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Page 3 of 7 III. Historic PrecedentOne of the great missionary examples of our time that incorporates a unique mission and business relationship which has developed into and exceptional mission delivery and support system, is the Joint Venture relationship between Wycliffe Bible Translators and Jungle Aviation Air Service. Wycliffe Bible Translators began using small, single engine aircraft early in their missionary experience to deliver and support jungle outposts of small missionary families dedicated to living with native tribes people and assisting them with medical and agricultural assistance while they worked on mastering the language for translation. After a serious accident while using chartered aircraft, in which several staff and missionary members were injured including the founder, it was decided that newer and better airplanes were needed and that they must own them. Money was an obstacle as these would not be inexpensive. Jungle Aviation Air Service, JAARS was formed and many creative services were developed to create the cash flow and capital base that was necessary for successful operations of such a technically challenging undertaking. Many foreign governments, national and international companies use the services of JAARS to assist them in their transportation needs in jungle and remote areas. Also, the missionaries served by JAARS must also raise 25% of their total support income as a revenue source for JAARS in order for them to receive transportation in and out of their jungle or remote working area. JAARS is now using the latest in turbine powered heavy single and light twin engine aircraft for most of their work. They are trading out the smaller gasoline powered planes where possible and replacing them with turbine powered craft. This is also very important because in many of the more remote areas of the world, jet fuel is more plentiful and aviation gasoline is very expensive and hard to find.
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