We’re Steve and Johanna Pillinger, and we work with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Wycliffe is a Christian charity that aims to make the Bible available in every language in the world, so that people can read it in their own heart-language.

Steve: I am Publishing Production Co-ordinator for our work in sub-Saharan Africa, liaising with typesetters and publishing specialists across the continent to prepare completed translations for printing as Bibles and New Testaments—thus enabling people who have never had God’s Word in printed form before to read it for themselves for the first time.

This involves matching publishing needs as they arise with available expertise, either locally in the country concerned or at one of our regional publishing centres in Africa. Training is an important part of my role, both of prospective national typesetters and of translation teams preparing for publication. Making resources like scripture maps and pictures available is another. And in between times I also do some actual typesetting when the need arises!

Johanna: I work with Wycliffe South Africa in Member Care, being available to assist fellow members in all areas of life other than their actual work. Being a missionary has its own specific challenges. Among other things, we need to find our own supporters and income; we have to adjust to different cultures, and find solutions for children’s education. We deal with life issues that are common to everyone, but often have to be faced in unusual circumstances. In all these areas I seek to assist my colleagues so that they can do the work to which God has called them.

We have two children, now young adults:

Stephen lives in Sheffield, where he completed a degree in Biblical Studies and Philosophy. He is currently looking into options and preparing himself for Christian service — initially part-time, supported by ‘tent-making’ jobs; but eventually full-time.

Jennifer is married to Warren Melnick, a South African working in church planting and training across Africa. They are based in Johannesburg. At the moment Jen is working with Warren on various projects; but she has a degree in Anthropology from the University of London; and her long-term desire is to be involved in peace-building work in Africa. She and Warren are still working on their future plans.

The wider Pillinger family: Warren, Jen, Stephen, Johanna, Steve

See “Potted History” (link below) for a light-hearted look at how it all began, our work among the Rendille in Kenya, and much more!