Jerry and Zoobi Jones Acquire Historic French Convent for Christian Higher Education Initiative

Jerry and Zoobi Jones have embarked on a mission to transform an old convent school in France into a hub for Christian higher education. The couple, who have been married for 47 years, purchased La Maison de Perrine, a former Catholic girls’ school in the village of La Chapelle Au Riboul, in 2017. The property, now known as the House of Perrine, has become a focal point for their vision of expanding Christian influence and academic opportunities in Europe.

Zoobi Jones, a British law graduate and longtime partner of Jerry, initially hesitated about the purchase. However, after praying about the decision, she came to support her husband’s dream. “He’s the big visionary,” she said, noting that she serves as the “practical one that nails it down.” Their complementary roles have been essential in bringing their plan to life.

The couple’s journey began in 1977 when Jerry, an American theology student, met Zoobi, a British law graduate, at England’s Oxford Church of Christ. Jerry had traveled several miles to find the church, and Zoobi, who grew up near future Beatle John Lennon in Liverpool, offered him a ride partway. The encounter, marked by both humor and determination, set the stage for their lifelong partnership.

Zoobi’s nickname, “Caroline,” stems from her childhood love for the character Looby Loo on the British children’s TV series “Andy Pandy.” Her early fascination with France, cultivated through family vacations, eventually led the couple to purchase a summer farmhouse in northwestern France in 1992. This property, located about 20 minutes from the convent they would later acquire, became a stepping stone in their broader vision.

Jerry, who served as an evangelist for the Oxford Church of Christ and later for Churches of Christ in California, has spent 40 years in ministry. His academic background includes degrees from the University of Southern California and Yale University Divinity School, which have informed his approach to Christian education and leadership.

The Joneses’ efforts reflect a broader commitment to Christian higher education within the Restoration movement. Their work at La Maison de Perrine aligns with the movement’s emphasis on theological education and community service, offering a model for integrating faith with academic pursuit in Europe. Their story underscores the importance of partnership, vision, and practical execution in advancing Christian missions.

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