God often works in ways that go far beyond what we could plan, predict or imagine. He weaves together people, places and moments to create lasting transformation.
When Marianna Slocum, a linguist, and Florence Gerdel, a nurse, first said “yes” to coming alongside Bible translation efforts in Mexico in the 1950s, they couldn’t have foreseen how far that yes would go. They couldn’t have known how it would connect them to three different language communities — or how it would contribute to a global movement that would reach far beyond their lifetimes.
Mariana and Florence’s story is about how God invites ordinary people into His extraordinary mission, and how He uses our obedience for His glory.
In 1956 Marianna and Florence helped complete the Highland Tzeltal New Testament for roughly 1,000 believers across 40 congregations. Reacting to the Scriptures in his own language, one believer prayed, “Lord, it isn’t enough that now in our hands we have Your Word written in our own language. Write it in our hearts, Lord, and let it be seen in what we do and say each day that we believe in You and that we obey Your commands.”
The Tzeltals had their New Testament, and Marianna and Florence had completed their task. Or had they?
You might be standing at a crossroads, wondering what God has next for you. You sense He’s not finished writing your story and wants to use you in a big way — but you don’t quite know how.
Just like Marianna and Florence, who said yes again and again, you have a role in God’s global mission. God calls each of us to be part of making His name known to the world. There are still numerous communities waiting for the Bible in a language they clearly understand, and there are countless ways you can be part of the life-changing work of Bible translation!
Trust God with what’s next, and leverage the time, talents and treasures He’s given you.
Find your place in the mission →
Stepping Out in Faith Again
Marianna and Florence didn’t assume their work in Mexico was done. They discovered that the Bachajón people were no longer opposed to having translators come and work with their Lowland Tzeltal dialect. So Marianna and Florence made the move, and a translation began anew.
Because the dialect was similar to the Highland Tzeltal dialect, the Bachajón New Testament was published and placed in the hands of the people about nine years later.
It might have seemed like Marianna and Florence had completed what God sent them to do. After all, there were believers like Domingo Mendez, a language helper who told his people, “We have given thanks to God for this Book. Now are we going to use it? It isn’t to be put in a box but used to reach those of our people who do not believe.”
Once the New Testament was completed, Bachajón individuals, families and churches were better equipped to grow.
Marianna and Florence knew that for lives to be transformed, people needed Scripture in a language they clearly understood — and while the Tzeltal communities had received God’s Word, many others were still waiting.
Saying Yes to Colombia
When God opened the door for Marianna and Florence to go to Colombia in 1964, they said yes again.
A government representative accompanied them to Páez territory and left them with a family who turned out to be believers and hosts for Sunday services. The arrangement was also ideal from a language-learning standpoint. Five hundred people came to Florence’s clinic each month, and Victor Porifio, father of the family, became Marianna’s language helper for translating Páez stories and the Gospel of Mark.
Later a local Bible institute graduate became a language helper for what resulted in a 12-year project to translate the remainder of the New Testament. Final checking also involved two other ordained Páez pastors who had helped teach adults to read and write and had also taught in the Páez Bible school. The three shepherded 22,000 Páez believers worshipping in 200 churches.
When the first 100 copies of the New Testament arrived, members of the Páez community rejoiced. “Lord,” one prayed, “having Your Word in our very own language is just like having You here in our midst.” Another, who had been practicing his reading in anticipation of this day, clasped the New Testament to his heart, exclaiming, “At last!”
God makes His presence known through His Word, and He works through His people who share it with communities around the world. He used Marianna and Florence to pioneer Bible translation work among the Páez so that they could have Scripture in their language and be transformed.
Every Language Deserves the Whole Story
Marianna and Florence’s faithfulness continues to impact people today. The Highland Tzeltals, Bachajón Tzeltals and Páez have access to God’s Word in their own languages!
Bible translation often marks the start of long-term change for a community: churches grow, people share the gospel with one another, and there is lasting transformation that impacts individuals and families for generations to come. When people receive Scripture in a language they clearly understand, it changes lives.
But today there are still millions of men, women and children who are waiting to experience the power of God’s Word in their own language for the very first time.
Like Marianna, Florence and other pioneering women in Wycliffe’s history, Wycliffe missionaries are following God’s call to serve in places where Bible translation work is just beginning.
God is inviting you — through praying, giving and advocating — to be part of what He’s doing. You can help bring the Bible to communities that are still waiting.
From Mexico to Colombia and beyond, the legacy of faith left by Marianna and Florence is shaping eternity. Bible translation is more than a task — it’s a global mission and a shared invitation to see God transform lives through His Word.
We look forward to the future when one day, people from every language and nation will have Scripture in their own language and, like the Páez man, rejoice: “At last!”
