Jones, Griffith Francis (1864–1940) and Marion (Vallentine) (1860–1939)

Abstract

<p>Captain Griffiths Francis Jones, and his wife, Marion, were pioneer missionaries in Singapore, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, New Britain, and Gibraltar. Jones lived in 18 different countries and held evangelistic meetings in 38 countries with people from 34 different language groups. He was well known as the captain of the <em>Melanesia</em>, the largest mission vessel of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church’s South Pacific fleet. However, Jones made many more significant contributions, including changing the focus of the SDA mission in Papua from industry to evangelism. Yet, as a widower, when assisting in the dedication of missionaries en route to Papua New Guinea, “he was convinced he had only one talent—willingness.” In 2007 he was inducted into Southwestern Adventist University’s Alumni Hall of Fame.</p>