In the summer of 1982, after a month long orientation known as Quest, we became members of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Our first assignment led us to Dallas for an intensive eighteen month Management Internship program. It was during this time that we were exploring options for a future assignment and God led us to meet with the Director of the Senegal Branch.

Our first overseas assignment led us to Senegal via France for sixteen months of French language study. In Senegal, we were involved in a variety of support activities. Some of which were administration and technical support (i.e. computers, print shop, center management, guest house and finance office), as well as helping new arrivals procure their belongings through customs and resident permits.

God also led us to the small country of The Gambia for a short eight month assignment to help determine the need for Bible translation. We were about three fourths completed with the language surveys when we were called back to Senegal so Fred could fill in as the acting Branch Director while the Director returned to the United States.

In 1988 we returned to the U.S. on furlough for some R&R and additional training in linguistic computing.

During our second term in Senegal we saw several language projects started and one come close to completion. We helped with some of the first print jobs (songs, Bible stories, and Scripture portions) for the Pulaar and Kwatay New Testaments. Both the Pulaar and Kwatay people groups now have God's word in their heart language and can read about God's love for them.

After nine years overseas, we returned to the States in 1993 to care for Esther, Marilyn's mom. We worked at the Wycliffe/SIL International Linguist Center. Here Fred worked in the International Publishing department (where finishing touches are put on completed New Testaments) providing technical computer support for Roman fonts.

In 1998 God moved us to West Chicago, IL with Fred assuming the role of Director of Operations at the North Central Office and subsequently becoming the Regional Director.

Currently, Fred is the Director of Insurance and the Corporation Secretary for Wycliffe USA. He also serves on the Board of Aramaic Bible Translation.

Marilyn helps to produce world missions and Bible translation materials for elementary school age children. They can be downloaded at: http://www.wycliffe.org/Resources/Kids/FreeCurriculum.aspx