GlocalNet

The first time I left the West I went to Tanzania as a stand in for Rick Warren for 1988 - it was a great experience.  Over 20 couples have gone out from NorthWood to work in various places around the world.  Because of our emphasis on mobilizing the body of Christ to serve cities - often people aren’t aware of how NorthWood members serve vocationally all over the world.  I wanted to give you a chance to get to know one of these couples - Dan & Kelly Jones:

How long have you been at NorthWood?
We came to NorthWood 3 years ago after relocating from the Chicago area.

Why did you come?
We were looking for a church that was focused on missions both globally and locally, which we found at NorthWood.  We also wanted to find a place we could call home, where we could live in community with people who want to make a difference in the world by using their gifts and abilities.

How has it shaped you?
We immediately identified with NorthWood’s “glocal” approach to missions and the “Up, In, Out” philosophy that guides the church body.  Every Christian is a missionary, whether it is to a country on the other side of the world or in their neighborhood.  Through events like the Global Faith Forum, Building Community and Multi-Faith Weekend, as well as the many speakers and world leaders that have visited the church, NorthWood has helped us understand better how to live and work cross-culturally in ways that demonstrates God’s love and glorifies Him. 

What will you take from it?
In addition to all the great experiences we’ve had while at NorthWood, we love our cell family and we have so many wonderful relationships that we praise God for.  Many of our prayer and financial partners are members of our NorthWood family and we are grateful for the support and encouragement they provide.  We’re honored to be part of the family and we know we always have a home in DFW!

What does Wycliffe do and why have you chosen to work with them?
Wycliffe Bible Translators works around the world to make the Bible accessible to all people in the language they understand best.  Today about 340 million people do not have even one verse of Scripture in their language!  We are working with Wycliffe because we know the power of God’s Word and its importance to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We are committed to help bring the Bible to the Bibleless peoples of the world.  Wycliffe also focuses on community development, literacy development and church partnerships to make this vision a reality. 

How did you feel called to do this?
We believe God has directed us to work in a cross-cultural context to help the local church through Bible translation.  Dan has a love for languages and translation, and the work of Bible translation is a tangible way to serve God and others by helping provide Scripture in the heart language of those that do not have it.  As a nurse with a compassionate heart, Kelly will be working to serve the local community and other missionaries. 

What is your new assignment?
We are moving to Tanzania, East Africa in July 2012 to join a Bible translation project for a group of nine languages known as the Mara cluster.  We will be working alongside national Tanzanian translation workers and other Wycliffe members from several different countries.  Until July, our first assignment is developing our team of prayer and financial partners who will equip us for our work in Tanzania.

What are you most excited about?
We are most excited about living and working cross-culturally in Africa.  In addition to the jobs we have there, our focus will be on building relationships with Tanzanians and serving the local church in any way we can. 

What are you most “nervous” about?
We are leaving our families and friends for extended periods and we know there will be difficulties adjusting to life in a new country and culture. 

How much funding do you need to go and what is the process for raising the funds & dispersing the funds?
We have some regular financial partners, but we still need approximately $1,700 per month in financial partnership to meet the monthly ministry budget Wycliffe has set for us before we can be released to our assignment in Tanzania.  In addition, we need about $22,000 to meet our required initial launch funds for several one-time expenses like purchasing a vehicle, Swahili language school, and travel expenses.  We are reaching out to individuals and churches to let them know about our need and the global work of Bible translation.  Our financial partners give to Wycliffe for processing and Wycliffe then disperses the funds to us in Tanzania.

If someone wants to help - how can they - where should they send donations?
We encourage everyone to pray for us and to email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to receive our newsletters and regular prayer updates.  We would welcome any opportunity to share our hearts and discuss our ministry with churches, small groups, and individuals.  For financial partnership, please visit http://www.wycliffe.org/give and search for our names under “Give to a Missionary Ministry.”  All donations are tax-deductible.  Thank you for your prayers and support!