James and Nanci Long

SAMS Role: Associate Missionaries

Home Church: St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Amherst, New Hampshire.

Calling to Ministry: Our call had internal and external components. After serving 12 years in New York City and small country parishes, an unexpected trip to Indonesia set in motion the external call with the internal not far behind. The English speaking community in Jakarta was growing, and there was a great need for teachers, preachers, and disciple makers.

My wife and I had never considered foreign missions. But we could see how the multi-ethnic ministry in New York had prepared us for such a time as this. Our church at home agreed this was a divine call, and a few months later we were heading to Indonesia, children in tow.

Vision for Ministry: Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest city in the largest Muslim-populated nation of the world. We are keen to serve here while the window remains open. Because of the city's chaos and complexities, many fortune-seekers and refugees pouring into it in need of a lighthouse. Our vision is for our three PAC mission points (lighthouses if you will), to serve as bases for fulfilling the Great Commission. These points provide small group evangelism and discipleship. Historic worship and multilingual bible studies shape each community, as our members, recruits and short-term missionaries engage in “gospel-edged” relief work. Our primary outreach language is English. But we aim to plant Indonesian and Farsi ministries via those nationals and refugees. PAC helps prepare these people for ordained Anglican ministry and gospel work. This is a big endeavor, but we trust our big God to raise up many churches and individuals who will connect with the Lord’s work here, partner in sincere prayer for Indonesia, and give financially as the Spirit directs.

Personal Points of Interest: James has an interest in history, literature, and economics. He enjoys titles and topics including Sherlock Holmes, The Brothers Karamazov, Greek history, the development of the British Empire and the American Revolution. He is an avid outdoorsman when time and place allow, and is especially fond of trekking, fishing, and tennis. He enjoys classical, bluegrass and folk music. He also appreciates the artwork of Della Long. He has degrees in American Studies and Theology.

Nanci has a degree in Communication Studies and puts it to good use leading and teaching many women's Bible Studies. She enjoys reading a good biography, baking, and crafting. Her main focus is keeping the home fires burning and is affectionately nicknamed "Planci" for her special abilities to organize and implement the family agenda.