Progress in the Pacific: Meet Jon and Heather Clapp in Palau

Progress in the Pacific

Walk along white sandy beaches or dive into clear waters, exploring a coral reef or swimming with sea turtles, schools of fish, or even manta rays. The Pacific Islands clearly showcase God’s creative power. But while full of beautiful scenery, colorful creatures, and friendly people, the islands also hold great pain because the people need a Savior.

Jon (’03) and Heather (’98) Clapp have answered God’s call to preach the gospel through their love for the islanders of Palau.

Meeting the Clapps

Their story begins in Michigan, where Jon and Heather met at a Christian school and served in various outreaches, especially in children’s ministries. Their church stressed the importance of missions, an emphasis that influenced both Jon and Heather.

“During high school, I went on several missions trips,” reflects Jon. “These trips showed me how big the world is, and I saw how God works in other cultures.”

Jon and Heather were married, then God directed them to Maranatha Baptist University, where Jon majored in biblical studies, and Heather studied office administration.

“During my years at MBU, I served at a boys’ juvenile home where I was exposed to a different culture in Wisconsin,” says Jon. “I encourage Christian young people to take new opportunities, to stretch themselves, and to be involved in ministry wherever they can.”

While at Maranatha, the Clapps also connected with Harvest Ministries in Guam.

“We enjoyed teaching summer school, working with the young people, and building relationships with the college students,” says Heather. “During this trip, we developed a love for the people of Micronesia and prayed that God would allow us to return.”

God answered this prayer in a specific way when the Clapps connected with another missionary family in need of teammates.

Of that crucial time of seeking God’s direction, Jon testifies, “All we had to do is say yes to what God was doing.”

Living in Palau

The Clapps then moved to Palau in June 2007. Today they participate in a variety of activities and ministries. For example, Heather teaches their children from home and mentors many of the Palauan ladies.

“Wednesday is my day to lead the high school girls’ Bible study and visit ladies in the church,” reports Heather. “But not all discipleship is specifically scheduled. I look for opportunities to build relationships, no matter what I am doing.”

Jon also invests time into his family and disciples the men of Palau.

“Every day seems to be a little different,” he notes. “I lead Bible studies, visit individuals in the jail, pray for people at the hospital, study in my office, or care for our children. We also have many opportunities to counsel and assist the families.”

While the people of Palau are warm and welcoming, their friendly smiles often mask their hurting hearts.

“The Palauans emphasize community,” explains Jon. “The family is supposed to be strong, but within that strength people hide the truth and cover things that are shameful.”

Many Palauan people do not follow God’s plan for marriage and family life. As a result, children experience abuse and neglect, teens live in guilt and shame, and adults continue the cycle of sin.

“I understand the pain of divorce and remarriage from my own family growing up,” reveals Heather. “My experiences help me relate to the young girls, but even my painful situation seems minor compared to some of the problems these children face.”

Meeting Needs

God regularly gives Jon and Heather opportunities to meet the needs of the Palauan people and direct them to the Bible so God can meet their ultimate need.

“We have more material possessions, so the people ask for help,” says Jon. “We’ll drive to the gas station or go to the power company to pay for their bills because we have learned that meeting people’s physical, personal, and spiritual needs are all connected.”

“We want the people to know that we’re not just here to talk but to help them with their needs,” shares Heather.

As the Clapps take these opportunities to give of themselves, the people see God’s love, and some individuals realize their need of a Savior. But reaching the people of Palau takes time.

“Progress can be slow,” says Jon. “We want to teach the people that we can keep the things that are good about their culture, but we have to say no to things that are not part of the Bible.”

When the people ignore the truth or fall back into old habits, the Clapps battle discouragement.

“But when you know where God wants you, it’s the best place to be. When we are able to see just one person say no to temptation and intense family pressure, and say yes to following God and doing what is right, it’s one of the greatest encouragements we could ever have.”