Wycliffe Board Chair

James Turner

James Turner is passionate about ensuring that Wycliffe’s vital work translating the Bible is built on a sure financial and legal foundation, and does this through his role as Chair of the Finance and Legal Committee.

He says: ‘All the work we do is so that others can discover the Bible – this great book of wisdom and truth – for themselves.’

James is a tax director for an international consulting firm. His wife, Joy, is an accountant. They live in Amersham with their dog Oscar, and are active members of a church in nearby Chesham. James loves to run and ski, as well as reading. James and Joy have three adult children who are now based in several countries around the world.

Find out about Wycliffe’s finances for the past year in our Progress Report 2024–25, The impact of Bible translation.

Board Member

Pastor Folajimi Ayo Adedoyin

Ayo Adedoyin is passionate about playing a part in communicating to all people the promises and power that come through the Bible.

He says: ‘The word of God framed everything we see today. It is a privilege to play a part in introducing God’s word to everyone in their own language.’

Ayo Adedoyin is a society development consultant with a passion for social justice. He has been part of the leadership team of Jesus House, a Redeemed Christian Church of God church in London, for two decades. 

He is also the chief executive officer of an international development human rights and social justice charity. This mobilises African diaspora communities in the UK to advocate against insecurity and injustice across sub-Saharan Africa. He also consults for a wide array of enterprises across the private, public and charity sectors internationally. Ayo is married to Lola and together they have two young adult children.

Chair of People Committee

Rebecca Benton

Rebecca wrote her degree dissertation on William Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament. Since then she has been passionate about the difference that Bible translation makes.

She says: ‘I know the difference that God’s word has made in my life and I am passionate about seeing others transformed all over the world. It is a privilege to support Wycliffe in seeking to bring the Bible to everyone.’

Rebecca has worked in business consulting, human resources and executive coaching. Visiting Christian workers in Yemen and Africa led her and a colleague to conduct a study into the challenges faced by women serving overseas, particularly those who are single. 

Rebecca cares deeply about supporting people working in mission and loves using her business and human resources background to help organisations care for mission workers. Rebecca is married with two children, lives in Cambridge, and is a member of Eden Baptist Church.

Board Member

Rachel Cruz

Rachel is passionate about the role the Bible plays in reaching people for Jesus. 

She says: ‘I have seen how having the Bible in the language people know best helps in sharing the good news of Jesus with diverse people groups.’

Rachel is originally from inner-city Liverpool. After university she worked in industrial budgeting. Following this, Rachel and her family spent six years serving young people in rural Kenya, before transitioning the project into local Kenyan leadership. During this time, Rachel developed a fascination with resourcing and initiating positive change and has since contributed to income growth for a number of UK charities. 

She lives in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where she is part of a local church family. And currently she serves on the leadership team of London City Mission as Director of Engagement.

Chair of the Finance and Legal Committee

Andy Ross

Andy is passionate about the life-changing impact that having the Bible in their language has on people’s lives all over the world.

Andy says: ‘Bible translation is deeply important to me because the Bible is how we encounter God and come to truly know him. It is of vital importance that everyone, regardless of the language they speak, can access and share in this life-transforming gift.’  

Andy is a partner and co-founder of the AI and digital engineering consultancy, gravity9. He has over 25 years’ experience leading and growing technology businesses. 

Andy is married to Jo and they have five children. They go to a large central London church. When time allows, Andy enjoys cycling and a good coffee.

Board Member

Mary Comont

Mary is passionate about the vision of Wycliffe for everyone to be able to know Jesus through the Bible.

She says: ‘In the Bible, we meet with God, it’s where he speaks to us directly. Through the Bible, I can know Jesus. Acts 2 tells us that languages matter. What a privilege it is to meet with God and declare his wonders in the language we know best! I love that I can play a part in people across the world meeting Jesus through the Bible in the language they know best.’

Mary works as Director of People at UCCF: The Christian Unions. She brings expertise in leading projects that put people at the centre, and in guiding people through change within the non-profit sector. She is committed to creating healthy environments that lay the foundations for people to thrive, grow and excel. Mary has experience with a variety of Christian and mission-driven organisations, including Tearfund and BMS World Mission. She is married, actively involved in her local church and can usually be found on a hockey pitch.

Board Member

Kevin Ashman

Kevin is passionate about how serving with Wycliffe enables him to participate in God’s work of reaching all nations.

He says: ‘In the Great Commission it says: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The work of Bible translation is a key element of fulfilling the Great Commission.’

Kevin became a Christian following a Billy Graham rally in 1980. He attends All Souls, Langham Place, where he is a member of the church council. He has been involved in mission work for over 25 years and is a director of a number of Christian charities engaged in mission. Kevin is married with four adult children and retired as a solicitor in June 2017.

Board member

Kenneth MacKenzie

Kenneth is passionate about how the words of the Bible are life-giving.

He says: ‘Scripture is the bread of life. When visiting South America many times, I have seen the difference the Bible makes and that has given me a lifelong passion for mission work.’

He is a chartered accountant by training and now works as a fund manager in the senior living sector. He is married to Angela, who is from the USA. They have six children and 18 grandchildren. They live in Scotland but are often in London and sometimes the US. Together they attend Cornerstone Community Church in Stirling.

Board Member

Ian Kirby

Ian is passionate about people being able to understand clearly what God says through the Bible. 

He says: ‘Without language we can’t communicate properly. Without the Bible in our language we don’t hear from God properly.’

Ian is the director of academic quality as well as director of cross-cultural training at Moorlands College. He lived in Central Asia for 10 years, where he was involved in a Bible college and church planting – and he still enjoys having a conversation in Russian. 

He is married to Fay and they have three grown-up children. Ian and Fay are members of a church in Ringwood and Ian also preaches regularly at a number of churches.