When Susan and David Ryder got married, all they wanted to do was to share the gospel message with the nations. But the path that God planned for them wasn’t quite what they envisioned.

Like many who are drawn to the mission field, the Ryders wanted to be the feet on the ground. They yearned to form relationships with people who didn’t know Jesus and share His love with them. They tried many times to go abroad, but all their efforts hit roadblocks. Susan and David began to consider that they might have a different role to play.

The deciding factor was when Susan had a severe allergic reaction to immunizations that a ministry worker would need. Working overseas was no longer feasible. At that point, the Ryders felt God was leading them to support the Great Commission with their finances instead of their labor.

So the couple embraced that calling. Since they were both working, they decided to give Susan’s entire salary to missions and live solely on David’s income.

The Lord was gracious to the Ryders. They always had enough and there was never a point where they couldn’t give financially. Though David developed kidney cancer and went to be with Christ in 2013, Susan continues their shared work.

A Link in the Chain

For nearly 40 years, Susan’s income resourced Wycliffe’s Bible translation efforts. Through this partnership, the couple developed strong friendships with translation staff, gained insight into people groups without Scripture and learned about the challenges of the mission field. They prayed for and wrote to missionaries frequently — becoming a critical part of the ministry.

“Often a person comes to Christ as a result of a series of experiences,” Susan said. “I’m just grateful that we’ve had this road and this opportunity to be a link — part of the chain that helps people know the Lord.”

One of the efforts dear to Susan’s heart is the Bafut translation project in Cameroon. Through her financial support, she’s formed close relationships with two translation team members, Joseph and Becky. She saw the skills, perseverance and compassion they’ve shown in their work and how tirelessly they’ve labored to produce more Bafut Scripture for their people. The Bafut people now have Old Testament books in their language and are learning more about God’s love and comfort during difficult times.

A Heart for Scripture

After David’s passing, Susan found solace and strength in the Lord’s presence, His Word and His people.

Because of the Ryders’ giving, people groups around the world are experiencing Scripture in languages and formats that speak to their hearts. And, as Susan receives stories of communities celebrating God’s Word in their languages, she praises Christ for enabling her to be a link in His Kingdom’s work.