Donor Stories

Early in their marriage, Fred and Caroline Yocum made a decision that has shaped a forty-year legacy of generosity.

“We were challenged many years ago—in 1969—to tithe,” Caroline recalled. “So we made a determined effort to tithe within that year. And then, as the Lord blessed us with any salary increases, we would increase our giving at a rate of one percent.”

As time passed, Fred advanced within the railroading industry, eventually becoming an executive. With each raise, the Yocums gave more to missionaries, often helping ones with small—something their own two daughters and son could get excited about. Today they support eight Wycliffe missionaries, including two nephews who serve with Wycliffe. Much of their giving has supported Bible translation, a choice rooted in their belief that Scripture transforms lives.

The Yocums’ consistent giving has allowed them to see the fruit of their gifts over the years. For example, Caroline’s sister and brother-in-law, Cindi and Jim Farr, served together as translators with Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea for over thirty-five years. Then in January 2008, at age sixty-one, Cindi died suddenly.

The Yocums were unable to make it to Papua New Guinea for Cindi’s funeral, but when they later saw a video of it, they noticed how the country had changed since their visit three decades earlier.

The funeral itself illustrated changes in the Korafe tribe—the people group Cindi and Jim served. Traditionally Korafe funerals were somber and full of wailing. But as the Korafe read God’s Word in their own language, made available to them through the Farrs’ ministry, they re-examined their attitudes about death. Because they believed Cindi was in Heaven, the tribe buried her to the beat of drums and dancing.

“There’s no question that the reason they did it is their understanding that she was with Christ,” Fred said. “It indicated that God’s Word had made a real difference.”

A few months ago the Yocums received an inheritance. At the same time, their nephew, Dan Moury, began raising support to serve with Wycliffe as a videographer. They immediately knew how they wanted to use the money.

“There’s always been a very good relationship between Dan and our family,” Fred explained. “We felt that since the Lord called him to do this, then we should try to help.”

As the Yocums explored the best way to support Dan and his family, they considered making a large one-time gift. Then Dan learned about planned giving.

After meeting with the Director of Gift Planning, Steve Davis, the Yocums established a donor-advised fund (DAF) through Wycliffe Foundation. The DAF allows them to direct funds during their lifetime toward Wycliffe Bible Translators for the benefit of the Mourys. They can adjust the funds distributed each year based on the Mourys’ needs. Upon the Yocums’ death, their DAF will be administered by a successor of their choice.

The donor-advised fund allows the Yocums to give at a measured pace, despite the fact that retirement has changed their cash flow, and serves as one more tool that helps them continue their legacy of supporting Bible translation.