about 6 miles from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and 10 miles from Lancaster, South Carolina. While a car is not required for JAARS Interns, most people find it helpful to bring their own car.
JAARS is located 30 minutes south of the outer beltway of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 20 minutes from Lancaster, South Carolina. We are 10 minutes from Main Street in “downtown” Waxhaw.
JAARS is located on a beautiful 500+ acre rural campus with recreational areas and a swimming pool, library, dining room, health clinic, RV Park, childcare facilities, and youth ministries. In the community, one can find game night groups, volleyball groups, Bible studies, as well as other special events.
Waxhaw, North Carolina, is a family-friendly, historic, small town, surrounded by a natural backdrop of rolling hills, horse country, and outdoor recreation. It has creative and performing arts, vibrant music, antiques, and good old-fashioned parades.
Lancaster, South Carolina, is also a historic, small town with a state university campus, shopping areas, several festivals and events, as well as a Christmas parade each year.
Recreational activities in the Waxhaw area include escape rooms, mini golf, beautiful parks, delicious places to eat, and much more! Here are some examples of what is in the area:
Cane Creek Park – biking, walking, kayaking, picnicking
All interns positions are full-time (40 hours per week). Most positions work 8:00 am to 5:00 with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules vary for certain projects that require involvement in evening and weekend programs.
You will meet weekly with the other interns in your cohort as well as an Interns team member for a group Bible study. Additionally, you will meet weekly with a coach, who will get to know you, and ultimately disciple you into a more mature follower of Christ.
You will have a project manager whom you will meet with weekly. They will work with you through the various aspects of your project(s). In addition to your project manager, you will receive professional coaching. This coach (same as above for spiritual coaching) will talk with you about your areas of interest, the parts of the job you like and may not like, and will help you navigate your internship and even your career beyond JAARS. Additionally, you will take the Highlands Ability Battery and will receive career advisement from a Highlands Consultant.
The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) is a human assessment tool that objectively measures your natural abilities by asking you to perform specific tasks or exercises. As part of the Highlands Whole Person Model, the HAB is the foundation and starting point to identify the career best suited for you.
The HAB is unique in that it measures your abilities based on performance rather than perception. Exercises such as recreating designs from memory, manipulating blocks in space, and putting images in logical sequence are some of the virtual tasks you are asked to perform within a set amount of time. Results based on timed performance are far more reliable than results based on self-perception or personal opinion.
JAARS partners closely with SIL International, 100+ organizations of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and with other local and global organizations. The majority of our supported staff are Wycliffe members (their funding and sending organization) assigned to JAARS, or seconded to SIL International and located at JAARS.
JAARS Fellows’ Hiring Process
This guide helps detail the steps we take to ensure a thorough and communicative hiring process. From job creation to onboarding, this list helps you understand where you are in the process and what to expect next.
1.Prayer
Before posting a position, we – the Fellows Admin Team – go to the Lord in prayer and ask that He would lead the right candidates to apply and that we would honor Him with our selection.
2.Post & Review
The job gets posted on various sites including the JAARS website and Handshake, among others. We then work to review all applications and resumes submitted. Applications are submitted through our applicant tracking system (ATS). Applicants select the position they are most interested in, create an account in our ATS, and complete the application. If more than one position is of interest, there is a place on the application to mark a second and third position preference.
3.Screen & First Interview
We review and screen candidates, inviting qualified applicants to an initial phone interview with the current HR Fellow. In this interview, we assess competencies and cultural fit, among other things.
4.Check References
If a candidate has a successful first interview, the HR Fellow conducts reference checks with the references provided on the candidate’s application.
5. Second Interview
We then pass along qualified candidates to the hiring manager for further review and a second-round Zoom interview. This interview includes the interviewee, Fellows Coordinator, and hiring manager.
6.Offer Letter Sent
Once those references and interviews are completed, the Fellows Admin Team, along with hiring managers, decide which candidates to invite to join JAARS Fellows. Official offer letters are sent to six candidates for each cohort. Candidates typically have 1-2 weeks to respond to offer letters.
7.Offer Acceptance & Onboarding
Once a candidate accepts their offer, the current HR Fellow coordinates the completion of the criminal background check and all onboarding paperwork. New fellows then register for ICC and stay attentive from correspondence from the HR Fellow and Fellows Coordinator as their start date approaches.
Our hiring process takes anywhere from 30-120 days. The process varies for individuals depending on the position, candidate pool, applicant date, and the cohort for which a candidate is applying.
JAARS Interns’ Hiring Process
This guide details the steps we take to ensure a thorough and communicative hiring process. From job creation to onboarding, this list helps candidates understand where they are in the process and what to expect next.
Prayer
Before application season, our team goes to the Lord in prayer and asks that he would lead the right candidates to apply and that the team would honor him with their selection.
Post and Review
The Internship is posted on various sites, including the JAARS website and Handshake. Applications are submitted through the JAARS Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Applicants create an account in the ATS and complete the application, selecting the project tracks in which they are most interested. If more than one project track is of interest, an applicant can mark up to three tracks. The team then reviews all applications and resumes submitted.
Screen and First Interview
After the team reviews and screens candidates, they invite qualified applicants to an initial video interview with the current Human Resources Fellow and the Interns Coordinator. The purpose of the interview is to assess competencies and cultural fit, among other considerations, and explore specific project options within the applicant’s chosen project tracks.
Reference Checks
If a candidate has a successful first interview, the Human Resources Fellow conducts checks with the references provided on the candidate’s application.
Explore & Assign Projects
With gathered information from the first interview and the reference checks, the team then determines the best open projects within the applicants chosen project tracks.
Second Interview
Once likely projects are selected, applicants are invited to a video interview with the Interns Coordinator, Human Resources Fellow, and the project manager to explore team dynamics and project details.
Offer Letter
Official offer letters are sent to four-six candidates for each Interns Cohort. Candidates typically have one–two weeks to respond to offer letters.
Offer Acceptance and Onboarding
Once candidates accept their offers, the current Human Resources Fellow coordinates the completion of criminal background checks and all onboarding paperwork. New interns respond to correspondence from the Human Resources Fellow and the Interns Coordinator as their start date approaches.
The hiring process takes anywhere from 30–120 days. The process varies for individuals depending on candidate pool and application completion date.
Fellows Details & Eligibility
Eligibility
Recent graduates, graduate students, and business professionals are eligible to apply for fellowships. Qualifications for all fellows positions include:
biblical Christ-follower
value global ministry
completion of an accredited post-secondary degree (preferred, though equivalent experience such as: completing YWAM Discipleship Training School, University of the Nations, Master’s Commission, or similar real-life experience may be considered)
Housing
Fellows are required to live in housing on JAARS Center. Housing is not included in compensation. Monthly rent is $100, including utilities, internet, and laundry facilities. Singles are assigned to a 2-bedroom, 2-bath (or 2-bedroom, 1-bath) apartment with one roommate or a 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment with no roommate. This depends on the number of Fellows in the cohort and available housing units. Married fellows work directly with JAARS housing to find a unit that works for the needs of their family. All apartments are fully equipped with furniture (including a small TV, but not a DVD player), linens (sheets and towels), and kitchen supplies.
Work Schedule
All fellows positions are full-time (40 hours per week). Most positions work 8:00 am to 5:00 with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules vary for certain positions that require involvement in evening and weekend programs.
