Jason and his wife Olivia with their children Nathan (8), Sophie (6) Isabel (3),
Alex & Ben (22 months), and Charis (3 months)
After eight years as a missionary in Australia, Jason Staggers and his family packed their bags and returned to America this May to be part of the new Every Nation church in Lexington, Kentucky, CityLife Church.
Jason and his wife, Olivia, married in 2001 and knew that life as missionaries would sometimes mean moving cities, even countries. What they didn't quite expect with moving back to where they once lived, was reverse culture shock. Eight years in a country is enough time to become familiar with its people and places, to say the least. America almost feels like a "foreign land" to the Staggers, and they find themselves reminiscing life in Albury-Wodonga.
“We are more passionate than ever about reaching young people who are far from God. I believe eight years in Australia has equipped us to more effectively reach the unchurched youth of America."
Jason made an impact in Australia due largely to the support of ministry partners, men and women who wish to make an impact on the mission field without physically going but by sending others.
“Our ministry partners have changed the course of history — not just in Australia, but beyond. Many lives were touched by Christ through our ministry there, and we are only just beginning to see their long-term impact for the Kingdom of God.”
One life Jason touched was a student named Brent. Brent was living a lifestyle which controlled him for years. One day, he reached out to Jason, who he considered a friend, with a simple text message, "I need help."
Jason told Brent about Jesus, and since that day Brent's life hasn't been the same. Jason continued meeting with Brent and helped him grow deeper in his relationship with God by equipping him with study guides and meeting with him to pray and encourage him in his budding faith. By the time Jason and his family were ready to leave Australia, Brent was ready to reach others at his university with the Gospel.
Investing in ministry partnership can yield results as far away as one can imagine. Anyone can make a difference just by sending others into the mission field. “When people support World Missions, more people encounter Jesus and His Kingdom grows,” Jason shares.
To find out how you can support missionaries like Jason and world missions, go to our Every Nation website and click here or on the large, square button that says, "How Can I Support Every Nation?"
Learn more about the new church in Lexington by visiting us online at City Life Church Lexington's website.
My family and I went to church with the Staggers here in Albury and Wodonga. I also had the pleasure of playing guitar in praise and worship for the church with Livs and her lovely singing voice and her skilled keyboarding. Their children are great testimonies to their parents love for Christ and others. It is an honour and pleasure to know them and now others will find the same.
Posted by: Chris Weller | 07/17/2011 at 02:30 PM
Jesus woke me up, drew me and drenched me in His grace through Jason & Olivia Staggers' ministry. I couldn't agree with this post more, investing in ministry partnerships can yield results as far away as one can imagine. I was born in Zimbabwe, met Jason in Melbourne (Australia) in 2003.
As Jason took time to simply hang out with me, I watched how he lived and loved. As he challenged me with God's truth, I finally understood the atoning, redemptive sacrifice that Jesus made. Jason played a huge role in my redemption.
In effect, my life and legacy are now about and for God. Our children, and their children and grand-children and all the rest will live to know (and hopefully serve) the God of the bible.
It's wonderful that others in Lexington will get to know and serve Jesus through knowing Jason & Olivia Staggers.
Posted by: Clarence Machingaifa | 06/22/2011 at 02:44 PM