Jones, Rev. H.A. (Harry)

- bn – d. Northland 15 September 1958. N.Z.B.M.S. Missionary, East Bengal/East Pakistan/Tripura, 1923-1958. Member of Hamilton church. Trained at Los Angeles Bible Training Institute. Harry Jones was a man beloved by all who knew him, both at home and on the field. He arrived in East Bengal in 1923, where he was joined by Miss Nell Gillanders (see separate entry) whom he married in 1924. He took charge of the Brahmanbaria station in 1925 and guided the men’s work at Chandpur. With Mrs Jones he undertook numerous journeys into North Tripura, pioneering and extending missionary endeavours in the region, particularly focusing on translating Christian literature and the emergence of an indigenous church. During World War Two Jones served as a Colonel in the Bengali Pioneer Force. A gracious and willing co-worker, he stepped in to the gap numerous times to allow others to go on furlough, and delayed retirement in order to see the completion of his translation work. His ministry was characterised by sound judgment, wise counsel, grace, humility and especially the willingness to walk alongside others, teaching, counseling and advising. Rev. Jones died suddenly the same year he returned to New Zealand. Ref.: NZB November 1958, 569-573.