FEATURING MARGARET & JOHN JONES: "ON A JOURNEY OF PEACE MAKING"

Margaret and John Jones have been an inspiration to so many folks in the Church of the Brethren and in their local community . Both, Margaret and John served in Brethren Volunteer Service, in Northern Ireland, during very troubling times in the 1970s. John grew up in Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon, majoring in Communications.

Margaret was born in Australia and at the age of two years old, her father needed to return to his home-land of Switzerland, to care for his natural mother. Growing up in Switzerland, Margaret attended college in Zurich, studying to be a teacher. She taught school for 2 years and ventured to England, where she taught mentally and physically handicapped children.

After returning home to Switzerland and teaching five more years, Margaret felt the urge to explore the world as a volunteer. Meeting Dale Ott, Director of Brethren Volunteer Service in Europe, she accepted a placement in Belfast, Northern Ireland, working with children and families.

As fate may happen, John Jones was on a similar journey of exploring the world. He happened to make friends with some BVS volunteers in Belfast. One thing led to another. John committed to serving in BVS and, John met Margaret. As things happen sometimes, John and Margaret married in Belfast on February 25, 1977. . . . and there’s more to the story in this edition of “Brethren Voices”.

Bill Jolliff provides the theme music, “There’s Sunshine in My Soul, Today.”

TAGS: Life Ventures, School Teachers, Nurturing Human Beings, Peace Making, Northern Ireland Conflicts, Brethren Volunteer Service, Camp Myrtlewood of Southern, Oregon, Nature Preservation.