We, Merle and Jenny Jones, along with our three children, Hannah-24, Lydia-19, and Luke-18, have been living and working in Sarajevo, Bosnia, & Herzegovina since October of 1999, when we uprooted and made the move across the ocean. For the first five years we were involved with a team in the planting of a church that grew and then multiplied into three Evangelical churches. After national pastors were in place, we refocused our attention to help develop a Ministry Center in Sarajevo with another couple.
Over the past 10 years, Merle has developed New Dawn Ministries, based on Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned,” focusing on cultivating environments for transformation. Like a living parable, Merle uses experiential learning to physically challenge youth to understand spiritual realities in a new light. We want to help people in their first steps toward knowing and trusting Jesus, and preparing for the ultimate adventure of following Christ. Merle uses experiential learning to develop team building and leadership development. He also uses his construction skills, develops relationships, and serves in numerous ways. This winter, we will be serving on a pioneering YWAM base on Saint Lucia for 5-6 months, assisting their outreach and discipleship, and helping with the many needs of a pioneering work.
Hannah was five when we moved to Sarajevo, and through a very long and difficult process, we adopted Luke and Lydia from Russia in 2001. Our children grew up in Sarajevo, going to the local Bosnian school for 4 years each, and were then home schooled. As our MK children are now grown and transitioning into American culture, with Hannah now married to Allan Reinhard, Lydia in college, and Luke launching into life, we return to the field as empty-nesters. This new stage of life can be hard on our family and will take some adjustment for all of us, but God continues to lead. We are grateful for your continued prayer. We look forward to an expanding ministry in Saint Lucia and Sarajevo, and further developing New Dawn Ministries. You can see our newsletters and learn more about our ministry on our Website at www.jonesfamilyjourney.com.
If you would like to support the Jones’ ministry with ARM Ministries please click here.