Changing jobs and facing uncertainty isn’t easy. What makes navigating transition worth it?

Stephanie de Oliveira served as a missions pastor at her church for seven years. In January 2023, she started a new role at Wycliffe USA serving as the director of Church Relations. She works at our headquarters in Orlando, Florida, connecting churches across the U.S. to the work of Bible translation.

If you’re considering making the shift to missions, Stephanie shared four reasons why serving with the global Church is worth it.

1. YOU’LL FIND YOUR FIT

Stephanie learned about Wycliffe and Bible translation in 2010. She served as a short-term volunteer with our partner organizations in Washington, D.C. and overseas. When an opportunity came up for Stephanie to join Wycliffe and serve in Brazil full time, she went to her pastor for guidance. He told her: “Even though you have this opportunity, maybe it's not your timing. … I think you should pursue your studies.”

Stephanie considered her pastor’s advice and decided to pursue a dual master’s degree in biblical and theological studies. Her degrees opened a door to serve as a missions pastor at her church. As she learned more about the Church’s role in God’s global mission, the possibility of working in Bible translation was still on her mind.

When Stephanie learned about an opportunity to work with Wycliffe on the Church Relations team, she was excited to combine her passion, skills and experiences in a new way. She spent time in prayer before deciding to move forward. She realized that her experiences were part of God’s plan for her journey as He prepared her to come alongside the global Church in her new role. Stephanie said, “For me to be here and to be in this position [is the right timing]. Back then wasn't the right time. I wouldn't have been prepared.”

2. YOU’LL DEEPEN YOUR TRUST IN GOD

At Wycliffe we boldly and tenaciously follow God as He grows His Church and spreads His Word through the nations. We know that change can be rapid and sometimes ambiguous. But if you treasure God’s Word and are committed to growing in your faith, Wycliffe is the place for you.

Even during times of uncertainty, Stephanie has experienced peace as she stays rooted in Christ. She learned to wait for God to respond in times of ambiguity and rely on His strength instead of her own. She said, “Holding on to God's Word and it being my foundation always kept me planted. It kept me firm in my beliefs even through the things that were thrown my way.”

She added: “… Remain firm where God has planted you until He opens that door, and until He guides you and shows you the new path … wait for His guidance because He's working and, in the right time, He will lead you.”

3. YOU’LL BE SUPPORTED AS YOU GROW

At Wycliffe, you’ll be supported by a passionate and diverse group of teammates who are ready to embrace you as part of the family. We’re with you on every step of the journey, because we want everyone to feel seen and heard.

We prioritize your emotional, mental and spiritual health as you grow into the person God wants you to be. Stephanie and her husband have three children, including an infant and a teenager, so work-life balance is very important to her. Stephanie said, “I love that Wycliffe is a place that really fosters and really invests in our personal growth [and] in our family.”

A healthy work-life balance also allows Stephanie to develop deep relationships in her community. Whether it is her husband, extended family or friends, Stephanie knows she can rely on others for support. She said, “That gives me the space to be here [at work] and to really focus on the work that I need to do and not have to really worry about what's going on at home.”

4. YOU’LL EXPAND YOUR IMPACT

We are witnessing an unprecedented movement as local churches and communities worldwide long for the Bible in their language and press into the work of translation. Stephanie said, “It's not just a work of Wycliffe. … The local church [is] taking ownership of the work of Bible translation.”

Stephanie wants to see more churches in the U.S. understand the exponential impact of Bible translation. In her role she has the opportunity to advocate for communities and individuals who are still waiting for Scripture. She said, “When church leaders realize the need, it really impacts their hearts. And so bringing that awareness, bringing that knowledge … [and] sharing the need is critical.”

But keeping churches in the U.S. connected to all God is doing on the front lines can be challenging. “Building relationships with churches is what we're really striving to do,” Stephanie said. “We want to serve. [The] Church Relations [department] exists to serve alongside the local church [and] to be a resource.”

TOGETHER WE TRANSLATE HOPE

We believe that engaging with all parts of the body of Christ results in people growing and being transformed. Stephanie said, “It brings [our team] so much excitement and joy that we get to share this information and that we get to invite churches to put their mark on [this mission] … [and be] part of this work of Bible translation.”

Are you ready to develop relationships and make lasting significance? We’re looking for people to join in the adventure God has planned! If you’re humble and collaborative, you can forge relationships with diverse church leaders in the U.S. and expand your impact as a member of the Church Relations team.