Staying on the journey for the long haul
When Stephen and Ginger Jordan and their family opened the ministry to the Agutaynen people in 2003, they earnestly dug into culture and language studies. They readily gained a grasp on the ways and vocabulary of the Agutaynens and developed meaningful relationships with them.
When Manfred and Nadine Zimmermann joined them from Germany two years later, the Jordans were excited. But while Stephen, in spite of his best efforts, continued to struggle with fluency and speaking without errors, Manfred learned the language quickly. Stephen worked very hard, but it was Manfred who first mastered the Agutaynen language.
As a result, Stephen assisted and supported Manfred in developing the Firm Foundations Bible lessons in Agutaynen language. Yet to his great disappointment, he was not sufficiently advanced in fluency to teach the chronological Bible study himself.
Ginger shares, “In August of 2011, we returned to the Agutaynen work with the goal of finally finishing formal language study. We as a family set a goal of finishing language study within 12 months.”
The past six months have been hard for Stephen, especially emotionally. Discouragement has plagued him and he began to wonder if he would ever “get” the Agutaynen language. But he was determined to keep working toward the goal by God’s grace and strength.
And joy was waiting at the end of the struggle. March 27 was a landmark day. The entire Jordan family attended the teaching meeting as they do every Tuesday night. But this night was an especially joyful one for their family.
Manfred Zimmermann started the teaching with a review time. Then he announced that Stephen had finished language study and would be teaching that evening’s lesson.
Ginger writes, “The Agutaynens were excited to hear this news!” Stephen taught the story of “The Rich Man and Lazarus”—a lesson that he and Manfred had first prepared four years earlier. But now, Stephen was able to teach this lesson from the chronological Bible study fluently in Agutaynen.
Culture goals of building friendships and understanding Agutaynen life were achieved years ago by the Jordan family and continue to develop. The language goals have taken much longer.
Ginger shares, “Our ministry story isn’t ‘he went—he learned the language in a short time—and now he is teaching.’ God has taken us on an adventure for His glory.”
At times, God’s glory meant cheerfully supporting their co-worker who was able to quickly learn the language. And now, they rejoice that God is giving Stephen the opportunity to speak forth His truth in the Agutaynen language through Firm Foundations Bible lessons.
Culture and language studies are full of challenges for missionaries. Sometimes the journey is long and requires a lot of patience and humility.
Stephen and Ginger Jordan are in these challenges for the long haul -- and for the glory of God.