Heading Home

How quickly a month passes.  It seems just yesterday that I was wandering around JAARS Center trying to get my drug test squared away.  Today we are headed home. I was reminded of what may be in store for us as we drove through the Appalachian Mountains and saw a trace of snow on the ground.

I had intended to use this blog to spread a little joy about the various division of JAARS, but suddenly here we are.  They do really incredible things, cutting edge work, in the areas of translation and technology - in addition to their widely respected ministry in aviation.

A picture is worth 1K words, so here we go:

JAARS computer folk have greatly reduced translation times by really innovative software that speeds translation.  Of course things we take for granted - Internet, phones, electricity - are a precious commodity on a remote mountain top. IT gets those things to the remote translators.  Information Technology

One of my favorite divisions is "Vernacular Services." They are doing creative things like producing audio and video Scripture in small MP3 files to be played on cell phones. (They have discovered that cell phones are ubiquitous around the world.  Many even don't have a cell phone account, but use the phone to listen to music or pass messages.  One of their more intriguing projects is to translate the New Testament via video only, no audio. They have already done the easy parts - the stories.  We had dinner with a man who is working on translating the Book of Romans into video (with no audio!) He is convinced he can do it.  What a powerful tool that would be to reach across many languages.  Vernacular Services

Of course there's Aviation, my favorite.  At JAARS Center they maintain aircraft to train pilots for flying into crazy small, rugged places.  (When you see me ask me to show you the "Go On, Go On" video!)  JAARS also supports major repairs of aircraft in the field and prepares aircraft (modifications, etc.) to go onto the field.  An important part JAARS plays is engineering.  You've seen the external cargo pods for the Pilatus Porter.  (The Natives Are Restless, Part 1)  JAARS has also designed and built lightweight passanger and crew seats, designed for the rugged landings they experience.
 

Gotta head to Topeka.  More tonight.

iXs,
       the Rev