Richard and Josi Ingram
Missionaries Supporting Missionaries

God’s Calling
In 2005, God called Josi and Richard Ingram out of their careers in the private sector to begin work as missionaries. For two years they served on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona. In November, 2007, God called Richard and Josi to join Pioneer Bible Translators in Dallas, Texas, where they work full time in PBT’s International Service Center.

In Acts 6:2-4 the Apostles sought people to take over some of the tasks so they could more effectively spread the Gospel:

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
(English Standard Version)

Just like the Apostles, Pioneer Bible Translators needs people to do the everyday tasks that support the missionaries translating the Word of God into the languages of the many people they serve-this is the call that Richard and Josi have answered, working at the International Service Center.

Pioneer Bible Translators has over 200 missionaries translating God’s Word for Bible-less people in 43 language groups. Missionaries train and prepare for cross-cultural ministry at the International Service Center. Critical support roles, such as Information Technology and media production, are based here.

Richard is an IT Specialist for PBT. His duties include:

• Technical support for users in the International Service Center and in the field.
• Web site support.
• Software support for global communications and translation software.

Josi is the Assistant to the Church Mobilization and Development team. Her duties include:

• Organizing fund raising events, such as dinners and auctions.
• Traveling to churches and schools to raise awareness of Pioneer Bible Translators.
• Organizing and managing meals for various outreach programs and activities.

God Uses Life to Train for His Work
Richard was born in West Virginia, but grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles. His family was Baptist and he accepted Christ at eleven years of age. He began expanding his Christian experience and became actively involved in a strong youth group during high school. He moved to Fullerton, California, to attend Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University) in 1973, where he majored in Communications. In 1977, he married Josi, whom he met at PCC, and he began his work career. His years in the private sector led him through jobs in engineering, retail management, and finally into desktop publishing and computer support for over fifteen years. In 2005, God led him and Josi into the mission field, where he has continued using his skills to extend the reach of other missionaries.

Josi was raised in Arizona, in a Christian home, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age. In 1974 she left Arizona to attend Pacific Christian College in Fullerton, California. There she and Richard met, and in 1977 were married. Josi received a degree in Fine Arts from Fullerton College and began a career as a Costumer for Theatres and Dance Troupes in California and Arizona. That career would last her for 25 years, until 2005 when God called her and Richard to the mission field.

Statement of Faith
A Christian upbringing influences a person for life, but it’s only through a relationship with Jesus Christ that a true understanding of God’s gift of salvation is learned. We have based our marriage and our lives on our relationship in Christ. We believe:

• in one God, eternal, existing in three persons: the Father, Creator of all things; the Son, who died and rose again to be our personal savior from all sin; the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, as Jesus promised, a helper in our life as children of God.
• in salvation by grace, through the blood of Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin, crucified on the cross, and was buried, then rose again on the third day. This salvation is a gift of God’s mercy, offered to all who will repent of their sin and accept the payment that has been made for them.
• that the Bible is the true Word of God, written through the witness of the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, comfort us, lead us ever closer to our Father in Heaven.
• that the church is the Body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and exists to serve the lost and edify the saved, doing the work of our Lord until He calls us home to be with Him for eternity.

How Can You Help?
Being in the mission field can sometimes be lonely, whether that field be in the far-flung reaches of the world, or right here in the United States. Missionaries cannot work alone-without partners, missionaries are alone. Our ministry with Pioneer Bible Translators depends on partnerships with churches and individuals. We hope you will prayerfully consider becoming financial and prayer partners with us in God’s work of Bible translation.

Invite Us to Your Church
We understand that it is of utmost importance for our partners to be informed about and involved in the ministry of PBT. We would enjoy visiting your church and speaking about the work of Bible translation and our plans for ministry. We can share with your congregation, church leaders or missions board, or any small groups within the church who would be interested in learning more about reaching the Bible-less people groups of the world.

Newsletters and Updates
Our regular newsletters provide the most complete information on our ministry with Pioneer Bible Translators. We would be glad to add your church to our newsletter mailing list. If you wish to receive our newsletters, please let us know using our contact information on the previous page. Our newsletters are available by email or regular mail.

Prayer is an important part of our ministry. We value your partnership in prayer. An electronic prayer update is available on a weekly basis.

Financial Partnership
Our main financial need is for commitments of regular monthly support. Pioneer Bible Translators, which is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, uses a system of deputized fund-raising which ensures that PBT receives and has control over all funds. Checks should be made out to PBT and mailed to our home address. Our names should not be noted on the check itself.