Another way I can phrase this idea is: “each person being the right person at the right place to flourish.” I have always been fascinated by the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8. In my understanding, this parable shows me that it is not enough that the seed one sows is faultless; the soil into which the seed is sown also plays a huge role in the final productivity. In other words, both the seed and the soil must find each other and when that happens, the seed will flourish and bear fruit from the soil. It is a mutually beneficial relationship.

In our context as Wycliffe South Africa, I see the seed as the role the leadership plays in creating a fitting environment for the rest of the team to be productive towards the fulfilment of our vision. The soil is the heart, attitude, commitment and diligence of each member of the team. When these two find each other, it is impossible not to flourish.

As a ‘newbie’ who has just joined the team and has no prior experience of Bible Translation, it has been such a fulfilling, informative and humbling experience for me to get to know the members of the office team. I have come out of each of these meetings with my heart resounding a big “YES, Sarah-Odwa, you are the right person at the right place to flourish!” I look forward to having this experience with those on the wider team I have yet to meet and hearing their stories of how they have fitted into God’s purpose, bringing hope to marginalised communities through the gift of God’s Word in their heart language.

I would like to end my thoughts with this Scripture below:

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts to grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:16 NLT

By Sarah-Odwa Madyibi