In it together: The role of family in mission

Wycliffe Today Autumn 2026

by Deb Fox

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. 

For more information, or to support the Craigs, visit https://wycliffe.org.au/member/dan-jo/