Jara Hinkle

Jara grew up in a small town in Oklahoma with parents who were deeply involved in their church. Through that involvement, she developed a passion for missions from a young age and participated in local and international mission projects whenever she could. At the age of 13, she went on her first international mission trip with her youth group, which was foundational to her faith and calling. After high school, Jara moved to New York City to pursue makeup artistry. She later moved back to Oklahoma where she met her husband and received her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing from the University of Central Oklahoma. They relocated to Florida where her husband had accepted a job as a Worship Pastor. Five years ago, they made a second move to Bakersfield when her husband was hired as the Worship Pastor at The Bridge Bible Church. 

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Her professional background spans from product design, graphic design, website management, marketing and photography. On the communications team, Jara’s work helps CTL share the story of what God is doing through graphics, marketing and storytelling. She was drawn to CTL because of the amazing impact it brings to children around the world. She has always had a passion for missions and loves that she gets to use her gifts and talents to do something meaningful and impactful. Since having children of her own, she says that her love and passion to see children loved and cared for and know the love and transforming power of Christ has grown. 

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Outside of work, Jara is always up for an adventure. She loves exploring California with her husband and two children, Canyon and Oakland. She loves taking her kids to the park, hiking, camping and visiting friends and family around the U.S. She is very involved in her church where she serves in the mom’s ministry and on the photography team and loves participating in various Bible studies.

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 23: 

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"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

When asked, "If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?” Jara said: "Lasagna, because there are many layers to who I am, and as you get to know me you discover more of them."