Karen Floor and Johanna Pillinger embracing at the Jubilee Celebration, 2025

Our 50th anniversary is a milestone that celebrates five decades of growth, change, and enduring commitment to bringing God’s Word to people in their own languages.

From its beginnings as a sending organisation, Wycliffe South Africa has evolved into a key player in locally managed translation programmes. The organisation has embraced global movements such as Vision 2025 and the rise of Oral Bible Translation, which complements traditional written approaches. Today, Wycliffe SA is among the pioneers of Oral Bible Translation and Transcription (OBT&T), and is involved in translation work in more than 20 languages—a number expected to double by 2030.

Dit was ‘n inspirerende dag. (It was an inspiring day.)

The Jubilee year was celebrated through a series of interconnected events that captured the theme of jubilation: an art exhibition (now an art shop), a commemorative magazine, the release of a Jubilee music album, and a celebration that brought together friends, partners, and supporters from across South Africa and beyond.

There were hugs, laughter, and exclamations of delight as people who hadn’t seen each other in years or decades reunited for this historic occasion. Around the room, past and present leaders sat side by side, and the veterans who had dedicated their lives to Bible Translation welcomed new members ready to continue the mission.

Joshua and I counted it such a privilege to attend this very soul-enhancing and God-Glorifying event.

The programme included an overview of Wycliffe South Africa’s history, presented by Sean Mooney, our current Board Chair. Speeches were given by Stephen Coertze, former Wycliffe SA director and now director of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and Hans Combrink, director of LuminAfrica. Nick and Lynne Swanepoel, highly respected members of the Bible Translation community, shared their reflections, and former Wycliffe SA director Karen Floor performed the ceremonial cake cutting.

Two newly qualified translation consultants, Busie Paulo and Alexandre Caetano, were presented with certificates, and the Wycliffe SA team performed Only Jubilee, a song written by Alan Webster. Recorded video tributes from key members and leaders who could not attend were shared, along with a greetings video featuring several of our active projects across southern Africa.

The highlight of my day at the Jubilee was the certification of two consultants by Wycliffe South Africa.

The celebration was a rare moment of reflection and gratitude—a time to honour the pioneers who laid the foundations, to remember the organisation’s humble beginnings, and to give thanks for the remarkable progress made through God’s faithfulness.

We were blessed to have so many people together in one room who have shared and shaped the journey of Wycliffe South Africa over the years.

The Jubilee Celebrations were a highlight for us – we had expectations of a very special time together with Wycliffe family and friends, and we were not disappointed. Listening to colleagues share from the heart was inspiring and fun, accompanied by joyous worship, and we felt blessed by the warmth and loving affirmation shown to us, in particular, and thoroughly spoilt. Thank you, dear Wycliffe family. And thank you, Lord, for including us on this remarkable Team of yours.