Wycliffe Bible Translators

Carl Follingstad and his wife Joy, have followed the Great Commission, which is carved on the pulpit of Central Lutheran Church, “Go therefore….to all nations!”

Carl grew up in the CLC Sunday School and Youth program, graduated from Augsburg College, went on to receive his Ph.D. and in 1987 went to the Tyap tribe in Nigeria. They had no written language. Living a very simple lifestyle, Carl and his family learned the language by listening. An alphabet was created and taught to others so they could read in the language of their heart. Then, part of the New Testament was translated. Carl trained tribe members to help in the translations. The complete New Testament was distributed at a dedication festival, of several days, in December, 2015. Carl, Joy and their daughter Rachel were present for this memorable occasion.

Carl continues to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators as a supervisor-leader of three other African countries, going therefore, into all nations, spreading the Word of God. And to think this all started in Central Lutheran’s Sunday School! Central continues to support Carl and Joy financially and prayerfully in this Spirit-directed ministry.

Victor and Sara Gaultney serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators. They currently reside in England and are in communication with translation teams around the world. Sara manages finances for translation projects and Victor designs computer fonts for intricate alphabets and writing systems.

Victor grew up in Central’s youth program, alongside Carl Follingstad. A goal of their work is to make the New Testament available to people in the language of their heart.

This summer, several projects have reached fruition, in terms of font development and in terms of providing published New Testaments to people in their mother tongue. It is always inspiring and interesting to learn about Sara and Victor’s work in the world. They have harnessed many opportunities afforded by technology to spread the Good News. Central Lutheran Church is pleased to participate in their ministry with support through prayer and financial contributions..