By the Prayer Team: Ansie van der Merwe and Lenthia Erasmus

Prayer remains the foundation of all that we do at Wycliffe South Africa. As Oswald Chambers once wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” We therefore seek to cultivate a strong culture of prayer within our organisation and among our partners and supporters.

40 Days of Fasting and Prayer

From 18 February to 4 April 2026, during the season of Lent, we joined together for our annual 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer. This special time is always a meaningful season within LuminAfrica, as ministries such as Hands With Words, Word for the World, Biblica, Bible Society, and Wycliffe South Africa unite in prayer for Bible Translation across Africa.

This year our focus was especially on translators and support staff serving in Bible Translation ministry. Daily prayer prompts were shared with our wider network of intercessors and prayer partners, encouraging many to faithfully stand with us in prayer.

We are deeply grateful to every person who participated — whether for a single day, several days, or throughout the full 40 days.

Our next 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer will take place from 10 February to 27 March 2027, and we warmly invite you to join us again during this dedicated season of prayer.

Day of Prayer

To conclude the 40 Days of Fasting, Wycliffe South Africa gathered at Health Care Christian Fellowship for a special Day of Prayer and fasting. It was a blessed time of worship, fellowship, and united prayer as we sought the Lord together.

Prayer Retreat

Ansie and Lenthia also had the privilege of attending a three-day Prayer Retreat in Hermanus in March. The retreat provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships within the LuminAfrica Prayer Working Group and to build greater unity, trust, and shared vision as we continue to serve together.

“Brothers and sisters, pray for us.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:25