On the road with Jan Benson
[estimated reading time: 5 minutes]
One of Jan's many hobbies is hiking and spending time in nature.
After visiting ERF Medien, TWR’s partner organization in Wetzlar, Germany, I needed a ride to Cologne, a city an hour and a half away. When Jan Benson offered to take me, I knew what a great opportunity it would be to have two hours in a car with the new assistant director for TWR’s Slavic ministries.
For over 30 years, TWR and ERF have worked together to spread the hope of Jesus in the former Soviet states. Jan, with his rich cultural background, diverse talents, and passion to see others freed by the gospel, is excited to be part of this spiritual legacy.
How did you first hear about TWR?
BENSON: I met a lot of TWR missionaries and talked with them. It was my first personal interaction with missionaries, and it sparked my curiosity, so I searched for more information online.
Instead of going to the TWR homepage, I went straight to the open listing for an Assistant Ministry Director for Eastern Europe. Although I was looking for a job, the idea of working full-time as a missionary was still very surreal to me at the time. My image of missionaries was defined by stories of specifically chosen individuals who risked their health and freedom to serve God.
But through the one-on-one conversations I had with TWR missionaries, God broadened my idea of missions, and I came to understand that missionaries play diverse roles across a wide range of professions.
The combination of the open position on the website and my deep desire to do more for God’s Kingdom left me no peace. I prayed about it and despite my insecurities, I applied for the role, knowing God would close the door if it wasn’t the right one for me.
Tell me about your family heritage.
BENSON: My mother is German, and my father has Slavic heritage. I was born in Russia and we moved to Germany during my early childhood.
What languages do you speak?
BENSON: German, Russian and English.
What is the origin of your first name?
BENSON: The name means “sunrise” or “eastern”.
Can you speak a little bit about your heart for Slavic people and cultures?
BENSON: My family lived in Russia and they have stories from there. I also have family in other Eastern European countries. But I just love the cultures and people and I think they’re open to the gospel.
In these regions, many people don’t have the opportunity to attend church or home groups. One of the key reasons I chose to serve with TWR is to help bring the gospel to them.
I think that in their cultures, you can build relationships faster than you can in German culture where it takes some time. There’s a mutual trust that builds faster between Slavic people. I’ve even experienced that among some Russian friends. If you spend time with them, before long they’re like brothers to you.
What are your hobbies?
BENSON: I enjoy spending time in the Alps hiking, doing sports and spending time with my friends. And I like cars a lot. That’s been a hobby of mine for a very long time. Repairing cars, customizing them, anything to do with cars. I’m not a professional mechanic but a good friend of mine is, and I learned a lot from him. I enjoy knowing the technical details; how the engine works and so on.
Do you have a favorite car model?
BENSON: Not really, but, of course, I think most young boys have a red Ferrari on their wall.
Did you ever have one on your wall?
BENSON: No, I had whales on my wall. Whales and nature. And oil drilling platforms, I can remember that.
Have you always had an interest in technical things?
BENSON: Yes, always. And my father is highly skilled in technical matters. Although he works as an electrician, he’s applied his technical abilities in a wide variety of ways, and I learned a lot through him.
My first profession was working with metal in the construction and car industry. For 10 years, I built big metal rings and small parts for car engines on a lathe.
Describe a time of your life when you experienced spiritual growth.
BENSON: When I finished going to university, I landed a job that required a daily commute of 45 minutes each way. I didn’t like wasting so much time in the car, but I found a Christian podcast that I started listening to as I drove. I listened to these podcasts on the way to work and on the way home. It spoke so powerfully to my heart and set me on fire again for Jesus. It changed everything in my life.
God can use whatever he wants, wherever he wants, even in a car, to start a spiritual fire inside of you and open your heart. It’s not just about going to a particular place to church, but about changing hearts and lives.
God can use media, just look at me.
I know the powerful impact that media had on my life, and I hope it will have the same impact for others.
Are you currently looking for financial partners to come alongside you in this role with TWR?
BENSON: Yes, my position is a sponsored missionary role, so I am developing a team of partners who can give financially. I’m thankful that ERF Medien (Germany) is sponsoring me in the interim so that I can go ahead and begin my work while also building a community of financial partners to come alongside me.
I can't go on this mission alone. I need friends, family, churches and organizations to partner with me. Let's work together to bring the gospel to the farthest corners of the earth.
Has God placed it on your heart to partner with Jan as he uses his God-given talents to spread the hope of Jesus to people in Eastern Europe? Visit his staff page, or give via bank transfer below.
Give via bank transfer:
Account holder: ERF Medien e. V.
Bank: Volksbank Mittelhessen (Giessen)
IBAN: DE49 5139 0000 0071 2387 09
BIC: VBMHDE5F
Purpose: 79202 Jan Benson
