Bonnie Nystrom

Bonnie and her husband, John, have spent more than 32 years working in a language project in Papua New Guinea. In 2001, the project has expanded to serve 10 different languages in the Aitape West area. The story of the dramatic circumstances God used to expand the translation project are chronicled in their book, "Sleeping Coconuts." Translators trained over the last 20 years are now reaching out to speakers of other neighboring languages with the hope of helping them start translation work. Although they no longer live in Papua New Guinea, Bonnie and John are still able to contribute to the project remotely.

Bonnie currently serves on the JAARS board and has served as Vice Chair since January 2016. She also served on the SIL board for eight years. Additionally, Bonnie served as a member and chair of the Papua New Guinea Branch Executive Committee and the Ukarumpa International School board.

Prior to joining Wycliffe, Bonnie received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and systems analysis from Taylor University in Indiana. While serving in Papua New Guinea, she especially enjoyed her training and experience as a group facilitator during the branch strategic planning process.

Today, Bonnie and John live in Seminole, Florida, in the winter and northern Wisconsin in the summer. While continuing to support the Aitape West Translation project, Bonnie spends a lot of her time serving their aging parents and her two mentally disabled brothers. Bonnie and John have two adult children and four grandchildren.