Meet Our Staff: The Jantzs

Name: Customer Review
Item: Ethnos360 Bible Institute
Rating: 4.5
Author: Students

Jared and Diana are one of the couples who have been on staff at Ethnos360 the longest. They each fill such valuable roles here! If something’s broken, Jared’s on the team that fixes it. If a student has class attendance issues to work out, they can talk to Diana. I’ve enjoyed getting to have Diana over for coffee and hearing more about their life story as well!

Where are you from originally?
Jared: I was born in Nebraska, but grew up ten years in Oklahoma and then moved back to Nebraska.
Diana: I was born and raised in Nebraska.

When did you join the Ethnos360 Bible Institute team?
After serving thirty years in Paraguay, South America, we joined the team here at the BI in August 2009.

What’s your role at Ethnos360 Bible Institute?
Jared: I have always served in the Maintenance Department here at the BI and had the opportunity to fill the role of Department Head for many years. A few years ago, I stepped aside for a younger “boss” but remain part of this team.
Diana: When we came in 2009, I served in the Childcare Department for a year and a half. After that, I moved into the Education Department where I serve as one of the secretaries.

What is your favorite thing about serving at Ethnos360 Bible Institute?
Jared: I believe the Lord has gifted me in the area of “trouble-shooting” and “fixing” things with my hands, and I am so thankful that He has allowed me to use that gift here.
Diana: I value working with a team that is like-minded in ministry, but my favorite thing about serving at the BI is investing in the lives of our students; seeing them walk with the Lord gives me great joy!

What is something the student body might not know about you?
Jared: Although I was in track and played football and basketball in my youth, I tore the ACL in my knee while playing basketball in Paraguay. I also crushed my left hand in a scissor-lift here on campus in 2019.
Diana: Jared and I met in his dad’s first church (in NE) when we were in the 8th and 9th grade, and during my senior year in high school, I took classes to become a beautician.

At what point in your life were you convinced to become involved with missions?
Jared: In 1972, while a senior in high school, I visited Paraguay, SA. It was there that I had the opportunity to see missions in action and how contact work was established. My visit lasted six months. I applied to Bible school and was accepted—all while in the jungles of Paraguay. The indigenous people that the missionaries were trying to reach are the people that Diana and I lived among and served for fourteen years before moving into Asuncion and becoming support team members.
Diana: I was convinced of becoming involved in missions when in junior high. Our home church hosted a lot of missionaries and evangelists, and they all said that I could have a part in world evangelism, and I believed them! After my high school graduation in 1973, I attended a bible school in NE; and in 1975, Jared and I joined forces on this journey.

Where is your favorite place to eat or thing to do here around Waukesha?
Jared: My favorite place to eat is Taqueria Palmer. We always get the tacos there because a former coworker says they are the most Mexican-authentic tasting. And my favorite thing to do here in Waukesha is to check out the car shows that the city hosts each year.
Diana: I do not really have a favorite place to eat unless it is at home, but I like to go to quaint coffee and tea shops when the opportunity comes along.

What pastimes do you enjoy?
Jared: I like working with wood and detailing cars.
Diana: I enjoy making greeting cards. I also like to read and sit on my porch in the summer and watch my plants bloom and grow! And, of course, being with our grandkids!

Do you have a “hero of the faith” that you admire, and if so, what about them is inspiring?
Jared: My “hero of the faith” is my dad, and although I did not see him as this as I was growing up, I see it now! My dad is a retired pastor, and he continues to faithfully live his life for Christ. At dad’s age—ninety-four years young—his faith is real and deep, and because of that, he daily inspires me to walk faithfully, too.
Diana: I have several “heroes of the faith” that I admire: grandparents, uncles and aunts, Sunday school teachers, and my mom. Their lives were so transparent, and they selflessly poured into my life. They lived and spoke “Jesus” and encouraged me to do the same.

Who is your favorite author or musician?
Jared: I think my favorite author over the years has been Louis L’Amour. His books were our television in the jungles of Paraguay. And favorite music… Classics from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Diana: I read many different authors’ material, but I think my favorite authors right now are Paul E. Miller and Cynthia Heald. And for music, I like classics from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s classics as well but thoroughly enjoy listening to Elevation Worship and Casting Crowns. I am a K-Love fan!

Where is your favorite place to spend time?
Jared: My favorite place to spend time is…home!
Diana: My favorite place to spend time is at home with Jared, but I also love spending time with our three kids and their families (amongst them are ten grandkids).

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Meet Our Staff: The Jantzs

Meet Our Staff: The Jantzs

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