SPRING 2019 - WITH PRAYER GUIDE - BYBELGENOOTSKAP
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SPRING 2019
With
Prayer
Guide
Dear Friends
THE SOWER is the
official journal of the
Bible Society of South
Africa. Articles herein
may be freely used with Here at the Bible Society, there is an almost tangible
acknowledgement. spirit of excitement and anticipation in the air.
SPRING 2019
On 23 August, the Bible Society of South Africa
NUMBER 224 is celebrating its 199th anniversary. Needless to say,
ISSN 1018-1504 we eagerly anticipate our bicentenary next year. The
planning for the festivities is in full swing and we
Published by: Bible look forward to celebrating with you. Central to our
Society of South Africa
celebration is the 2 Million Bibles project. Although
CONTACT DETAILS it is Bible Society’s birthday, we would like to give
The Editor the people of South Africa a precious gift. Just
The Sower imagine two million people, who otherwise would
p 5500 Tyger Valley 7536 not be able to have a Bible of their own, being
t 021 910 8777
f 021 910 8799
blessed with Bibles, thanks to the work of the Bible
Society.
If one looks at the Bible distribution figures of
Bible Societies from across the world it is clear that
much hard work has gone and continues to go into
addressing such Bible poverty on a global scale.
The worldwide distribution of Bibles is growing
annually, with close to 40 million complete Bibles
being distributed in 2018.
Our action committees in Mthatha and Lusikisiki
reached out and donated Bibles and other
necessities to the victims of the flood that swept
through Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape in April.
What a privilege it is to be involved with the work
of spreading the Good News. The Bible constantly
reminds us that God is in control, and we are all in
his hands. Let us continue to pray for one another,
and work together to bless South Africa, and the
world, with this most precious of all gifts – the Bible.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing
salvation for all people. Titus 2:11
Warm regards
Dirk Gevers
Chief Executive Officer
If you cannot
Your contribution
read, you cannot can help. Be a
learn
sower of hope.
T
The sheer volume of work that learners have to do
today is significantly more than children were used
to even a decade ago. The children are also not
the only ones who are under pressure to excel;
teachers also have to overcome the challenges of
overcrowded classrooms and children of various
levels of ability, in order to succeed.
A child who thus struggles to read and write at
the beginning of their schooling will thus continue
to do so as the years progress. With inadequate
basic education in our country, this situation is
unfortunately the norm rather than the exception.
Research has shown that four out of five
Grade 4 learners have a reading ability
lower than the international benchmark.
South Africa has a reading problem.
It is for this reason that the Bible
Society developed the Bible-based
literacy booklets that are available
in all 11 official languages. A
number of schools already use
the material in their foundation
phase classes and it is also
used in pre-primary schools,
Sunday schools and welfare
organisations.
The booklets, provided to
schools free of charge, not only
help children with basic literacy,
but also introduce them to the
Bible at an early age.
Celebrate 200 years with
2 million Bibles
I
In 2020, the Bible Society of South African will turn 200 years and we are
planning an extensive programme to commemorate this great milestone.
As a part of the festivities, we requested churches to make 2020, the Year of
the Bible. We hope that churches across the country will focus on the Bible
specifically through the presentation of special reading plans, Bible studies
and Bible-based activities throughout the year.
Another highlight of this special year of celebration is our 2 Million Bibles
project. Through this project, to be launched officially on 23 August this year,
the Bible Society hopes to make 2 million Bibles available to South Africans
who are unable to afford a Bible of their own. This is over and above the one
million Bibles that the Bible Society distributes every year. The project will
run for two years until 23 August 2021.
Illiteracy in South Africa is a great problem and for this reason, our 2
Million Bibles project also includes making available 2 million sets of Bible-
based literacy booklets.
Your gift of R100 can help to make one Bible and one set of literacy
booklets available. Please support this project (see page 18) and help us to
celebrate our milestone by giving back to the people of our country. Be a
sower of hope.
The story behind our
commemorative emblem
Our special commemorative emblem is a
simple design that illustrates the activities of the Bible Society as well
as our rich history. The 200 refers to the two centuries of dedicated
service to the Bible and its users. The open Bible in the middle of the
zero shows that the Bible is central to everything done at the Bible
Society. The zero is also an arm that embraces the Bible. This nurturing
gesture underlines how seriously we take our task of translating the
Bible. The hand is symbolic of the Bible Society’s giving heart – to reach
out to others with the Bible and also of its vision: a Bible for everyone.
The zero is also incomplete. The work of the Bible Society is still far
from finished as the need for Bibles is great.
2 the sower • spring 2019
Fundrais
in g ideas
for Bibl
Handwri es:
tten Bib
pay an a les –
Bible m m o u n t per verse
eals Breakfas
Chicken
b r a Gala din t
a
Jaffle b i
ake/panc Re v u e n e r
‘Potjieko ake bake Car was
s
Underwa ’ competition B i b l
h
t e
Spinning er Bible readin m a r a
- reading
m g t h on
Trampoli arathon Choral f
ne jumpin estival
Run/Wa g for Bi B i b l
l k b l e s e - i n
Cycle fo for Bibles fashion s spired
r Bibles h
Swim fo
r Bibles Golf day ow
Flower a Concert
Bible qu rranging Car rall
iz
Bowling y
Any acti Coin lay day
v ing
of and th ity under the su
n
to partic at can be sponsor that you can th
ipate, ca i
n be use ed or where peop nk
d in aid le
of Bible pay
s.
www.biblesociety.co.za 3
Nearly 40 million
Bibles
distributed
globally
I
In 2018, for the second
consecutive year, Bible
Societies worldwide have
together distributed more than
38 million complete Bibles.
The distribution of Bibles
has been growing annually
since the start of the decade
and it reflects the ongoing
commitment of Bible Societies
to provide Bibles to those who
need it, but also clearly reflects
the demand for Scripture.
In fact, since 2010, the
United Bible Societies (UBS) has
provided more than 305 million
complete Bibles to people all
over the world. This network is
made up of 150 Bible Societies
operating in more than 240
countries and territories and
it continues to be the largest
translator and distributor of the
Bible on the planet.
In 2018, internet downloads
comprised 17% of all complete
Bibles distributed. Scripture
downloads for global languages
like Spanish, English and
Portuguese, all exceeded the
one million mark.
Last year, the distribution of
New Testaments was greater
4 the sower • spring 2019
than at any other time this decade.
Most of the nearly 15 million print
copies provided were in Asia,
where Christianity is considered
a minority language.
In total, more than 354 million
Scripture items, including Bibles,
New Testaments, Gospels and
smaller Scripture items like
booklets promoting literacy, were distributed in 2018. More than 97% of
these were in print format.
The Bible Society of South Africa distributed 809 124 complete Bibles
in 2018. These included 639 981 printed, braille and audio Bibles, 167 475
cellphone Bibles and 1 668 e-Bibles.
“The way that Scriptures are made available varies greatly according to
the different contexts in which Bible Societies are operating,” said Elsbeth
Scherrer, UBS Director of Global Bible Publishing and Distribution. “But every
item of Scripture distributed is a reason to celebrate: it has the potential
to initiate and nurture a lifelong encounter with the Word that transforms
individuals as well as communities from within. It is a seed of hope!”
All Scriptures 354,6 million Full Bibles 38,5 million
58,6 M
5,9 M
4,5 M 2,9 M
3,4 M
273,1 M 9,4 M
Europe
North
America 2M
0,3 M
Middle Asia
East
14,9 M
9,8 M 0,7 M 0,6 M
7M
Oceania
Africa
Central and
South America
www.biblesociety.co.za 5
Hope
after the flood
I
“I get petrified every time it rains. I am afraid that it will flood
again,” says Asavela Ndabeni anxiously.
The 26-year-old was one of hundreds of dwellers of the
Green Farm informal settlement in Port St Johns in the Eastern
Cape, who was evacuated after large-scale flooding occurred
in April this year. Those living in squatter camps and traditional
houses suffered the most damage.
“The water was almost a metre high. I rushed to my room
through the water to grab my academic certificate and to save
a few other valuable possessions. It is very important to me
because I will struggle to find work without my certificate,” said
Asavela who is currently doing an internship at a local business.
She spent the night
in a local community hall
with approximately 400
other flood victims, and the
following day left to go to her
parents in the neighbouring
town, Lusikisiki.
6 the sower • spring 2019
When the floodwaters had
eventually receded, she was able to
return to her home.
“I lost my fridge and all my other
electrical appliances.”
Asavela and other dwellers of
Green Farm were very grateful for
the donations they received from the
Bible Society’s action committees in
Mthatha and Lusikisiki.
“These Bibles will be of great
help to those who have lost all their
possessions through this disaster,”
said Mveleli Saliwa, Regional Head
of the Bible Society in the South
Eastern Region during the visit to the
area a few weeks after the flooding.
“It is encouraging that we are able to
stand with each other during these
difficult times and that we can serve
them,” he added.
www.biblesociety.co.za 7
Bibles instead of
birthday presents
I
In gratitude that he had been spared another year of life, a Stellenbosch
resident used his birthday party to raise funds for Bibles.
Owen Bergstedt celebrated his 70th birthday on 20 April this year.
Friends and family who wanted to join the festivities on this special day, had
to agree to give a donation for Bibles beforehand. “The dinner was free of
charge, but when you accepted the invitation, it was compulsory that you
had to donate R100 to the Bible Society,” explained Owen, a supporter of
the Bible Society for many years.
He was grateful for the R6 500 that was raised through his birthday
party. “What we have achieved today, is to tell the Bible Society, ‘Here is the
money, go and tell the good news to them, out there, far away, that Jesus
is still on the throne, that Jesus still cares, no matter the circumstances in
which you find yourself. He is, as always, still in control of our lives’.”
Church walks for Bibles again
L
Last year, the ‘Ned Geref’ Church Kerkenberg hosted an annual Walk for
Bibles for the 19th time in Harrismith and R52 000 was raised as a result. The
walk was organised by Swannie Swanepoel with the support of a number of
local sponsors.
8 the sower • spring 2019Pray with Prayer Guide
no 4 • 2019
the Bible Societies
Taiwan
India Hong Kong
Bangladesh
Philippines
Sri Lanka Micronesia
Maldives
Indonesia
Papua New
Guinea
East Timor
South Pacific
Australia
New
Zealand
OcTOBER pray for ongoing translation
work being done with regard
of all ages, especially young
people and children. Pray that
to the local Maori and our projects will draw people
29 Sept – 5 Oct Tokelauan languages. The to God and his Word.
first complete Tokelauan Bible
should go to print this year. South Pacific: Thank
New Zealand: Praise God God for the support of the
for the impact of The Guide Papua New Guinea: Praise churches and other Christian
to the Bible on the youth. God for the work we have organisations that partner
Pray that this resource will already been able to do in with the Bible Society. Pray
be widely used by people to our country. Pray that we that the relationships will
engage with the Bible. Also, will be able to reach people further be strengthened
www.biblesociety.co.za 9and that we will be able to and growth among the people. Maldives: Pray that God will
have more promotional and Pray for stability in our country. reveal opportunities for Bible
awareness campaigns. work in this tropical paradise.
Also, pray that the locals will
20 – 26 Oct be open to the Word and that
6 – 12 Oct God will transform hearts and
lives on the island.
Micronesia: Pray for the
Australia: Pray for our partnerships serving all the India: Pray for Bible
Pitjantjatjara Old Testament islands in this region. Pray work here as well as for
translation project. This will be that we will be able to fulfil our engagement with God’s Word
the first complete indigenous mission to put God’s Word in in this populous country. In
Bible in a traditional Aboriginal the hands, hearts and minds addition, pray that God will
language. Pray for the health of of all in Micronesia. enable us to do excellent
the translators, and that they work, overcome creative
will produce a quality translation Philippines: Please challenges as well as enjoy
as well as the relevant engage- pray that God will enable support from leadership
ment resources. us to provide Bibles and teams.
discipleship training to 54 000
East Timor: Pray that the people from 400 churches
Christians living there will through the Adopt-A-Church 3 – 9 Nov
have great faith. Despite not programme. Pray for the staff.
having a Bible Society locally,
pray that God will continue to
open doors and spread his November Guatemala: Pray for the
children of Guatemala who
Word there nonetheless. are confronted with many
Indonesia: Pray for the
27 Oct – 2 Nov difficulties, and also that the
Bible will be relevant to the
completion of the revision lives of young Guatemalans.
of the Indonesian Bible Pray that more people will
Bangladesh: Pray that the
scheduled for publication in have access to the Bible in
Adivasi people will be able to
2020. Pray for the New Bible their heart language.
read the Bible in their heart
Readers programme in various
language. Pray that God will
languages like Parigi, Moutong Honduras: Pray for us,
undertake for the Rohingya
and Central Sulawesi. Praise for wisdom to ensure that
God for the publication of the refugees living in Pakistan
under difficult circumstances. the Word of God is relevant
Yali Nania Bible.
In addition, pray for the to our children and young
leadership in the country, people. Pray for God’s
but also for the construction protection over the team, as
13 – 19 Oct of new headquarters for the we live in one of the most
local Bible Society. violent cities in the world.
Taiwan: Pray for the Murder and robberies are
publication of the Chinese Sri Lanka: Pray that God everyday occurrences.
Union 100 Commemorative will bless Bible work in this
Bible, the Chinese Study Bible country, that we can reach El Salvador: Thank God
and a Bible for the indigenous the hearts of the people as for his protection in a time of
people of Taiwan. Also, well as for the safety of staff escalating gang violence. Pray
pray that more churches will and Christians living here. for Christians and Christian
participate in the Handwritten Pray that our work will reach organisations who spread the
Bible project. every individual and that Word of God. Also, pray for all
we can meet their personal the children that participated
Hong Kong: Pray for the Bible needs through the in the Fear Not programme
Revised Chinese Union Bible use of suitable formats and and put the teachings of the
and that it will enhance unity translations. Bible into practice.
10 the sower • spring 2019work on this island. Pray that
we will be able to meet the
Bible needs of our diverse
nation, especially young
people and children.
Canada Haiti: Praise God for his
Dominican daily protection despite the
Republic
difficulties experienced in
United States Haiti. Pray for the safety of
of America our staff and place of work,
Netherlands as well as the development
East Antilles & Aruba
Caribbean of our projects. Pray for Haiti
Haiti
Cuba in general, and our leaders
West Indies Suriname
specifically.
Mexico
Guatemala West Indies: Praise God
for the assistance we have
received and will continue to
receive from Bible Society
partners and colleagues.
Pray for successful outcomes
Suriname: Pray for Bible hearts. Pray that we can make to our strategies, increased
work in our country. Praise the Bible available in suitable fundraising and to better
God for what we have already formats and various languages establish our social media
been able to achieve here. to meet their needs. presence. Pray that we will
Pray that we can spread the reach the people of Jamaica,
Word of God to all the people Dominican Republic: Praise the Bahamas, Belize, the
of every generation, especially God for the lives touched Turks and Caicos Islands
the youth and children. Pray by his Word thanks to our and Cayman Islands.
for Bible work in Guyana and programmes and projects.
French Guiana. Pray that God will bless
families here and that domestic 24 – 30 Nov
violence will decline. Also, pray
10 – 16 Nov for our staff, Board, partners
and volunteers – that we will be Costa Rica: Praise God
able to expand our ministry. for his faithfulness displayed
Netherlands Antilles towards the Costa Rican
& Aruba: Though the East Caribbean: Praise churches. Thank Him for the
inhabitants live on an island God for achievements promotion of Bible reading
paradise, poor neighbour- already attained here. Pray and for the communication of
hoods continue to deal with that our Bible Society will its message to people in the
crime and other societal ills, be able to teach biblical country. Pray for the inmate
and people have lost hope. principles to all generations rehabilitation project brought
Pray that the Bible Society’s and that through various about through Bible study.
project to reach the youth in projects, we will be able to
an engaging format, namely draw more people to God. Nicaragua: Pray for the
Bible comics, will help to Nicaraguan people and for
transform hearts in the peace and stability in the
Caribbean. 17 – 23 Nov country. Pray for the work
of the Bible Society and
Puerto Rico: Pray for our that they will be able to
people, for the Bible work Cuba: Praise God for the meet the Bible needs of the
that the Society does here progress we have been able people and in doing so give
and that it will reach their to make with regard to Bible Nicaraguans hope.
www.biblesociety.co.za 11work of the Bible Society
amid persecution. Pray for
the Society’s projects as well
Russian
Federation as for strength and wisdom
for the staff.
Kazakhstan
2
15 – 21 Dec
4 3 1
1 Kyrgyzstan
2 Georgia Armenia: Praise God that
Afghanistan
our projects are progressing
Pakistan 3 Azerbaijan
well. Pray for our new
4 Armenia projects – producing the
audio Bible, engaging
children with the Word of
Panama: Pray that God United States of America: God, and providing teachers
will bless Bible work in our Pray that God will guide with their own Bibles.
country. Pray that the Word, the work of the American
through the work of the Bible Society and that it will Georgia: Thank God for
Bible Society in providing the spark a revival across the what he has done through
Bible in various formats and country. Pray for God’s favour the Bible Society. Pray that
translations, will reach the especially on the Faith and our work to spread the Word
heart of every individual and Liberty Discovery Center. Pray of God will reach all of our
meet the Bible need. for translation work and Bible- Georgian people and that we
based trauma healing. will make the Bible available
in formats and translations to
december meet their needs.
8 – 14 Dec
Azerbaijan: Pray that the
1 – 7 Dec publication of a large number
Russian Federation: of Bibles in Azerbaijani
Mexico: Pray for the Bible Thank God for the work will be possible in order to
cause in our country. Pray that already done here. Pray that distribute to those in need.
the message of the Bible will the Bible Society will be able
reach the hearts of the Mexican to teach biblical principles
people. Pray that God will to different generations, 22 – 31 Dec
guide the work done by the especially young people and
Bible Society to make the Bible children. Pray that publishing
available in formats that engage projects will attract more Afghanistan: Pray for
men and women of all ages. people to the Word of God. peace and stability in this
country. Pray especially for
Canada: Pray for God’s Kyrgyzstan: The Old the Christians who still face
guidance as the Bible Society Testament in Kyrgyz is being many difficulties and that God
implements new strategies in anticipated with eagerness. will continue to equip them to
order to reach more Canadians Pray for the translators, that stand firm in the faith.
with the Word through they will be able to translate
partnerships with churches at the highest levels. Also, Pakistan: Bible work in this
and organisations. Pray for pray for Bible study materials predominantly Muslim country
sufficient financial support to for children and for the artist is not easy. Pray for strength
maintain Bible translation work who will produce the pictures. and courage to spread the
as well as protection, provision Word. Praise God for providing
and wisdom for the translation Kazakhstan: Pray that we several ways in which to share
teams. Pray for our staff and can reach the Kazakh people the Good News with people of
volunteers. with the Gospel. Pray for the different faiths.
12 the sower • spring 2019Cycling
across Africa for Bibles
T
En route to a vacation to “find themselves”,
two sisters rediscovered the Bible instead – and it changed their lives.
Lynsey Knoetzen and Suzann Knoetzen of Plettenberg Bay were both
lost. “I constantly felt as though I was not where I was supposed to be, and
not doing what I was supposed to be doing,” Lynsey shared.
At the end of 2018, the sisters decided to go camping to find themselves.
They stopped off at a shopping centre in Port Elizabeth on the way. Suzann
spotted the book, Purpose Driven Life, while there. She bought the book,
and a Bible.
“While we studied the Bible, something just clicked in my mind. I realised
that it was what I was missing in my life. I had this overwhelming feeling
that everyone needed to know about this. The Word had to get out!” Lynsey
enthused.
Lynsey and Suzann departed from L’Agulhas, the southernmost tip of
Africa and will cycle for 9 000 km to the foot of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and
will also attempt to summit the mountain, the highest in Africa. All the money
raised in this fashion, will be in support of the Bible Society of South Africa,
as well as the Bible Societies in Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania,
and also the Bitou Community Outreach.
For more information with regard to the Cross Africa Team’s expedition
that began on 13 July, visit www.crossafrica.org.
www.biblesociety.co.za 13Learners support Bible Distribution T The children of Ichthus Christian School in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, visit the Bible House every year. The school has been a donor of the Bible Society since 2004 and over the years has donated R41 600 for Bible Distribution. Pictured are the children with two of their teachers, Petro Williams and the principal, Helena Viljoen. ‘Bybelwa’ aids Bible distribution T Travellers who regularly stop at the Petroport Panorama West, just north of Pretoria, over the Easter weekend will be familiar with the ‘Bybelwa’. Bibles in all languages are sold to interested parties en route to the northern parts of the country from this trailer. “Many members of various congregations and churches voluntarily help with the sale of Bibles,” explained Louis du Toit, the operations officer. The ‘Bybelwa’, a non- profit initiative run under the auspices of the ‘Ned Geref’ Church circuits of Wonderboom and Pretoria North, is one of the Bible Society’s biggest supporters when it comes to Bible sales.
Much more than just Greek
T
Traditionally, the Bible Society regularly provides a number of Hebrew and
Greek Testaments to first-year students at theological faculties across the
country. The students at George Whitefield College in Muizenberg receive an
annual visit from the Bible Society. This year, Scriptures were handed to more
than 100 students, many of them international students. It also presented the
Bible Society with an opportunity to share more about its work and activities.
Here Rev Steve Rockwell (a lecturer in Bible Studies, New Testament Greek)
of the college and Mims Turley (Bible Society) are pictured with the first-
year students.
Bible Society’s leadership lauded
T
The Bible Society of South Africa
(BSSA) was honoured during the
United Bible Societies’ Roundtable
Exchange recently. Rev Dirk Gevers,
Chief Executive Officer of the BSSA,
received a certificate of recognition
from Mr Michael Perreau, Director
General of the United Bible Societies
(UBS). The certificate recognises the
servant leadership of the BSSA and the
manner in which it provided support and
guidance to other Bible Societies in the
UBS and specifically Africa.
www.biblesociety.co.za 15Word Riders tours
an experience
T
To distribute Bibles to the outer reaches of our country is not without
its challenges. It is even more difficult when you take on this task with a
motorcycle.
But it is precisely these motorcycles that attract the children’s attention
and grab their imaginations when the bikers rumble into their schools. This is
the reason why the Word Riders’ annual Bible distribution tours for Grade 7
learners are such unforgettable experiences for both the motorcyclists and the
children alike.
The excited faces, broad smiles and beaming eyes that welcome the Word
Riders at the schools, is truly something to experience. And yet, it is not the
highlight of the visit; that special moment dawns when a Bible is placed in the
hands of a child.
16 the sower • spring 2019The children each have their own story, some
are more talkative than others, and in the
few minutes that the Word Riders are able to
spend with them, a lot is shared. Many of the
stories share a common thread of pain. Absent
parents, poverty, alcohol and drug addiction
and even abuse, are just some of the problems
that the children have to face at a young age.
It is difficult and your heart breaks
sometimes. Eventually, all that you can do is
to tell them about Jesus. The One who loves
them and is always there for them. “Here,
now you can read about Jesus in your new
Bible yourself.”
When the Word Riders leave the school
again amid thunderous commotion, there is a
final wave goodbye and a quick prayer, “Lord,
please look after these children. Bless the
seeds we have sown here today”.
Word Riders 2019 tour
This year, the Word Riders, comprised
of a group of 59 people and 37
motorcycles, set out for the Langkloof,
a valley approximately 160 km long and
part of the beautiful Garden Route. The
tour started in Jeffreys Bay and then
extended inland. In total, 3 687 Bibles
were distributed to Grade 7 learners at
54 schools in Humansdorp, Kareedouw,
Joubertina, Misgund, Uniondale,
Willowmore, Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet.
www.biblesociety.co.za 17IsiXhosa Bibles
with Deuterocanonical books
T
The Bible Society’s Board of
Directors recently granted its
approval to print an isiXhosa Bible
that will include Deuterocanonical
books.
This transpired following a
request made by Father Mluleki There are a number of ways in
Mnyaka of the Catholic Diocese of which you can donate R100 to
Port Elizabeth to the Bible Society our 2 Million Bibles project and
of South Africa (BSSA) to publish be a sower of hope.
the Deuterocanonical books as part
of one of the Bible Society’s current
isiXhosa Bible translations. DIRECT PAYMENT
Representatives from all the Bank: ABSA
churches – Catholic, Anglican, Account number: 260 208 950
Lutheran and Ethiopian Episcopal Branch Code: 632-005
– that use the Deuterocanonical Reference code: 2020
books, gathered in Port Elizabeth
to address the need for such a SNAPSCAN
Bible on 30 April. This advisory
meeting granted the relevant
churches the opportunity to Become
submit a formal request for such a sower
a translation to the BSSA. of HOPE!
18 the sower • spring 2019Bible translator
honoured
R
Recently, Prof Bernard Combrink was honoured
with an academic award for his involvement with
the latest translation of the Bible in Afrikaans.
The Board for the South African Academy for Science and Arts awarded the
Ds Pieter van Drimmelen medal to Prof Combrink for his role as Project Leader
of the translation of ‘Die Bybel: 2020-vertaling’ as well as his contribution as a
fellow translator of the Afrikaans Bible for the Deaf from 1997 to 2005.
The Ds Pieter van Drimmelen medal is awarded for activities such as Bible
translation, theology manuals in Afrikaans for use by university students,
published sermon volumes, religious instruction as well as the writing,
translation, composition and updating of Afrikaans Psalms and hymns.
“As a project leader of the 2020 translation, Prof Combrink ensured faithful
rendering to the source texts of the Bible throughout, and that the translation
was in good and understandable Afrikaans. More than 140 co-workers from a
wide range of Afrikaans denominations contributed to the translation process
under the leadership of Prof Combrink. The completion of the translation
of the Bible in Afrikaans, God willing in 2020, will certainly establish the
most important Afrikaans spiritual text for the next four decades for a broad
Afrikaans audience,” the press release read.
“I feel humbled and grateful for this award. I thank our heavenly Father for
the unparalleled privilege to have been involved with this translation project,
and the grace to have been spared and be in good health up until this point
in my life. The award, in my opinion, actually
has been awarded to the entire team of co-
workers and especially to the three Editorial
Committees that worked particularly hard
on this for the last nine years,” said Prof
Combrink, who had also been honoured with
this medal in 2004.
www.biblesociety.co.za 19Translation done
– new Afrikaans Bible
T
The steering committee responsible for the latest Afrikaans translation of the
Bible, ‘Die Bybel: 2020-vertaling’, met for the last time on 2 May this year. The
committee, in its capacity as a policy committee, granted the final approval of
the translation. The translation was officially handed over to the Bible Society
of South Africa on 1 July. The Bible will be launched on 29 November 2020.
The steering committee is (back from left) Prof Daan Cloete, Prof Christo
van der Merwe, Prof Ernst Kotzé, Prof Andries Breytenbach (vice-
chairman), Prof Jorrie Jordaan, Pastor Jacques Theron, Prof Dirk Human,
Prof Jackie Naudé, Prof Herrie van Rooy, (front) Dr Masenyani Baloyi
(Head: Translation, BSSA), Prof Bernard Combrink (project leader), Rev
Dirk Gevers (CEO, BSSA) Dr Karen de Wet and (insert) Prof Marius Nel.
20 the sower • spring 2019Snapshots
of the Bible
Specifically for use in cell groups
and house churches.
With this guide you
will be refreshing
your understanding This guide will help
of Jesus with the An ideal you discover the
This guide briefly following topics: introduction for Bible as a whole
explores answers Do we really newcomers to the and to transform
to life’s ultimate know Jesus? Do Bible and those your Bible reading,
questions in a we understand wanting to delve enabling you to
stimulating way. his world? Do we deeper. Perfect place the stories,
It also briefly remember that he for groups and people and events
examines the was a Jew? It also also individual within their original
origins and claims deals with social study to discover, context and
of Christianity. The challenges, identity understand and geography. Ideal
Gospel of Mark is issues and spiritual explore the New for personal use or
also included. resources. Testament. in study groups.
ONLY
R15
EACH • NETT
www.biblesociety.co.za
Orders: 021 910 8733 or sales@biblesociety.co.zaBut I will watch for
the Lord; I will wait
confidently for God, who
will save me. My God
will hear me.
Micah 7:7
(Good News Translation)
Your Bible Eastern Region
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