Jim and Jamie Loker, BSEd '82
- Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service
As missionaries in Mexico and Guatemala, the Lokers have long lived the Biblical mandate to bring the Gospel into all corners of the world by translating scripture into numerous audio formats for non-literate Indian groups and indigenous peoples. We honor their significant contributions through the presentation of the Baylor Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service.
Jamie Thomas Loker (BSEd ’82) was drawn to missions at a young age and eventually followed in the footsteps of her parents, Jim (BBA ’50) and Betty (BA ’50) Thomas, in choosing Baylor. Jim dove into mission work immediately after becoming a Christian as an adult. He and Jamie met while studying linguistics for Wycliffe Bible Translators and were married in 1984.
As the couple began missionary life together, they took note of how many cultures did not value literacy. With this discovery, a calling was born. The Lokers provide audio Bibles in whatever form they can—cassettes, hand-held digital devices, compact discs or low-frequency radio stations—along with the technology that allows it to be heard. Throughout the process, Jim says their job is to "carry the process through to completion" and make sure everyone has the needed resources.
Through the efforts of the Lokers and their partners in the field, translations in over 90 different languages have introduced countless people to the Gospel for the first time. Additionally, they train pastors and equip locals to disciple others long after the missionaries have left.
The couple spent 28 years living abroad as missionaries, serving in Guatemala and Oaxaca, a Mexican state they called home for the last two decades as field coordinators for Missionary Ventures. They say that moment when someone’s heart is touched by the Bible for the first time makes everything—the sacrifices of missionary life, raising seven children in different cultures and the continual challenge of connecting with people whose languages and lives are very different from their own—worth it.
Today their work continues in a new capacity with their recent transition back to the United States. Jim was named executive director of the Michigan-based Audio Scripture Ministries, a role that will allow the Lokers to coordinate globally the type of work they did in the field.
While many view missionary life as a challenge, returning to the United States presents the Lokers with its own adjustments. Not everyone would feel such an internal struggle when returning to family, friends and the comforts they experienced growing up; however, the Lokers say serving the people of Guatemala and Oaxaca was more than a calling; it was a privilege and an honor.
