Family ties inspire a legacy

By Mary Tindall Early in their marriage, Fred and Caroline Yocum made a decision that has shaped a 40-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 […]

By Mary Tindall

Early in their marriage, Fred and Caroline Yocum made a decision that has shaped a 40-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 1 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 young children so they could involve their own two daughters and son.

Today they support eight Wycliffe missionaries, including two nephews serving 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—even through deep grief.

Caroline’s sister and brother-in-law, Cindi and Jim Farr, had served as translators with Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea for 37 years when Cindi died suddenly in January 2008 at age 61.

When the Yocums saw the video of Cindi’s funeral, they noticed how the country had changed since their visit three decades earlier.

Cindi’s funeral itself illustrated changes in the Korafe tribe, whose funerals were traditionally somber and full of wailing. 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.”

The Yocums received an inheritance several months ago, just as their nephew, Dan Moury, began raising support to serve with Wycliffe as a videographer. They immediately knew how they wanted to use it.

“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 heard about the possibility that the Yocums could support them using a planned gift.

After meeting with Director of Gift Planning Steve Davis, the Yocums established a donoradvised

fund 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.

“This is a way that we can give ongoing, year by year, and do it at the time that we had the opportunity to make the gift.” Fred explained.

You can continue your support of a Wycliffe member through a Wycliffe Foundation donor-advised fund. For more information, call toll-free (877) 493-3600 or visit http://wycliffefoundation.org/daf.