FrontLines Spring 2025 - Flipbook - Page 4
Building a Life on Micah 6
Micah 6:6-8 is Duane Johnson’s choice for the most
meaningful passage in the Bible to him.
“These verses tell us that God is not satisfied with our
rituals of religious piety which, in Micah’s day, included
bringing offerings of animals or other things they
produced,” Duane said. “Today those rituals might include
saying the ‘right words’ or attending the ‘right’ church.”
For Duane, the impact of these verses culminates in what
God expects of us: “To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8b, NIV). That’s
why Duane chose to build his life on Micah 6.
Duane discontinued his work on the JAARS board a few
years ago. Recently, information about a charitable
gift annuity (CGA) arrived in Duane’s mailbox. The
information was a fit for him and his wife, Judi, and their
specific situation. So they called one of Wycliffe’s senior
gift planning advisors. The advisor helped the couple and
showed them how they could fund a one-time gift now
that would benefit JAARS in the future. Planned giving is
another way that the Johnsons, and people like you, can
partner in the ministry of Bible translation.
Raised in a Christian home, Duane always had a strong
interest in missions work. When he was contacted by
the JAARS (a partner organization) board of directors
regarding the possibility of serving on the board, he
realized that he could be involved in the work of Bible
translation while continuing his business career. He served
on the JAARS board for 25 years and was the board
chair for 15 of those years. Duane later learned that his
longtime friend, Marvin Hyde, a member of Wycliffe
Bible Translators who served at the JAARS Center, had
recommended him for that position. Duane also served for
nine years on the Wycliffe Bible Translators board.
Duane eventually traveled to Kenya with Marvin and
Marvin’s wife, Joyce, to visit two remote translation
projects. Witnessing the impact that these projects had
on the communities deepened Duane’s commitment to
Bible translation.
Duane attended his first Scripture dedication for the
Awa people of Colombia. Because of civil unrest in
Colombia at that time, the dedication took place in
northern Ecuador. “Probably the most impressive thing
about seeing their enthusiasm for the New Testament
in their language was the fact that they had to walk six
hours each way over mountainous jungle to reach the
dedication site,” said Duane.
Duane and Judi Johnson
Would you like to create a legacy with an eternal impact? Wycliffe Foundation
can help you do just that by investing in Bible translation through charitable gift
annuities, estate planning and many other planned giving options. For more info,
visit wycliffefoundation.org or email info@wycliffefoundation.org.
