Our passion is that everyone can know Jesus through the Bible

Board Member

Rachel Cruz

Rachel is passionate about the role the Bible plays in reaching people for Jesus. 

She says: ‘I have seen how having the Bible in the language people know best helps in sharing the good news of Jesus with diverse people groups.’

Rachel is originally from inner-city Liverpool. After university she worked in industrial budgeting. Following this, Rachel and her family spent six years serving young people in rural Kenya, before transitioning the project into local Kenyan leadership. During this time, Rachel developed a fascination with resourcing and initiating positive change and has since contributed to income growth for a number of UK charities. 

She lives in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where she is part of a local church family. And currently she serves on the leadership team of London City Mission as Director of Engagement.

Board Member

Mary Comont

Mary is passionate about the vision of Wycliffe for everyone to be able to know Jesus through the Bible.

She says: ‘In the Bible, we meet with God, it’s where he speaks to us directly. Through the Bible, I can know Jesus. Acts 2 tells us that languages matter. What a privilege it is to meet with God and declare his wonders in the language we know best! I love that I can play a part in people across the world meeting Jesus through the Bible in the language they know best.’

Mary works as Director of People at UCCF: The Christian Unions. She brings expertise in leading projects that put people at the centre, and in guiding people through change within the non-profit sector. She is committed to creating healthy environments that lay the foundations for people to thrive, grow and excel. Mary has experience with a variety of Christian and mission-driven organisations, including Tearfund and BMS World Mission. She is married, actively involved in her local church and can usually be found on a hockey pitch.

Board Member

Kevin Ashman

Kevin is passionate about how serving with Wycliffe enables him to participate in God’s work of reaching all nations.

He says: ‘In the Great Commission it says: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The work of Bible translation is a key element of fulfilling the Great Commission.’

Kevin became a Christian following a Billy Graham rally in 1980. He attends All Souls, Langham Place, where he is a member of the church council. He has been involved in mission work for over 25 years and is a director of a number of Christian charities engaged in mission. Kevin is married with four adult children and retired as a solicitor in June 2017.

Board member

Kenneth MacKenzie

Kenneth is passionate about how the words of the Bible are life-giving.

He says: ‘Scripture is the bread of life. When visiting South America many times, I have seen the difference the Bible makes and that has given me a lifelong passion for mission work.’

He is a chartered accountant by training and now works as a fund manager in the senior living sector. He is married to Angela, who is from the USA. They have six children and 18 grandchildren. They live in Scotland but are often in London and sometimes the US. Together they attend Cornerstone Community Church in Stirling.

Board Member

Ian Kirby

Ian is passionate about people being able to understand clearly what God says through the Bible. 

He says: ‘Without language we can’t communicate properly. Without the Bible in our language we don’t hear from God properly.’

Ian is the director of academic quality as well as director of cross-cultural training at Moorlands College. He lived in Central Asia for 10 years, where he was involved in a Bible college and church planting – and he still enjoys having a conversation in Russian. 

He is married to Fay and they have three grown-up children. Ian and Fay are members of a church in Ringwood and Ian also preaches regularly at a number of churches.

Board member

Andy Ross

Andy is passionate about the life-changing impact that having the Bible in their language has on people’s lives all over the world.

Andy says: ‘Bible translation is deeply important to me because the Bible is how we encounter God and come to truly know him. It is of vital importance that everyone, regardless of the language they speak, can access and share in this life-transforming gift.’  

Andy is a partner and co-founder of the AI and digital engineering consultancy, gravity9. He has over 25 years’ experience leading and growing technology businesses. 

Andy is married to Jo and they have five children. They go to a large central London church. When time allows, Andy enjoys cycling and a good coffee.

Director for Churches

Martin Dickson

Martin is passionate about releasing potential in people and the Church.

He says: ‘I can only imagine what my own life would be like without the Bible in English. It simply doesn’t feel fair that I can encounter God’s word in the language of my heart while others can’t. When Scripture speaks in familiar words, it awakens something within those who choose to listen. People of every language deserve the light of the gospel and to hear God’s truth in the language they understand best.’

Martin is married to Jo and they live in the Wirral, Merseyside, with their three sons. He is an award-winning social entrepreneur with over 20 years of senior leadership experience in faith-based organisations. 

He holds a first class degree in Theology and has extensive experience helping ministries serve the Church effectively while achieving their missional goals.

Director for Ministry Partnerships

Simon Austen

Simon is passionate about the vital role that the Bible plays in bringing people to Jesus. And how it enables God’s people to become more like Jesus.

Simon says: ‘I am convinced that the Bible runs to the heart of God’s purposes for the world. He powerfully brings people to him and grows his people to be more like Jesus, as his word is made known and his Spirit works. Having seen such spiritual transformation in the lives of many people, I long for others to have that same life-changing opportunity. Having the Bible in a language that people can understand is the bedrock on which all such hopes are built.’

Simon has been involved in Bible ministry for many years, serving as a church pastor in Carlisle. And more recently as Rector of St Leonard’s Church in Exeter. Prior to these roles he worked as an assistant minister and as a school chaplain in Buckinghamshire. He is married to Fiona, a harpist and pianist, and has three grown-up children.

Give the Word Lead

Katyana Malcolm

Katyana is passionate about encouraging joyful and faithful generosity in our wonderful supporters.

Katyana says: ‘What an amazing opportunity we have to stand alongside our brothers and sisters around the world as they faithfully work to bring God’s word to everyone in their own language. I love to invite people to join Give the Word and celebrate the impact of their giving.’

Katyana started at Wycliffe in the Supporter Care Team and now leads our regular giving programme Give the Word. Before joining Wycliffe, she worked for a charity in London, helping young people with their schooling. Katyana is part of a growing church in Oxford.