WIENS, Jim and Sandra

Jim and Sandra are volunteering at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as a computer teacher and a health co-ordinator. In the past, they served two years, with their three children, in Papua New Guinea. Since 2017, after an early retirement, they have been involved full time in supporting ministry families through their professional abilities.

Jim enjoys creative lesson planning and motivating middle and high school students to pursue computer science as a career. He initiated an after-school robotics club to give students access to skills they would not have had otherwise. Another contribution to the school is child safety training and consults. Sandra ensures student care, staff first-aid training, and some course teaching. They especially are grateful for involvement with families from SIL, Wycliffe’s main partner organization.

Sandra also uses her skills as a registered nurse in serving as health coordinator for SIL in Ethiopia, which includes overseeing staff health concerns and organizational issues as needed. In addition, she is responsible for some HR tasks such as child safety training and orientating new members. Working with Bible translators and support staff allows Sandra to help ministry workers set budgets, home assignments, and annual leave.

Both Jim and Sandra are thankful for professional experiences that allow them to serve in multiple ways. Their efforts incorporate God-given opportunities to impact the children of ministry workers and other families. It is a highlight to work alongside colleagues from Ethiopia and around the world in supporting Bible translators from SIL and other organizations.