A Servant-Hearted Retirement

For 30 years, retired couple Ray and Lucille Bergthold have devoted their time and resources to supporting Bible translation. Both were raised in Christian homes and saved at age 10. Lucille always knew that she was going to be a missionary, and after she and Ray were married, they pursued becoming missionaries together. However, God kept closing the door. Again and again, he would tell them: "Not yet." Missions remained an important part of their lives as they raised their four sons. They prayed for and partnered with missionaries. They also faithfully gave to their church. Even when Ray was out of work for over a year, they continued to be generous and trust God for provision.

Ray and Lucille never lacked what they needed. But after depleting their savings, they no longer had the funds they had saved to do the mission work God had called them to do in their upcoming retirement. God showed himself faithful, however, by providing each of them with jobs. Ray and Lucille were able to open a savings account with excellent interest rates. By the time they retired in their early 60s, they were well-supplied to serve as missionaries.

The couple began traveling as volunteers with Wycliffe: Ray served as a handyman and Lucille served wherever there was the most need. To this day, the money they need to travel and serve is always there. Once, before leaving for an assignment, Lucille left some checks with a friend to pay for their home's utilities and rent. When they returned, the same amount was still in their bank account as when they had left! "I don't understand God's math, but I like it!" Lucille laughed.

Ray and Lucille's love for Scripture is what moves them to give their time and financial resources to Bible translation. After the Bergtholds served in Mexico alongside the Otomi translation team, they began giving a monthly gift to help fund the project. Today the project is fully funded thanks to Ray, Lucille and donors just like them. Now the couple gives monthly to support translation projects around the world.

One way the Bergtholds give to Bible translation is through gifts from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This allows them to give toward a charity of their choice from their retirement account while saving on taxes. "I don't know what we would do without God's Word," Lucille said. She and Ray want everyone to have the opportunity to experience Scripture that they clearly understand and that touches their hearts.

To those willing to live generously, Lucille and Ray give the assurance: "They will be blessed more than they can give."

If you would like to learn more about advancing Bible translation through gifts from retirement assets, please contact the Wycliffe Foundation at 877-493-3600 or email [email protected]