January 3, 2019 Take My Pyakende Upon You By Guest Contributor Back to all stories “Take my yoke upon you…and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29-30 are some of the most difficult to translate into the Enga language of Papua New Guinea (PNG). From the time that I became a Christian, I was taught that a yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the neck of two animals and attached to a plow or cart that they are to pull. This is an easy enough concept to understand for people who come from societies that make use of beasts of burden, but in PNG, there are no beasts of burden. Consequently the concept of a yoke placed on animals is completely foreign. Thus, we have struggled greatly in our attempt to translate Matthew 11:29-30. Recently, however, I came to learn that a yoke can also refer to a wooden frame that a person places on his neck or shoulders to make it easier to carry a heavy load. Indeed, the Bible often makes figurative use of the word ‘yoke’ as it refers to people and not to beasts of burden (see 1 Kings 12:4-14). As I was pondering that idea, I began to notice that when Engan men carry heavy logs on one shoulder, they often balance the load by supporting it with a small stick placed across the other shoulder. It then struck me that the small stick they use to help carry a heavy log is like a yoke. Excited by this realization, I quickly asked my friend Benjamin if the stick that men use to make it easier to carry a heavy log has a name in Enga. Sure enough it does. It is called a pyakende . With great anticipation, I asked the translation team if we could use the word pyakende to translate the word ‘yoke’. After wrestling with the phrasing for a little while, we came up with the following translation: “In order to remove the heaviness from your shoulders, take my pyakende . When you have taken it, you will receive rest. As my pyakende helps you, what I give you to carry is not heavy and you will carry it without struggling.” Story and photo by Adam Boyd Source: The PNG Experience Posted in Bible translation Previous Next

August 27, 2025 Your Prayers Matter Prayer Back to all videos English 0:00 to 2:59 Length 2:02 We often underestimate the power of prayer to change the world around us. But as the example in this video shows, our prayers can help change people’s lives in significant ways. And just by praying, you can help people get the life-changing Word of God in their language. DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Something New Length 5:38 Dineke is living in a new world, vastly different from her homeland in the Netherlands. She and husband Klaas are right in the thick of it, learning a new language and culture. This life can be daunting. In this film, Dineke shares her fresh perspective just three months into their incredible venture. Every Tribe Will Hear Length 2:25 In the 1980s, Wycliffe founder William Cameron Townsend — affectionately known as “Uncle Cam” — delivered an inspirational speech at the memorial service of a fallen missionary. This video captures Townsend’s passion for the mission we have each been given to carry the gospel message to every nation. Bible Translation is a Justice Issue Length 02:43 Many people take it for granted that the Bible is available in their own language, and are unaware that there are hundreds of millions without that privilege – mostly from smaller, often marginalised language groups. This video explains in just under three minutes why translating the Bible is transformative for these communities, bringing greater equality, empowerment and justice. (Produced by the United Bible Societies, used with permission.) Pastor Gab Length 1:34 Pastor Gab shares the importance of mother tongue Scriptures. With one impact story from his language community, Tetun. Previous Next

Africa WICKER, Matthew and Kylie Matthew and Kylie Wicker both grew up in missionary families (Matthew in Russia, and Kylie in Togo, West Africa) and look forward to following God back to the mission field! After completing master’s degrees in linguistics at the Canada Institute of Linguistics, Matthew and Kylie joined Wycliffe Canada in early 2021. They are excited to work alongside speakers of minority languages in Cameroon, doing transformational language-related ministry! They anticipate being involved in language analysis that will provide a crucial foundation for Bible translation, literacy efforts, and language development. They hope to begin French study in 2022 with their two sons, and arrive in Cameroon by the end of 2023. Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=270 Previous Next

October 18, 2018 God’s Word Lights the Way By Samuel Ko Back to all stories With a happy grin and sweat pouring down his face, Pey* was the first to arrive at the Scripture-checking meeting each morning. He left home before four a.m. and returned after nightfall, a grueling four-hour hike (with an elevation gain of more than 1,300 metres). For what? The delight of sitting on a hard wooden bench for eight hours, listening to the newly translated Gospel of Luke being read in the Cloudlands* language. When asked for suggestions to improve the translation, Pey replied, “I’m not smart; I don’t speak Spanish and never went to school. I just came to listen.” He sat and drank in the truths of God’s Word and in time began to share his suggestions as he realized he was not stupid; he understood God’s Word very clearly in his own tongue! For Pey, Psalm 119:105 was becoming personally true: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” In this rugged mountainous terrain of Mexico, where roads are scarce and paths plentiful, the psalmist’s words are very relevant. Returning home after nightfall may mean hours of hiking through dark forests that obliterate the light of the moon. Flashlights or pitch pine torches light the steep, treacherous paths to prevent stumbling over roots, falling down precipices, or getting lost. The light of God’s Word is changing lives in the Cloudlands region, as evidenced by testimonials from members of the translation team: “We are excited when lay pastors use the Scripture portions and encourage the believers to read and listen to the books and CDs we have distributed. Even non-believers are interested. . . . When the materials reach the remotest of villages, the people receive them with wonder and excitement; they’ve never heard about our team working on Bible translation.” – Pedro “We use the Cloudlands Scriptures for our family devotions and my wife uses them to encourage a new family seeking to walk the Christian path. God has blessed my friend Pablo with the opportunity to share on the radio five hours a week. Many people write to him, asking for advice and inviting him to come visit them.”- Eduardo “We are especially impacted by what God is doing through his Word when we go out to visit the Cloudlands communities. One lay pastor is using the translated portions to help him better understand the Bible as he prepares to preach. He taught his little children to read the Cloudlands language; this encourages us to continue translating the Bible.”- Armando Testimonials like these inspire the Wycliffe Canada staff members assigned to this language group. “What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing among the Cloudlands people!” *Pseudonyms used due to project sensitivity Posted in Impact Previous Next

Belief Statement - As a participating organization in the Wycliffe Global Alliance, Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada subscribes to the Alliance's Statement of Faith STATEMENT OF FAITH Belief Statement As a participating organization in the Wycliffe Global Alliance, Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada subscribes to the Alliance's Statement of Faith: We believe the Bible, the inspired Word of God, is completely trustworthy, speaking with supreme authority in all matters of belief and practice. We believe in one God, who exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe all people, being created in the image of God, have intrinsic value, but as a result of sin are alienated from God and each other, and therefore in need of reconciliation. We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, is fully God and fully human; He demonstrated God's love for sinners by suffering the penalty of death in their place, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where He intercedes for His people. We believe all who repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Saviour are, by the grace of God, declared to be right with Him, receiving forgiveness and eternal life. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ will return personally in glory, raise the dead, and judge the world. We believe all people will rise from the dead, those who are in Christ to enjoy eternal life with God, and those who are lost to suffer eternal separation from Him. We believe in the Holy Spirit who imparts new life to those who believe in Christ; through His indwelling presence and transforming power, He gives assurance and equips believers for holy living and effective service. We believe the Church is the body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers, and is commissioned to make disciples of all nations. What We Believe About God's Word The Bible is God's message for all people everywhere. The Bible's message is evangelistic and is the basis for church planting and church growth. The most effective means of communication is the mother tongue. For a church to be truly indigenous, it must have Scripture in the mother tongue of its people. Bible translation is the task of the whole Church and everyone can have a part.

We currently have no salary positions open. If you would like to hear about donor-supported positions or opportunities within the broader global Bible translation movement, please email mobilization@wycliffe.ca CAREERS We currently have no salary positions open. If you would like to hear about donor-supported positions or opportunities within the broader global Bible translation movement, please email engagement@wycliffe.ca

Leadership Team - Wycliffe Canada leaders share a common passion to glorify God through the ministry of Bible translation. They have confidence in the sovereignty of God, a profound respect for others demonstrated through service to all, a life of integrity, and strong commitment to the vision of Bible translation. Leadership Team Wycliffe Canada leaders share a common passion to glorify God through the ministry of Bible translation. They have confidence in the sovereignty of God, a profound respect for others demonstrated through service to all, a life of integrity and strong commitment to the vision of Bible translation. Our senior leadership team, under the direction of the president, apply biblical principles and values in their decision making and problem solving as they work together. JON SHARES: “I believe that God uses His Word to do His kingdom work in the hearts of people.” Jon ImBeau PRESIDENT Jon ImBeau is president of Wycliffe Canada, a role he assumed in 2023. He provides both strategic and spiritual leadership for the organization—overseeing operations, building partnerships with churches and global networks, engaging with donors and representing Wycliffe nationally and internationally. His focus is ensuring every aspect of the organization aligns with its mission of supporting Bible translation and with its core values of faithfulness, collaboration and long-term impact. Before joining Wycliffe, Jon spent 19 years serving as a pastor and 10 years as executive director of Awana Canada. He holds a BA from Northwest Baptist College and an MDiv from Regent College. Known for being relational, visionary and collaborative, he brings a leadership style that empowers others and emphasizes both mission clarity and servant-hearted teamwork. Jon has long sensed God’s call to ministry and has a deep passion for seeing lives transformed through Scripture. He believes Bible translation is essential because it allows people to encounter God’s Word in the language of their hearts, making the gospel personal and transformative. Jon’s leadership at Wycliffe is shaped by two central priorities: ensuring Wycliffe’s endurance for the future so the unfinished work of Bible translation can continue, and helping staff flourish in the unique callings God has given them. Based in Cloverdale, British Columbia, Jon and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 30 years and have four children: Benett, Abigail, William and Charlie. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and keeping up with his Thursday night hockey league. Executive Leadership Team DEBBIE SHARES: “I believe a thriving internal culture is essential to sustainable, impactful ministry.” Debbie York SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PEOPLE, CULTURE & ADMINISTRATION Debbie York is senior vice president of people, culture and administration at Wycliffe Canada, a role she assumed in October 2024. She leads human resources, staff care, organizational development and administration. Since joining Wycliffe in 2019, her work has fostered a mission-aligned culture where people are well supported and policies reflect integrity and compassion. With more than 15 years of experience in human resources and operational leadership, Debbie has brought both corporate and ministry expertise to guide leaders, strengthen teams and build systems that foster growth and effectiveness. She is skilled at leading organizational transitions and designing HR systems marked by clarity and care. Her professional foundation is built on extensive training and certifications in human resources, leadership and organizational practices. What drew Debbie to Wycliffe was deeply personal: the faith of her grandmother, whose life was shaped by Scripture. That legacy fuels Debbie’s passion for helping others experience the dignity and transformation that come when God’s Word is available in their heart language. She believes that Bible translation nurtures community and invites deep connection with God. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Debbie and her husband, Logan, are raising two lively boys, Levi and Ezra. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, cooking, volunteering and caring for their growing collection of pets. JOHN SHARES: “For me, strategy in the Bible translation movement is less a blueprint than a cartography of trust: patient map-making where churches draw the first lines and we learn the borders by walking with them.” John Chiu SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS John Chiu is senior vice president of global strategy and partnerships at Wycliffe Canada, a position he assumed in 2024. He leads Wycliffe Canada’s strategic positioning within the global Bible translation movement—building high-trust, church-centred collaborations, advancing multilateral initiatives and sharing impact with clarity and integrity. Since 2012, John has held senior roles at Wycliffe and SIL Global, covering operations, HR, safeguarding and partnerships. In these roles, he guided organizational transitions, strengthened accountability and shaped networks serving local churches. He holds a BA in English from the University of Calgary, along with certificates in leadership, human resources management and private investigation. John is driven by the conviction that Scripture in one’s heart language restores people and communities. It nurtures families, strengthens churches, dignifies culture and catalyzes hope. Walking with churches and local leaders as they take ownership of translation—and surrounding them with the right partners and resources—is one of the most rewarding parts of his work. Based in Calgary, Alberta, John enjoys drinking good tea and reading, and confesses an arguably nerdy interest in watches. LEIGH SHARES: “My passion is to see the Canadian church engage in Bible translation because it’s central to the Good News of Jesus.” Leigh McGough SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Leigh McGough is senior vice president of Wycliffe Canada’s external engagement and development teams. Since joining Wycliffe in 2022, his focus has been inviting the Canadian church to engage in Wycliffe’s work and the broader Bible translation movement. He believes that access to Scripture is central to the gospel and the Kingdom of God. With more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry and education leadership, Leigh brings both pastoral and organizational expertise to his role. He holds a BA in youth work and community development and spent 10 years in education leadership in the UK, supporting families facing social challenges. He also served as a youth pastor, elder and eventually executive pastor in the church he and his family attended for 17 years. In 2017, Leigh relocated to Canada to oversee Awana’s ministry in Western Canada, helping churches run Scripture-based discipleship programs. Leigh is driven by a passion for equipping the global church and seeing lives transformed through Scripture access. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Leigh lives with his wife, Sam, a science teacher, and their two sons, Ben and Josh. The family is all about basketball—playing, coaching and cheering it on—and also enjoys coffee, food, easy hikes in the mountains and travel. DON SHARES: “I believe handling finances with integrity strengthens trust, honours our calling and enhances the mission of making Scripture available.” Don Buhler SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE Don Buhler is senior vice president of finance at Wycliffe Canada, guiding the organization in stewardship, accountability and the wise use of resources. He joined Wycliffe Canada in 1994 and began his first assignment in East Africa the following year. In his current role, he ensures finances are managed with integrity and that leaders have the information they need to make sound decisions. With a BComm, a CPA designation and an MA in leadership, Don brings over 40 years of experience in accounting and administration to his role. In addition to three decades with Wycliffe and SIL Global, he has experience in both private industry and the non-profit sector. He is valued for his careful analysis, steady presence and collaborative style—qualities that help strengthen trust across the organization. Don’s own life has been shaped by Scripture, and he believes strongly that others should have the same opportunity. His work in finance is one of the ways he supports Wycliffe’s mission of making the Bible available in every language. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Don and his wife, Jackie, are part of Highland Community Church. They enjoy spending time with their three married children and ten grandchildren. In his spare time, Don is often outdoors—skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or biking—or watching just about any sport. SHARYN SHARES: “I believe the language or languages we use are fundamental to our identity as children of God. My dream is that all peoples have access to God’s Word in a language that speaks to their heart.” Sharyn Thomson SENIOR EXECUTIVE ADVISOR Sharyn Thomson is senior executive advisor at Wycliffe Canada. She previously served as interim president beginning in January 2023, guiding the organization through a season of leadership transition. Sharyn holds a BA in linguistics and French, and an MA in Christian studies from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. After six years in business, she joined Wycliffe in 1986. She later moved to Burkina Faso, West Africa, serving in support roles before joining the Buamu language project as linguist, exegete and project leader. She continued in advisory and training roles through the completion of the New Testament in 2011. From 2013 to 2022, Sharyn held senior leadership roles across West Africa, including general director for SIL Burkina Faso and SIL Mali. In 2016, she became general director of the unified SIL work in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Niger, guiding the organization through significant structural and leadership transitions. Sharyn is deeply committed to Scripture, mission and partnership with local leaders and churches. She approaches her work thoughtfully and collaboratively, helping teams navigate complex challenges while staying focused on their long-term goals. Based in North Vancouver, B.C., Sharyn lives with her sister, Marianne, a retail sales manager. She enjoys coffee, sushi, reading and genealogy. VALERIE SHARES: “God is moving everywhere. I love hearing people's understanding of how and where that is happening in their lives.” Valerie Salkeld VICE PRESIDENT OF SPIRITUAL VITALITY Valerie Salkeld is vice president of spiritual vitality at Wycliffe Canada, where she has served since 2002. Known for her warmth and authenticity, she fosters a prayerful and spiritually vibrant staff community through chapel services, retreat experiences, prayer initiatives and spiritual direction. She also provides pastoral support and prayer for leaders and staff across the organization. After receiving training in spiritual direction in 2011, Valerie expanded her ministry through chaplaincy, serving as a visiting chaplain at the University of Calgary from 2014 to 2016 while continuing her work with Wycliffe’s prayer ministries department. She holds an MA in leadership in ministry, and is certified in spiritual direction and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Growing up in a home where her parents spoke Plautdietsch, Valerie developed an appreciation for the connection between language and faith. Stories of people encountering God through Scripture in their own language inspired her to join the Bible translation movement. She loves hearing how God is at work in people's lives, and helping others grow in their relationship with Him. Valerie lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, Laird. They have three adult children: Emily, Chloe and Clayton, who is married to Jori. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking and a growing hobby of axe throwing. Board Randall Visser CHAIR Randall grew up in Wycliffe, spending his formative years in Cameroon as his parents Bert and Wilma Visser served with Wycliffe. Since moving back to Canada to complete a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University, Randall has gone on to become a chartered professional accountant, and has spent over a decade working for various cabinet ministers and ministries of the Government of Canada. He previously served his church as a board member and treasurer and as a general director of a private Christian school. Randall, his wife Cassandra and their three young children live in Manitoba. Peter Moore VICE CHAIR Rev. Peter Moore has served as lead pastor of Douglas Baptist Church in New Brunswick since 2005. He grew up in New Brunswick and has been in local church ministry for 27 years, with all but three years of his pastoral ministry having been at the same church. Peter is ordained with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) and serves locally on the executive of the York Baptist Association of Churches. He has participated in missions to the Dominican Republic, Cameroon, as well as Argentina and Bolivia. Peter has been married to Patricia for 28 years, is the father of 5 children ages 18 - 28 and has two grandchildren. He enjoys getting outdoors to cycle, fish, skate and snowshoe. Heather Geertsma BOARD DIRECTOR Heather is a lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area and has practiced law for the last nine years. She currently runs and operates her own law firm specializing in family law issues. Heather was brought up in a strong Christian family in Southwestern Ontario who supported Wycliffe’s ministry. Her older sister, who had a career in education, joined Wycliffe and moved to South Asia to develop literacy programs. This sparked a deeper interest in Wycliffe and a commitment to Wycliffe’s mission. Heather believes strongly in serving in any capacity that God calls her, whether that be in private legal practice, at her church through Bible study, or leading a ministry. She brings her education, life experience and passion for God’s kingdom to the Board. She lives in Mississauga with her husband and her two beautiful daughters. Kirstyn Mackie BOARD DIRECTOR Kirstyn first became involved with Wycliffe as a volunteer when she was completing her undergrad in linguistics at the University of Calgary. She was part of a small group that dreamed up and launched Café Wycliffe (now Café Logos) which spread across Canada and then internationally. She went on to work in education, marketing and communications and then completed her MBA, focusing on strategy, marketing and business law. Since her first encounters with Wycliffe, her passion for promoting and advocating for Bibleless people groups has only grown. She was the chair of the missions committee at her church, Bethany Chapel, when they initiated a Kingdom Friendship with Wycliffe Thailand, a major partnership that directly impacts the efforts of engaging the Thai church and mobilizing local missionaries. She and her husband, Aaron, have been involved in supporting a number of Wycliffe initiatives, including visiting projects in multiple areas of Thailand. Kirstyn and Aaron live in the Calgary area with their three children, whom she homeschools. In her “free” time, she teaches a classical dialectic literature class and is very active in her home church in the missions, Awana and worship ministries. Kirstyn is honoured to have the opportunity and privilege to support the mission of Wycliffe in its critical Kingdom-building work. Mario Swampy BOARD DIRECTOR Mario has served as pastor for the Louis Bull All Nations Church in Maskwacis Alberta since 2014, and on chief and council for the Samson Cree Nation from 2011-2023. He believes these positions have given him a unique perspective on some of the challenges that exist when it comes to reconciliation both politically and at the church level between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Given Canada’s controversial political past concerning its First Peoples, which includes the residential schools, Mario believes that the body of Jesus Christ has an amazing opportunity right now to demonstrate true reconciliation in tangible and practical ways through the Gospel. Brent Hackett BOARD DIRECTOR For over 35 years, Brent Hackett has been involved in leadership roles in business, publishing, and Christian ministry. His professional experience includes building a start-up wholesale company into one of Canada’s leading distributors, as well as operating his own business sourcing and developing products internationally. For over 13 years, Brent served as CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada, where he provided steady, visionary leadership through seasons of significant organizational transition. He guided the ministry through a successful CRA forensic audit, strengthened governance and accountability, and established fully independent Canadian systems, infrastructure, and digital operations. His leadership helped expand outreach across the country while maintaining strong alignment with the ministry’s global mission. Brent has collaborated with well-known brands such as LifeSavers, VeggieTales, Dennis the Menace, and Testamints, and maintains a lifelong passion for the creative process—particularly the craft of printing and publishing. His experience spans marketing, administration, radio broadcasting, distribution, and executive operations, supported by extensive travel across North America, Europe, and Asia. Brent and his wife, Angie, have four children—three with them today and one in heaven—and are grateful grandparents to four grandchildren. Ryan Graham BOARD DIRECTOR Ryan Graham serves as the senior pastor of Southview Alliance Church in Calgary, Alberta, bringing nearly 30 years of ministry experience in Canada. Before joining Southview, he spent nine years in denominational leadership with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, most recently as national vice president. Earlier in his ministry, Ryan pastored two churches in the Calgary area. He served as lead pastor at Westlife Church for 10 years and as director of student ministries at First Alliance Church for eight years. Ryan and his wife, Christana, have been married for 29 years. They have three adult children—Cailey, Zach, and Abby—and a son-in-law, Aidan. Halie Proude BOARD DIRECTOR Halie's passion for missions began as a teenager in Michigan, leading to a short trip to Guatemala and a traveling youth worship choir in North America. She pursued a degree in global missions at Kingswood University, where her interest in linguistics and translation deepened. Learning stories from relatives who worked with Wycliffe inspired her to connect with Wycliffe, leading to a four-month internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This experience grew her understanding in a variety of roles in translation work and appreciation for the function of the organization. Now as a mother of three, Halie lives in PEI serving alongside her husband Tyler where he’s been the Montague site pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church for the last nine years. She currently is on staff as the Montague site ministry coordinator, has been active on the church-wide missions committee, organized local outreach events and led the women’s ministry team. Halie's education and experiences have fostered her curiosity and desire for connecting with people in their way of life as well as engaging them in spiritual formation. She lights up when people are empowered where they’re at and in their gifting to experience all Jesus desires for them. Ken Labbé BOARD DIRECTOR Ken Labbé is a French Canadian originally from the Niagara region in Southern Ontario. He experienced transformation by the power of the Word of Christ for himself as a young man at a Christian summer camp, which drove him to his own passionate study of Scripture, leading to a career in full-time pastoral ministry. Having grown up in multiple Christian denominations, he found a home in the Reformed tradition, where he’s served four churches in Alberta and Ontario since 2002. In addition to local church leadership, he’s also participated in and moderated a number of committees, commissions and task forces at regional and national levels of denominational governance. Ken encountered the work of Wycliffe already in his seminary days, when he built a relationship with a retired missionary who told him stories about bringing the Word to the Quechua people in Peru. Through that connection and others since, he’s worked to participate in and promote Word-focused missions from the local church setting. Always working alongside his loving and ever-gracious wife Christina, Ken is currently serving a CRC church in midwestern Ontario. He also occasionally serves his neighbours and church family in his capacity as a licensed electrician. He enjoys playing music, endurance sports and having adventures. Field Member Advisors Rob Bustin Rob and Kara live in Ethiopia, where Rob first worked with a mother-tongue New Testament translation team (which was dedicated in March 2023). For the past eight years, Rob has been the programs director for the Bible translation services, Scripture engagement, and digital media work conducted by the SIL Ethiopia Branch, one of Wycliffe’s key field partners. Rob is excited to be working with local churches and ministries as they take the lead in identifying Bible translation needs and as they seek community transformation through God’s Word. Kara teaches at a Christian international school in Addis Ababa and is excited to be interacting with the diverse staff and student community who come from over 30 nations. Rob and Kara have been members of Wycliffe Canada since 2012, and they have three daughters. Jon Jagt Jon is originally from Southern Ontario. After feeling the Lord’s call to work in Bible translation, he joined Wycliffe Canada along with his wife Candace in 2012. Together with their three children, they have been working in Papua New Guinea since Feb 2013. Jon’s first role was in the area of software development, but during their first term Jon felt increasingly pulled toward administering a translation and literacy program in Madang province. Jon and Candace are currently serving with the Gwahatike multi-language translation program, which is located on the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea. They spend part of their time in that area and part of their time living in Ukarumpa, the main mission center of PNG. Alice Reed Alice is a translation consultant on the SIL Global Consultant Pool who reviews Bible translations, mentors consultants-in-training, and advises translation teams primarily in Canada and Africa—including Blackfoot translation in southern Alberta. Prior to becoming a consultant, Alice was a language program facilitator among First Nations communities in northern Manitoba and Quebec. There, she and her husband Martin worked closely alongside Indigenous church leaders to create Scripture products and promote the use of their languages in church, school and community life. Alice has been a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators since 2015 and is passionate about seeing the Church built up through the unique gifts and theological perspectives of mother-tongue Bible translators. She is currently completing a PhD in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

January 27, 2020 Comfort and Hope By Wycliffe Canada Back to all stories “. . . so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV) . Robert, a farmer in Ghana, Africa, was comforted along with his four sons by God’s Word after the death of his wife. He seemed to be doing well, but his heart broke when the season for planting seeds arrived. Because this work was usually done by his wife, Robert was deeply saddened. As he cried, his eldest son asked him what was the matter. Robert confessed the reason for his weeping. His son reminded his dad of the Bible verses in their mother tongue, with which they had earlier been comforted with hope. “Dad, the other day we read James 1:2-4, which is an encouragement concerning trials,” the son said. “Are you going to allow this trial to overcome you? Remember, we also read 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, which has to do with resurrection and the new body. Now why are you acting like this?” Recalls Robert, “I was greatly moved by these encouraging words from my son. However, if we had been reading the English version [of the Bible] a few days earlier, I don’t think my son would have understood the depth of the Scriptures’ message.” Loss of loved ones through disease; religious, political or cultural persecution; or wars and natural disasters leave deep scars and wounds in people’s hearts and minds. Those who are traumatized need a lot of help; not just simple comfort, but real hope through faith in God. Today’s passage reminds us that the Scriptures were written not just for posterity. God inspired them to be recorded so they could teach believers about endurance; to provide encouragement that builds hope and trust in the Lord, no matter the circumstances. Drench your heart and mind in God’s story from Genesis to Revelation! When challenges come, these wonderful words can supply comfort and hope. Posted in Engaging with Scripture Previous Next

Engaging with Scripture Not Alone August 3, 2026 | By Wycliffe Canada Translating in remote communities can be isolating—but Bishop Lydia Mamakwa reminds her fellow translators that they are never alone in their work for God. Read More Faith: More Than Just Believing May 25, 2026 | By Guest Contributor A key term in the Khamti language helped a grieving Wycliffe member cry out to God in difficult circumstances. Read More The Scheming Ways of God July 15, 2025 | By Guest Contributor “Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. Yet God does not take away life but rather, he devises plans so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” This description of… Read More Prayer point: Bali & Mba May 12, 2025 | By Wycliffe Canada The translated Word is helping believers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo grow in their faith. Read More The story that must be told April 15, 2025 | By Guest Contributor Learn how digital media tools are introducing people to the gospel in some of the most spiritually challenging places on earth. Read More Engagement with Scripture: Where transformation begins March 25, 2025 | By Wycliffe Canada Engaging with Scripture changes people and communities. Read about how a verse from Ecclesiastes changed the way the Indonesian Sign Language team works together. Read More Prayer Point: Kinsha Scripture Engagement December 6, 2024 | By Wycliffe Canada Christian parenting workshops are encouraging Kinsha families and introducing them to the God who loves them. Read More Prayer Point: Wycliffe Thai Foundation November 25, 2024 | By Ruth Richert Thai Christians are gathering to pray for a new oral Bible translation in the Isan language. Read More Prayer Point: Asarɨ’o November 20, 2024 | By Ruth Richert Pray for the continued success of workshops in Asarɨ’o communities. Read More Finding a “market” for oral Bible stories February 5, 2024 | By Ruth Richert In Southern Thailand, relationships are central to evangelism. It takes time and effort to connect with people, to prove that you are sharing the gospel out of love for them, not because you have ulterior motives, or are trying to somehow score cosmic brownie points. Anything less than real trust and care doesn’t work, because these people have a lot to lose. Read More Search Search Recent Posts Why God Sent His Son Document Not Alone Document A Grandmother's Legacy of Faith Document A Dream Come True Document Faith: More Than Just Believing Document PREV 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 NEXT

August 28, 2025 Two to Share General Wycliffe Promotion Canada Stewardship Finance Partnership Back to all videos English 0:00 to 2:59 Length 1:21 This short film is a glimpse into the generous hearts of a giving couple. Wycliffe partner story with Steve and Carol. DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Surveying the Situation Length 3:59 Here’s a behind-the-scene look at one of the most challenging and adventurous roles in Wycliffe, Language Survey. Discover the motivation and passion of a young, energetic missionary and the momentous event that unfolds at the film’s conclusion. Engagement with Scripture Length 01:38 For the global church to flourish, meaningful engagement with God’s Word in the heart language is essential. How does that happen in different communities and cultures? This video unpacks part of this vital Wycliffe ministry. (Wycliffe Pillar) Hope Through Bible Translation Length 0:59 Imagine reading the Bible in a second language you learned in high school. Would you get frustrated and give up? For so many people around the world, that’s their reality because they have no known Scripture and no active translation project. Wycliffe envisions a Bible translation program in progress, in every language still needing one, by 2025. Capacity Building Length 01:22 Capacity building—sharing knowledge, skills and tools with our field partners and indigenous churches around the world. This video unpacks part of this vital Wycliffe ministry. (Wycliffe Pillar) Previous Next