Wycliffe-Frontlines-Summer-2025 - Flipbook - Page 4
A Lifelong Heart for Bible Translation
Growing up, Wycliffe Bible Translators was a familiar name
in Richard Fredine’s home. His parents were interested in
missions work and often invited missionaries to their home.
These experiences led Richard to develop an interest in
becoming a Bible translator.
Honoring Anne
One of Richard’s goals was to honor Anne with a special
gift to Wycliffe. He worked with Michael Occhipinti, senior
gift planning advisor for the Wycliffe Foundation, to
explore options.
He enrolled at Wheaton College to study cultural
anthropology. While there, he began a friendship with
a classmate named Anne, who was also interested in
Bible translation.
Considering Anne’s desire to be a translator, Richard asked
Michael if they could set up a fund to help single female
translators launch into ministry. Michael was happy to oblige.
After graduation, Anne pursued membership with Wycliffe;
she became a member-in-training and awaited field
assignment. Meanwhile Richard prepared to fulfill his Army
ROTC obligation. Before beginning active duty, he asked
Anne to marry him, and she left Wycliffe for the time being.
The fund provides up to $300 a month per individual to
overcome shortages in their partnership development. This
support can continue for up to three years. Richard chose
to make an annual qualified charitable distribution (QCD)
from traditional IRA assets to fund this gift.
The couple still intended to serve as Bible translators
because of their strong belief that people need God’s Word
in a language they clearly understand. Following his Army
service, Richard enrolled in seminary for further preparation.
“Everybody benefits,” he said. “The Wycliffe team was
immediately on board, respectful and ready with options
to achieve my desire. Things came together easily. I was
surprised at how emotionally satisfying this is now. Peggy
and I are very pleased to be making this gift.”
But during his senior year, Richard and Anne sensed that
God was leading them into pastoral ministry. The couple
went to serve a church in Iowa. Anne willingly accepted
this major shift but retained her love of Bible translation
throughout her life.
While living in Iowa, Richard and Anne became friends
with Peggy, a single woman serving as a medical
missionary in Africa. When Peggy visited from Burkina
Faso, she and Anne talked about her missionary life and
language experiences over tea.
Sadly Anne passed away from cancer in 2021. Richard
had retired by that point and moved to Minnesota. Peggy
also retired and eventually returned to Iowa. The Lord
drew Richard and Peggy together, and their relationship
blossomed into a late-in-life marriage.
Richard and Peggy Fredine
Learn more about making a qualified charitable distribution from traditional IRA
assets or our other great giving options by emailing info@wycliffefoundation.org.
