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 (PBT) 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 PBT 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 as we continue to serve in PNG. 

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. My grandfather was a pastor for many years and still serves in the church as a retired man in his nineties.

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 PBT 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:

My name is Ray Evangeline and I recently turned 2! I spend most of my days ripping around as happy as can be. Occasionally I find things to get upset about, but I keep that to a minimum. My parent's gave me the name "Ray" because they think I'm their ray of sunshine and it's what my Grandmother called my Mom when she was growing up! My middle name means "good news." When Mom and Dad found out I was coming in nine months they were in the process of dealing with grief at the prognosis that they would probably never have children. I hear them talk about what good news I was to them. I'm so glad God created me and didn't allow any physical barriers to stop Him. I know my parents pray every day that I will grow up following God.

Willa's story:

My name is Willa Marie and I've only just started my life. I was born in Australia, but I'm not an Australian citizen. Just like my parents and sister, I'm an American. My parents thought long and hard about my name, just like they did for my sister. In Yall village our family has a girl named Wilma and our Mama is Maria. Mom and Dad wanted to honor them and our connection to them, so they named me Willa (for Wilma) and Marie (for Maria). Marie is a long standing name in my Dad's family and my Mom has an aunt named Marie. So I've also been given a family name. 

I'm quite calm and I absolutely love sleeping. I don't understand why Ray doesn't. I'm not used to the heat yet, but hopefully soon. I'm very glad God created me too and I can't wait to see what's in store for my life in PNG!