Sue first heard about Wycliffe Associates in 1989 when her husband, Bob, responded to an advertisement by David Landin asking for computer specialists. Bob soon got very involved with Wycliffe Associates (now known as MissionAssist), going to meetings and conferences.
Sue had trained as an English teacher (BA and PGCE), taught until they had children, then had 20 years at home before returning to teaching in 1988. She also gained a CELTA qualification and taught English as a second language.
A few years later, at a WA conference at Horsleys Green she heard Martin Lloyd and John Williams enthusiastically talking about how EasyEnglish was being used. The idea seemed to be that pastors of churches in far flung places who had no Bible or Bible guides in their own language, but had a basic understanding of English, could use the EasyEnglish texts and translate them for their flock. She felt this was language as she understood it, and offered her services to read through texts for obvious mistakes.
There followed many meetings of novice EasyEnglish writers and linguistic checkers in London, Harrow and Horsleys Green. They carefully studied the Manual and the Lexicon and then just followed the rules. Learning from mistakes they helped each other to improve. From about 1999 Sue checked extensively, both Bible texts and commentaries and, starting with the Little Gem Bible Guide, Sue helped Mary Read translate many Christian books into EasyEnglish.
By 2003 Wycliffe Associates were advertising for more linguistic checkers, and Sue trained all those who volunteered, and subsequent new recruits.
Conway Castle-Knight
A volunteer with MissionAssist since 1993, Conway is an experienced computer programmer.
Gordon Churchyard
Gordon gained a scholarship to Eltham College and later trained to be a chemistry teacher. A gifted musician and composer …
Helen Pocock
Helen joined MissionAssist soon after it was established as "Wycliffe Associates (UK)" and she worked on EasyEnglish from its inception …
Ian Mackervoy
Ian has been a member of MissionAssist since 1991 and during this time has been involved with various activities including …
Keith Simons
For 15 years, Keith held teaching, lecturing and examining roles for Final Professional/Post Graduate courses specialising in writing and …
Kitty Pride
Kitty Pride, with her husband Leslie, worked as Wycliffe Bible Translators for 40 years in South Western Mexico. They worked …
Marion Adams
Marion Adams is a professional copy-editor and writer. She has a wealth of experience editing academic papers and articles …
Marion Cooper
Marion originally trained as a nurse. After marriage and having her three children, she joined the staff of the local …
Mark Kirkpatrick
Mark was a member of MissionAssist for 27 years. A member of the Church of England for most of his …
Mary Read
Mary Read was a professional writer who welcomed the chance of using her writing skills in the furtherance of the …
Philip Smith
Philip has been a volunteer with MissionAssist since 2002. He is the translator of the EasyEnglish commentaries Deuteronomy, Judges, 1 …
Robert Bryce
Robert was in the insurance industry for 28 years. He has a BSc in Maths and was an FCII Chartered …
Roland Morriss
Roland did a 3-year BD course at London Bible College and learnt Greek and Hebrew as well as theology …
Sarah Baldwin
A member of MissionAssist since about 1999, professionally Sarah has worked in insurance and IT and she currently works in …