“We have come to understand that in some ways our lives will always be impacted by the roles we played, but ultimately our identity is found in Christ Jesus and that never changes.”

Lynne and I both applied to become Bible translators. However, while we were training, we heard of translations completed, but never used. Clearly, literacy and Scripture use went hand in hand, so during our second year of SIL training Lynne decided to specialise in literacy, while I continued with the translation track.

The Rendille community in Kenya was very remote and very needy in 1981. “Come quickly, a warrior has been bitten by a lion!” “Help, a camel has fallen down the well!” “Our only donkey was mauled by lions!” “I have not eaten for three days, give me...” The luxury of just sitting in an office to hasten the translation was never going to be an option for us. The prolonged drought brought great suffering. We arranged food relief and were personally involved with distributing it for two years, until the camels came into milk. We could then end the food aid. But a pastoralist with no livestock is still totally dependent. Then we started a restocking program for three hundred destitute families.

When the rains came in December 1984, we were able to start translation. Lynne developed an adult education program suited to the needs of the community. The publication of the Gospel of Mark coincided with a sudden growth in the number of believers. The literacy contributed significantly. Many students became believers. We could only stand in awe at the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, hungry to read, and quick to respond.

We retired from working in Korr, as we both faced significant medical problems. Eventually we could continue with the Old Testament from the UK. The work was similar, but the role was different. I was no longer leading but worked as an advisor to the team in Korr.

Supporters kept prompting Lynne to write our story. Despite the changes, we continue to rejoice at the ongoing work of God. We have come to understand that in some ways our lives will always be impacted by the roles we played, but ultimately our identity is found in Christ Jesus and that never changes.

By Nick Swanepoel