How to join us!

Solomon Islands is in the South Pacific, near Australia, sandwiched between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. And technically, the plural sounding name is actually singular and needs no definitive article, so it’s grammatically incorrect to ask “where are the Solomon Islands?” The proper question is “where is Solomon Islands?” Sounds a bit off, eh?

We’ve actually already been and are gearing up for round two! Our first term from April 2021 to January 2026. We intend to return in January 2027.

We are committed to this long-term adventure. Field Service terms typically last 4-5 years followed by a year of Home Service. Our hope is that people will not have to wait decades for God’s Word, but with thousands of people groups waiting all over the world with no translator on task, it may take many years. God has led us to this task, and unless He leads us elsewhere, this is our priority.

Josh is the Operations Manager at the headquarters for the Solomon Island Translation Advisory Group (SITAG). SITAG is the national organization for overseeing translation efforts across the country. Josh will work with the Director, providing administrative leadership and oversight at the center, as well as logistics and communications support for the teams of international advisors and national translators living in the villages throughout the country.

Katie’s focus remains on the home while the children are homeschooling. As the family’s direct daily care lessens, she plans to expand her roles and duties to take on other responsibilities in the areas where she is gifted.

The simple answer is yes–we are employees of Wycliffe and they pay us. There are a lot of complicated governmental rules and provisions that go with being a “member of clergy” and working as an employee. But to answer the question, the general how is:

1. Wycliffe established this ministry and an account to fund it.
2. Our financial partners fund the account by making donations.
3. Wycliffe pays our wages from the funded ministry account.

Yes, because we are going long-term, the kiddos go with us. We plan to continue homeschooling them, which frees us from concerns over distant boarding schools.

2026 update: our oldest three children have “flown the coop” so to speak. So we will be returning with only our youngest three.

In general, yes. But that’s mostly because they are flexible, brave and each others’ best friends. They will miss their friends, and would love to have prayer partners and e-mail pen pals. We should have adequate high speed internet for video chat, so maintained contact is a realistic possibility.

2026 update: please pray for our youngest three for this next term, as this is dear to our hearts. The way God worked in the oldest three was unique to each. And the younger three are way more comfortable with Honiara for this next journey.

Yes, we will. English is the official language of the country, but only spoken by 1-2% of the population. Because there are about 70 languages in the Solomons, a creole-type of language was developed based on English, called Pijin English. Pijin is both the lingua franca and the trade language, so we will need to learn it to communicate in the capital city.

Three easy possibilities:
• Share our ePortfolio with your church
• Have your church contact us – joshua_goshert@wycliffe.org
• Or send us your pastor’s name and number – please let your pastor know to expect our call!