One of the most beautiful things about God’s people for me is the seeming contradiction of diversity and unity. How can such diverse people, both across cultures and borders and within our own community, possibly be united? Yet, this diversity was perfectly orchestrated and created by a God who is sovereign and has a perfect plan. This diversity is what makes unity in Christ more beautiful.

There are many players in the Bible Translation community, all working side-by-side in partnership, competition, or oblivious to one another. I believe God’s desire is for His people to work together. Only then can we be truly fit to flourish as a diverse yet unified people of God.

We are each gifted with different skills, talents, personalities, and experiences. I love how 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 describes a body with many parts: each part is equally needed, where God wants it, and standing together in harmony and solidarity. God has a place for WSA in His mission. However, by design, we have limited capacity. We aren’t fit to flourish when we stand alone. As Ecclesiastes 4 describes, we are stronger together.

Let’s motivate one another, meet together and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:23-25). Let’s be humble and gentle, patient, making space for mistakes and faults through love and binding ourselves together with peace (Ephesians 4:2-4).

In the business world there is so much competition. In God’s world, there is harmony. Whenever I go to a mission expo or mission conference, I am always blown away by the love and support shown, the partnership and collaboration. Let’s make this true for every part of the Bible Translation community.

By Helen van der Walt

Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (NLT)

⁸ This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.

⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.

Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ephesians 4:2-4 (NLT)

² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. ⁴ For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)

²³ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. ²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

1 Corinthians 12:18-21, 25-27 (NLT)

¹⁸ But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. ¹⁹ How strange a body would be if it had only one part! ²⁰ Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. ²¹ The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

…

²⁵ This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

²⁷ All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.