Tim and Martha joined Wycliffe as teachers of missionary kids. Martha first taught in Mexico, starting in 1982, and later in the Philippines. Tim and Martha met in Texas, where they served together at a training course for Wycliffe missionaries preparing for service overseas. After their marriage in 1990, they served for four years in Papua New Guinea as teachers.

During the years they lived in PNG, the Matzkes became interested in using their gifts as teachers to help adults and children learn to read and write in their own languages. They returned to the USA and completed training as literacy specialists. The Matzkes moved their family to the Solomon Islands in 1998 and have served for most of 28 years working in literacy, administration and Scripture promotion. 

The Matzkes have been blessed with two daughters; Emily, who was adopted from the Philippines, and Sarah who was born into the family. Both of our daughters value the opportunity and blessing of growing up in the Solomons and are currently living and working in the USA.

Tim & Martha are blessed to serve in the Solomon Islands as literacy and education consultants. In this role they are helping Solomon Islanders develop literacy materials in local languages, train teachers and advise communities, schools and other organizations who are involved in literacy efforts in minority languages. These efforts are giving Solomon Islanders access to God’s Word in their own languages as it is translated, as well as the many other benefits of literacy.

As of December 2023, Tim and Martha were honored to become Solomon Islands citizens and now hold both US and Solomon Islands passports.

Tim holds a Master’s degree in International and Community Development, from Deakin University, in Australia and Martha has a Master’s degree from Michigan State University in Curriculum Development.