From Papua NEw Guinea to Global

Nine months into the Garvey’s first Wycliffe assignment in Papua New Guinea, they had a scare when Meleia began having seizures. Meleia was diagnosed with epilepsy and due to the remote environment in which they lived, they were not able to return to Papua New Guinea to complete the assignment.

While unable to return to PNG, it was clear that God had another purpose in mind for the Garveys to serve in Bible Translation. In the midst of the unfolding situation with Meleia’s epilepsy, Luke was approached by senior leadership of their organization (SIL International) with the proposition to move into a senior leadership role in global communications to continue serving the translation work happening around the world. After much discussion, prayer, and wise counsel it became clear that this is where God was leading.

Luke’s Role

Luke is serving as Director of Global Communications serving all of the Bible translation work happening across the globe. Some of the key functions of the Global Communications team are:

  • tell the story of the work SIL is doing around the world,

  • improve organizational alignment

  • develop strategic relationships with organizations and government leaders from different countries around the world,

  • collaborate with leaders from key partner organizations,

  • help build organizational capacity by developing new resource streams,

  • etc.

Noelle’s Role

Noelle is serving as Wycliffe’s Third Culture Kid (TCK) Ministry Coordinator for the Dallas area. The key function of Noelle’s role is to inspire and encourage the physical, mental, social, and spiritual development of young people to their greatest potential.

“About 90% of TCKs say that they are more or less ‘out-of-sync’ with their age group throughout their lifetime. An average of 80% of TCKs struggle with anxiety and depression as adults.”
— Useem, Ruth Hill & Cottrell, Ann Baker

Noelle’s goal is to help to create a landing pad and community for all TCKs in the Dallas area; where they feel accepted and connected. While also providing a launching pad that helps equip and prepare them for a successful future.