Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Ministry

What do Alex and Megan do?

Alex develops software that enables Bible translation worldwide. His tools help linguists develop written forms of unwritten languages, accelerate translation workflows, and distribute Scripture more effectively. Megan designs literacy programs that teach children to read and write in their heart language—creating a foundation for them to eventually engage with Scripture.

We serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators from our base in Dallas, Texas, supporting translation projects globally through technology and educational design.

Which organization are you with?

We serve as career missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, an international Christian missions organization dedicated to translating the Bible into every language that needs it. Currently, approximately 2,000 languages still need Scripture translation, representing some 300 million people worldwide.

What is your role in Bible translation?

We contribute to what Wycliffe calls "cluster projects"—initiatives that group similar languages together to work on multiple translations simultaneously. This approach has dramatically reduced translation timelines, producing Bible translations in less than half the time required by previous generations.

Alex's software is used by translation teams around the world. Both Alex and Megan travel to various language clusters to maximize their impact, supporting multiple projects rather than focusing on a single language.

Why heart language? Why not just teach people English or French?

For many communities we serve, becoming fluent enough in English or French to deeply engage with Scripture would be impractical or even impossible. But beyond practicality, we believe God's Word speaks most powerfully in one's mother tongue.

A Congolese pastor expressed it beautifully: "I can understand French with my ear, and Swahili with my mind, but my own language I understand with my heart."

An elderly Christian woman in Papua New Guinea said that not having the Bible in her language was like having a tall glass of water she couldn't drink—or like eating a banana without removing the peel. Just as the roads of the Roman Empire carried the gospel to those who had never heard it, technology now serves as the pathway for bringing Scripture to the heart languages of unreached people groups.

How long do you plan to serve?

We joined Wycliffe as career missionaries in 2010—this is our life's calling. While we previously served on the field for multi-year terms with periodic furloughs, our current assignment allows us to serve global needs from Dallas while maintaining the flexibility to travel where the greatest impact can be made.

Partnership Opportunities

How can I partner with your ministry?

We welcome four types of partners:

  • Prayer Partners commit to regularly pray for our work and the communities we serve
  • Financial Partners provide monthly or one-time financial support
  • Advocates connect us with others who might partner with our ministry
  • Volunteers may have opportunities to contribute remotely to software and educational projects

Each type of partnership plays a vital role in bringing Scripture to communities still waiting for God's Word in their language.

How does your funding work?

Unlike a traditional salary, our support comes entirely from individuals, families, and churches who partner with us financially. This model has sustained Wycliffe missionaries for over 80 years and creates meaningful connections between local churches and God's work around the globe.

We maintain a need-based monthly budget covering living and ministry expenses, plus occasional one-time costs for specific projects or transitions.

Ways to Give

How do I become a financial partner?

The simplest option: Give online at wycliffe.org/partner/mercado

The website provides a secure process for setting up either recurring monthly gifts or one-time contributions.

Other giving methods:

Give by phone: Call 1-800-WYCLIFFE

Give by check: Make checks payable to "Wycliffe Bible Translators" and include a separate note stating: "Preference for the Wycliffe ministry of Alex & Megan Mercado 270043"

Mail to:

Wycliffe Bible Translators
PO Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200

Should I give monthly or one-time?

Both types of gifts make a significant impact:

Recurring monthly gifts provide the sustainable foundation we need for long-term effectiveness in Bible translation work. These gifts allow us to plan, commit to projects, and serve with stability.

One-time gifts help us launch new initiatives, cover unexpected needs, or fund specific projects that fall outside our regular budget.

How do I set up a recurring gift?

  1. Visit wycliffe.org/partner/mercado
  2. Enter the amount you'd like to give monthly and click Give
  3. On the next page, select "I would like to make this a recurring donation"
  4. Follow the website's instructions to complete your gift

How do I give a one-time gift?

Online:

  1. Visit wycliffe.org/partner/mercado
  2. Change the drop-down menu from Ministry Expenses (recurring) to Launch Expense Account (one-time)
  3. Enter your gift amount and click Give
  4. Follow the website's instructions to complete your gift

By check: Include our launch account number 71-270043 on a separate note with your check.

How much should I give?

Give as the Lord leads you and as you are able. We're deeply grateful for every partner who shares our passion for Bible translation. There is no gift too large or too small—each one advances the work of bringing Scripture to those still waiting.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, all donations through Wycliffe Bible Translators are tax deductible.

Are there creative ways to give?

Absolutely! Beyond standard donations, you can:

  • Donate appreciated assets (stocks, real estate)
  • Give through Amazon Smile purchases
  • Utilize corporate matching programs (many companies will match gifts even to religious organizations)
  • Make legacy gifts through estate planning

Explore these and other creative giving options at wycliffe.org/partner/mercado.

Other Ways to Partner

How do I become a prayer partner?

Sign up through our partner page on the Wycliffe USA website, where you'll receive updates and prayer requests. We also encourage you to:

How can I become an advocate?

Advocacy offers wonderful creative freedom. Our advocates have:

  • Introduced us to small groups in their churches (several groups now pray for us at meetings and give financially together)
  • Arranged speaking engagements or meetings with church leadership
  • Shared about our ministry on social media
  • Connected us with others who have a heart for Bible translation

If you have ideas for connecting us with potential partners, we'd love to hear from you at ministry@gomercado.org.

Can I volunteer with your work?

Because Alex works in software development, there are sometimes opportunities for remote volunteers with relevant technical skills. Contact us to discuss how your skills might contribute to Bible translation technology.

Questions?

Have a question we haven't answered? Let us know—your question might become the next addition to this page.

Ready to Partner With Us?

Give now: wycliffe.org/partner/mercado
Pray with us: Sign up for prayer updates
Get our newsletter: Subscribe here
Get in touch: ministry@gomercado.org

Thank you for your generosity and your eagerness to participate in what God is doing through Bible translation.