The importance of home staff

By Deb Fox  |  Wycliffe Today Spring 2024 Edition  |

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.

Support the McMasters via https://wycliffe.org.au/member/gary-eva/.

Thanks for your patience...

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...