Who we are
Brian’s story
I grew up in a home with parents that established in my life a firm foundation of faith in Christ. My father is the preacher at my home church where my grandfather serves as an elder. Each of these men has influenced my spiritual growth and development, challenging me to grow in faith.
I went to Roanoke Bible College (now Mid-Atlantic Christian University) for my undergraduate studies and received a degree in Biblical studies and cross-cultural ministry. Later I went to the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL) and received a master’s degree in language development. During my time in both of these schools I went on various mission trips to Africa and Asia which helped to solidify my future in missions.
I joined Pioneer Bible Translators in 2006 and met my wife, a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators, at GIAL in 2007. After much prayer we decided to serve together with Pioneer Bible as language surveyors. God has patiently guided my steps this far and I look forward to seeing what He has in store for my future and my family’s future.
Hannah’s story
I also grew up in a family that put Christ at the center. My father worked as a Christian psychiatrist and served in the Air Force for many years.
I received my undergraduate degree in secondary education with a concentration in history at Appalachian State University. While still in undergrad I became a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators and went to PNG as a high school teacher. During my time there I learned about language survey; I came home and started my graduate studies in language development. In 2007 I went back to PNG with Wycliffe to serve as a language surveyor. I loved connecting with Papua New Guineans and being a part of bringing groups closer to having the Bible in their own language. I came back early to marry Brian and finish my graduate degree in language development.
When Brian and I returned to PNG in 2011 with Pioneer Bible it felt like coming home. I was excited to be serving with my husband, and now I’m that much more excited to serve with my husband and beautiful children!
Ray’s story
From Ray: My name is Ray Evangeline and I’m 11! I like Science, Shakespeare, stories, crocheting, and sewing. Five days of the week I do school. Two days I play with my sisters! One night I had trouble sleeping and I prayed. God was ready for me to stop saying no to being a Christian. So I decided to become a Christian. The next day my parents baptized me! When I get angry at Willa and I want to do something mean, I calm myself down by thinking about Jesus. I love our routine for every day, and I like PNG.
From Mom: Ray is learning and growing so much every day. School is not always easy for any of us, but she’s full of a desire to learn and curiosity about the world around her. As she says, when she moves out of the house Gemma’s going to have to rely on Willa to be her main big sister. Right now?? All Ray. She’s a caretaker and loves her sisters well. We simply enjoy being around this kiddo!
Willa’s story
Willa Marie is 9! She was born in Australia, but she’s not an Australian citizen. We thought long and hard about her name, just like we did for her sisters. In Yall village our family has a girl named Wilma and our Mama is Maria. We wanted to honor them and our connection to them, so we named this firecracker Willa (for Wilma) and Marie (for Maria). Marie is a long standing name in Brian’s family.
Willa is determined and driven and full of hilarious antics. Her favorite things in the world are her sisters, dogs, Australia, piano, and reading. She’s also becoming quite besotted with Science, but only particular topics. When she jumped in on Ray’s Science and wanted to be included, she turned away with a snort when she heard we were talking about molecules. That was a no. Willa brings life and joy and loudness wherever she goes, and we can’t imagine life without her!
Gemma’s story
Gemma Charlotte is 5 years old! Her birth country is Papua New Guinea and our home country is obviously the United States. With that in mind, we gave her the name Gemma Charlotte to always remember both parts of her. Gemma means “gem,” and there are LOTS of those in the PNG mountains. Charlotte is the city in North Carolina where Hannah grew up. It’s each piece of her, tied together in her name. She loves her sisters, cockatoos, and listening to audiobooks. She’s also quite handy at all her sister’s memorization work!! It’s a delight to hear her pop out some Shakespeare or a Psalm as easily as she sings “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (because you know that’s in there, too!!!).
