Converting text from .dxf...

Hello,
I'm a bit of a newbie to G-code programming and CNC in general, but I'm stumped.
I've been playing around with some CNC conversion programs, and none of the Gcode
converters will see the text in a .dxf file. I'm using "dxfout" from Autocad2000. When
I convert the file over to G-code, everything else shows up, but none of the text. I've
tried both GCode2000 and AceConverter. I've also tried the Illustrator/convert to
paths/export as .dxf as well... no dice.
For parts/projects that don't involve any text creation, I'm feeling pretty confident
about the G-code programming. But for engraving work, or text that needs to be
milled on a part, I'm at a loss.
Do I need a seperate text creation program, and can anyone recommend (a freeware/
shareware) one?
Thanks,

Jim
Dana Point, CA