Dan and Jo Craig, along with their four children – Josh, Noah, Maddelyn and Josiah – recently relocated to Cairns to take on the ministry of managing Wycliffe Australia’s Tree Tops Lodge. Dan has a background in construction and Jo has worked in nursing and operations management, and along with church ministry experience over several years they are well equipped for their new roles.
They have also been involved in multiple short-term mission trips to Uganda, Greece, Darwin, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Cairns. Many of their trips have included their kids where they have been on ‘work parties’ together.
For both Dan and Jo, their desire is to support the work of mission and Bible translation wherever they can: Our heart is to serve those who serve, supporting Wycliffe Australia wherever we can be most helpful. We recognise that mission really takes a well-supported team, each contributing to the whole.
The Craigs also believe in viewing the entire family as part of that team. Dan explains: Mission is a team sport and our family philosophy on mission and ministry is that ‘We’re in it together.’
Initially the Craig family thought they would be heading to Papua New Guinea but, after praying about it as a family, they did not feel settled. Jo shares: Listening to and including our kids in the process of discernment is important to us. To wait on God together and hear his voice. We trust him to speak to our kids so that we can move as one, unified in our sense of call. We want our kids to not feel like they’re being dragged along but to foster their relationship with their Father, so they can listen to him and walk in relationship with him.
The opportunity to serve in Cairns then opened up and was confirmed. Having arrived at the end of January, they have stepped into their roles where they hope to offer not just a beautiful place of accommodation but a space where those in mission and ministry can come and encounter the rest, refreshment and renewal God can bring. Dan shares: Along with the practical needs at Tree Tops, our heart is also to be there to offer support to those in mission. We want to give them space to come and be themselves, to feel seen or simply to rest without always being in the spotlight. We want to share life with people, to listen and be an encouragement. Our kids I’m sure will also connect with other kids from the families staying at Tree Tops and will be a blessing in a way that us adults can not. We’re looking forward to being a family on mission together.
The plan for the Craig family is for them to stay at Tree Tops Lodge as managers for a year and then prayerfully consider where they may serve in 2027.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4–5 (NIV)
Bible translation projects cannot happen without people filling various roles both ‘on the ground’ and at the home office. Administrative staff here in Australia are just as essential as overseas and cross-cultural workers for keeping Bible translation fires burning. In Wycliffe Today, we will be shining a spotlight on some of Wycliffe Australia’s home office staff.
Gary and Eva McMaster have been serving with Wycliffe Australia since 2015. Prior to joining Wycliffe, they served for 15 years as church planters in Poland. As a skilled videographer, Gary plays a critical role in bringing attention to the ongoing needs for Bible translation as well as documenting inspiring stories from the field. In her role as a ministry mentor and advocate for Bible translation with the Victorian Office (VICRO), Eva is passionate about God’s Word going out to the nations and seeks to inspire a new generation of Christians to respond to God’s call as goers or senders.
WT: What was it that first influenced your decision to consider joining Wycliffe?
In our church planting ministry in Poland, using the Bible in the local language was central. Upon returning to Australia, we were shocked to learn that there are still so many people around the world who do not have access to Scripture in their own languages. We wanted to be involved in changing that! Wycliffe was a great fit for us to use our gifts and experience.
WT: What are your greatest needs at the moment?
We love advocating for those we equip to send out, but our main challenge is helping Aussie Christians understand the importance of the behind-the-scenes work we do.
Kathy Dadd is grateful for the support she receives from Gary and Eva. She shares:
I really appreciate Gary and Eva! I work in the Northern Territory. There are so many language communities here asking for Bible translation and help with Scripture engagement. We desperately need more people to join the team. I am so thankful for Gary and Eva making videos, visiting Bible colleges, sharing about Wycliffe’s work at events, and walking with people in their journeys of exploration so that we can continue our work on the field. It enables more people to hear about the needs and opportunities around the world. I thank God for the work he is doing through the McMasters, and pray that he will keep using them to encourage his people to partner in the work of Bible translation.
Please pray for the McMasters to:
continue trusting God for his provision
in order to continue serving, they need more people to join their partnership team (an additional 35 people who support them $100 a month)
be faithful and effective, helping send more workers into the harvest field.
Waiting is hard, isn't it. But imagine waiting 2000 years for Scripture in your language! Thanks for your patience. And thanks for your generous support which will help bring the long wait to an end...
Thanks for your patience...