This was the first verse from the Bible that Afaafa* had ever read. As a Kenyan who had been taught another majority religion, she had refused even to touch a Bible. She had planned to convert her Christian friends, but one of them challenged her to read the Bible for herself. She decided to read the first verse she set her eyes on, and there it was, Galatians 5:1. When reading it, she felt something powerful come on her. And that night she had a dream where God invited her to choose slavery or freedom. She chose freedom and became a follower of Jesus. Her two sons are growing up knowing Jesus.
Since 2005, Afaafa has been a Bible translator because “if God can change my life through one verse, then I expect every verse I translate will impact the life of another Bydla* person.” She longs to see her people receive Scripture in their language and know the freedom that comes in Christ. God’s Word has power to change individuals, especially when it is in the language that speaks to them best. It can bring freedom to communities and cultures, too. Thank you—your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry are helping train colleagues who will one day impact people just like Afaafa, all around the world.
*Names changed for security reasons.
Personal Update
My family and I are well. Working from home continues to be productive. The goal now is to prep for June virtual Equip using all we learned in April. I am not sure I realized how thankful I could be for predictable internet, but it is a blessing, keeping me in touch with family, friends, and colleagues. Your many encouragements have also been a blessing. Grateful for you!
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