Translation Matters | June-July 2026
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
The writer of Hebrews pauses, after recounting generations of faithful servants of God, to say: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). The picture is not one of spectators, but of lives already poured out in faithful obedience, leaving a path for others to follow.
Bible translation has always moved forward this way.
No translation project or ministry movement has ever been built on the strength of one generation alone. We stand on foundations laid by men and women who gave themselves steadily, sacrificially, and often quietly, so that others could continue the work.
This edition of Translation Matters pays tribute to Sean Mooney, who recently passed away after serving faithfully as Board Chair of Wycliffe South Africa for ten years. Sean was part of that long line of people who understood that Kingdom work is not measured merely by visibility or recognition, but by faithfulness over time.
Throughout the history of Bible translation, progress has depended on people willing to carry responsibility for a season so that others could go further. Some translated Scripture, others trained leaders, mobilised churches, solved logistical problems, governed organisations wisely, or remained steadfast when the work became difficult. Many names are remembered only by the communities they served and by God Himself. Yet without them, countless people would still be waiting to encounter Scripture in the language that speaks most deeply to their hearts.
This is the cost of seeing Jesus made known among the nations: lives laid down in faithful service. Not always dramatically, but consistently. Men and women offering their time, strength, wisdom, prayers, and years for the sake of others hearing the voice of God in their own language.
As we honour Sean’s legacy, we also look forward. We encourage the Wycliffe South Africa family to stand behind our new Board Chair, Gerhard Marx, with prayer, encouragement, and partnership. Leadership in missions is never carried by one person alone. It requires a community committed to walking together with courage and humility.
We are deeply grateful for the faithful service of our Board, staff team, members, partners, and translation teams serving across Africa and beyond. Together, we form part of a much bigger story that stretches across generations.
We have inherited a rich legacy. The question before us now is what kind of legacy we will leave behind for those who follow after us.
Alan Webster
REMEMBERING A GIANT: TRIBUTE TO SEAN MOONEY
Sean Mooney at the Wycliffe Global Gathering in 2024
I (Alan Webster) had the privilege of serving under Sean’s chairmanship of Wycliffe South Africa for five years, since joining in January 2021.
You’re meant to feel a certain intimidation around the Chairman of the Board. And yes—Sean carried the stature of a giant. But what set him apart was this: he never made you feel small. Instead, he put you at ease.
He was always professional and kind, focused yet full of joy. He knew how to take charge when needed, but he never dominated—he invited. He listened. He valued your voice. He embodied what it means to be a servant leader. And it didn’t take long to realise that this wasn’t just my experience—everyone who knew him respected him deeply.
Sean loved Jesus. Not quietly. Not privately. But openly, naturally, and without hesitation. I remember a trip we took together to Kenya. Before we had even boarded the plane, Sean was already deep in conversation with someone in the queue—talking about God. That was just who he was. Throughout the journey, we found ourselves tag-teaming—praying for waitresses, air hostesses, fellow passengers, and for each other.
He was what I like to call naturally evangelistic. It wasn’t forced—it flowed. It was the outward expression of an inner reality. He wore his heart on his sleeve and his message on his t-shirts. He was unashamed of the Gospel.
One of the moments that marked me most personally came early on. Our Head of Finance and I had to present my first budget. It showed a significant deficit. After just ten months as Executive Director, I quietly wondered how long I would last presenting numbers like those.
Sean was clearly concerned—but then he spoke words I will never forget: “Alan, this in no way undermines what the Board feels about you as Director. We know you are the man called by God to lead Wycliffe SA.”
In that moment, something shifted. I knew I could face that challenge—and many others that would follow—with courage and faith, because Sean was in my corner. And that’s who he was. He was always in your corner. You could always rely on his faith.
Sean served as Board Chair for ten years. A decade of faithful, steady, wise leadership. And everyone who crossed his path benefited—from his wisdom, his enthusiasm, and his kindness.
He treated every person with dignity. No one was overlooked. No one was too young, too junior, or too insignificant.
As Daisy wrote this week:
“Sean loved everyone, it didn’t matter how young some of us were to him. May his soul rest now.”
His impact extended far beyond South Africa. He contributed deeply to the Bible translation movement, and many have spoken of what he meant to them.
Peter Munguti wrote:
“I knew Sean personally and really admired him as a leader. Every time I met him we always had time to talk and appreciate what God is doing through our lives.”
And in her message to the wider Wycliffe Global Alliance leadership, Wairimu Irungu said:
“Sean contributed greatly in Wycliffe South Africa and Africa Area in boards, forums, Africa Area conferences, and various meetings in Africa and in the Alliance; therefore, he had a great impact on the Alliance and the Bible translation movement as a whole. We shall surely miss Sean.”
Indeed, Sean made a lasting impact wherever he went.
On behalf of the Wycliffe South Africa team, I want to express our deep gratitude to Jo-anne and the family—for releasing Sean to serve so generously in this ministry. His life has left a lasting imprint on all of us.
I also appreciate these words from Hannes Wiesmann:
“Although I did not have many opportunities to spend time with him, the moments we shared were filled with joy, and I hold them warmly in my memory. He is one of the very few people with whom I had the joy of jogging on two different continents. I especially remember the last time, during the Global Gathering. He mentioned he was not as fit as he once had been and wondered whether he should join us for a gentle Sunday morning run in Johannesburg. We were so glad he came along—not least because he knew the way—but even more because of the presence he brought with him.”
Yes—he brought a presence. A fragrance. The presence and fragrance of Jesus. Even toward the end, Sean remained committed and courageous. The last time we saw him, despite weakness and pain, he got out of bed and came to sit with us—to listen to the updates from our Board meeting. He smiled as we shared, and he was especially joyful to hear of the newly elected Board Chair, Gerhard Marx, who would succeed him.
That was Sean. Faithful to the very end.
He has left an empty seat at the table—but he has also helped build a strong and united team to carry the work forward.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
To Mr Mooney, that’s Money with an extra O:
Sean was a builder, a grower; A Word of God sower
An architect, leader; A family feeder
A Holy Ghost power; Man for the hour
A husband and brother; With love like no other
For Jesus, for friends And for strangers at ends of the earth.
They were worth his attention; He gave friends affection
And always took care; With a word and a prayer
To offer his soul; So that we could be whole
And his earthly story; Was to give God the glory.
Sean was a twinkle-eyed teaser; A God-fearing pleaser
A Christ t-shirt wearer; A kingdom cross bearer.
He liked electronics; And loved aquaponics
So shared all his wisdom; So we’d know the system.
An avid risk-taker, Great disciple maker
He grew sons and daughters; By the love that he taught us
He was hale, he was hearty; The life of the party
And for any reason; And in every season
He’d celebrate life; And – wow – loved his wife
And children and grandson; Oh, and also he ran some
The Comrades, Two Oceans; They’d stir his emotions
He ran a good race; It was hard to keep pace
With this great man of God; So this day is quite hard
We’ve lost one of the best; But as we lay him to rest
We do so with joy; Knowing death is destroyed
And sickness is over; And we can get closure
Because life in the winner; For a blood-redeemed sinner
And Sean is not gone; Cos his life carries on
In the presence of Jesus; Our great King who frees us
From death and from sorrow; Who gifts us tomorrow
So we worship the Lord; Whom Sean has adored
And he’s now with Messiah; His whole life’s desire
Is fully received; As Sean always believed
To God be the glory; Great things he has done
And Sean lived that story; Now his victory’s won!
Tributes from the SA Team
"I am deeply saddened by Sean's passing. What a privilege it has been to know him and serve with him on the WSA Board. He gave himself unstintingly to the vision and mission of WSA. He loved his fellow Board members, the WSA staff and members of the language communities we serve - consistently leading with courage and humility. His witness to the power of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved with all his heart, spoke volumes in every aspect of his life - in the marketplace, in ministry, as a family man, and marathon runner. I will cherish his memory always. My prayers and condolences to Joanne and the family."
Karen Floor
"Harry and I are deeply saddened to learn that Sean is no longer with us. Truly an exceptional man of God and leader, who was a blessing to so many, including people in our translation projects. We were personally privileged and blessed by his prayers for Harry. We celebrate a life well-lived to the glory of God. With love and deepest sympathy to Jo-anne and dear ones - may they experience the Lord's comfort and sustaining grace in double measure."
Harry & Elsbeth Brasem
"My deepest condolences for this loss😭😭! May the Lord receive His servant to rest in the arms of Jesus! May the Holy Spirit comfort Sean's family and each one of us."
Jadreque Buanaite
"It is sad to hear of Sean’s passing. I met him on the trip we took to Namibia, to Opuwo, for the launch of a section of the Bible in Himba. I saw a God-fearing man who cared deeply for people, was willing to help with the translation work, and wanted to see communities engaged with the Word of God. This is a great loss for us here on earth, but Heaven is rejoicing over yet another man of God who is now with the Lord. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and to all who knew him and worked directly with him."
Marcelina Neto
"I have taken many photos of Sean over the years in my role as photographer. He was easy to photograph because he smiled a lot, and always involved himself fully in whatever activity he was part of. I remember him as strong, humble, godly and kind. On one early trip to Botswana he helped me carry my camera gear - an act of kindness I have always remembered! A true servant leader. He will be sorely missed, but I am deeply grateful to have known him."
Jennifer Pillinger
"Brother Sean was such an inspiration to us, especially within the Resource Mobilisation Team. He gave his all to support us - walking with us through our growth journey and the hurdles we faced.
I remember his labour of love in our weekly meetings - how he would show up in spite of being Chair of the board. He would show up in-person at an operational level, not to dominate, but to humbly listen and offer wise, steady counsel. He shared his networks generously, opening doors for the work. His consistent monthly financial support to Wycliffe SA spoke volumes, and at times he went even further with sacrificial, one-off large financial gifts.
What a generous and humble leader - what a great example to emulate.
His impact was real, and his legacy lives on. We listened, we learned, and we will continue what he poured into us. May God comfort and strengthen his family and friends during this time. He has run his race and has finished strong."
Busani Mcingolwane
"This is so sad to see. May the Lord comfort his family and all those who loved him. May he now hear those words 'well done good and faithful servant'. We ask God for grace for all who are mourning."
Joey Fourie
"Our hearts are broken. Condolences to the family 💔May God comfort them in this time."
Tshegofalo Siele
"I had the privilege to meet Sean only a few times. His gentleness, kindness and love for the Lord was evident, and he has left a strong impact in Wycliffe SA. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
Lenthia Erasmus
HEBREW HUBS
By Ansie van der Merwe
Group photo of Hebrew class
Exhibitors
Only 10% of language communities have a full Bible in their mother tongue. Many of the foundational truths of Scripture are laid in the Original Testament, and Wycliffe South Africa, in our discussions with the leaders in the language communities, supports the request for a full Bible to be translated.
To help mother tongue translators to translate accurately, we want to teach them Hebrew. In partnership with the Whole Word Institute in Jerusalem, Wycliffe South Africa formed two training hubs - one in Mozambique for the Portuguese speaking translators and one in Johannesburg for the English-speaking translators. The training consists of six 2-week workshops spread out over a year.
Students have already finished studying the book of Jonah and a scripture set on Abraham. Next up is the book of Ruth.
Pray that the students manage to complete their online preparations well. Many have poor internet access or devices and struggle to access the work. Pray that God gives them clear minds to understand the material. Please also pray for the logistics and safety in travel for students and teachers.
There is an opportunity for three students of Wycliffe South Africa to expand their knowledge by studying at the Whole Word Institute in Jerusalem full-time, for 15 months. Please pray for them as they prepare to go. Please also pray for provision for these courses.
EQUIPPED FOR TRANSFORMATION
Scripture Engagement Training in 7 Mozambican Languages
by Helen van der Walt
Items being used as part of a Scripture Engagement activity called Listening Groups
Three years ago, Wycliffe SA took on the big task of training all their partner language groups in Scripture Engagement (SE), with a vision to see God’s Word impacting lives. The Oral Bible Translation process brings transformation and change in the lives of the translation team; but what about the wider community? We want to equip translation teams to take the translated Scriptures into all areas of their community, in creative and meaningful ways, to see God at work amongst their family, friends, neighbours, and beyond.
In April, the “Introduction to Scripture Engagement” training was completed with the final 7 languages in Mozambique: Koti, Meetto, Phimbi, and the CD Cluster. The new Programme Coordinators for eSaka and Marrevoni also joined us. This was a huge milestone, leaving only the Himba team in Namibia in need of SE training.
I have been developing this workshop over the past few years, aimed specifically at SE facilitators in oral African contexts. It covers the motivations and value behind SE, methods and tools, God’s plan for languages and cultures, community mapping, kingdom goals and community needs, as well as creativity and applications of SE.
Also included is training to lead listening groups; an oral method for engaging with Scripture. This method has been groundbreaking in so many communities, with a huge number of stories about salvation and transformation. Each day of the workshop started with a listening group, where we listened to Scripture, learnt the story, and then explored the story together. We had great fun learning Biblical stories with drama, gestures, and props, and the insights that the group shared in discussion were invaluable. Each team is now equipped to lead listening groups in their own area, and to train more facilitators.
"These listening groups will be good for us, especially the women. They often say, "we can't read, the Bible isn't for us, only the men". But now the Bible is for them too!" - Koti team
This 3-day workshop was no different to the success of previous workshops. In fact, the teams were even more engaged than I expected. They were full of questions and a desire to be equipped. I appreciated their thoughts and questions, and valued their responses to Scripture. Most of all, I absolutely loved the last day when we commissioned the teams. To prepare them to make informed decisions for their context, I shared a wide range of available resources and training. We talked about the practicalities of their role as SE facilitators, our head of Translation Services gave an encouraging word, and we prayed both with and for them. My favourite part was seeing the teams eagerly making practical plans for next steps.
Only a few representatives from each team were able to come to the training due to funding restraints. However, each person has now gone back home and trained their whole translation team. They have already started visiting and serving their communities! Please pray for them as they serve.
PRAYER CORNER
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
Please scan the QR code or click the button below if you would like to become part of our prayer community.
Testimony: R4TB 7km winner, Khanye Mabula
The winner of the R4TB 7km race at Bunny Park was Khanye Mabula. Khanye is not just a good runner in the athletic sense, he is also faithfully running the race marked out for him as a believer and witness for God. Here is how he does it (transcript in English and Sotho below).
Transcript (English)
My name is Khanye, and my surname is Mabula, I am 24 years old, I am from Lesotho, and my pastor is Thabang Mamoe. I am a missionary - I tell shepherds the Word of God in the mountains so that they come to the light of God. I go to them and speak the Word of God. Some cannot read the Bible, and for this reason we use the Audio Bible so that they can also hear the Word of God. I also see a big change in them. I pray together with them twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. I started telling shepherds the Word of God in 2021 and I have been telling them about it since then, but now I am doing a 3-month program with Impact Mission Training, where I am equipped with tools to reach shepherds effectively and improve my relationship with God. Another testimony I received when I went to share the gospel with shepherds is that one of the shepherds accepted Jesus, and now he is teaching others about the Word of God.
Thank you.
Transcript (Sotho)
Lebitso la ka ke Khanye, fane ea ka ke Mabula, ke lilemo li 24, ke tsoa Lesotho, moruti oa ka ke Thabang Mamoe, ke moromuoa, ke bolella balisa Lentsoe la Molimo lithabeng e le hore ba tle leseling la Molimo, ke ea ho bona 'me ke bua lentsoe la Molimo, ba bang ha ba khone ho bala Bibele ka lebaka lena re sebelisa Bibele ea Audio e le hore le bona ba ka utloa lentsoe la Molimo, ke boetse ke bona phetoho e kholo ho bona, ke rapela le bona hammoho Ke ea ho bona habeli ka beke e leng Labobeli le Labone, ke qalile ho bolella balisa Lentsoe la Molimo ka 2021 'me ke ntse ke ba bolella ka lona, empa joale ke etsa lenaneo la likhoeli tse 3 ka Impact Mission Training, moo ke hlomelloang ka lisebelisoa tsa ho fihlela balisa ka katleho le ho ntlafatsa kamano ea ka le Molimo. Bopaki bo bong boo ke bo fumaneng ha ke ne ke ea ho arolelana evangeli le balisa ke hore e mong oa balisana o amohetse Jesu,ha joale o ruta ba bang ka lentsoe la molimo.
Kea leboha
KIDS WHO CARE
Hello everyone! Thank you for being one of our KIDS WHO CARE. You are a child who wants all children to have a Bible. And…you are part of the Wycliffe family! We are a great big family of people who want all people to have a Bible in a language that they can understand.
The Wycliffe family- do you think that is a strange name, like I do? Maybe you are wondering where this family got its name. I decided to do some investigating and find out where the name Wycliffe comes from.
Wycliffe was the surname of a man called John who lived in England more than 600 years ago. In the 1300s, most people could not read the Bible for themselves because it was written in Latin, a language ordinary people did not understand. Only priests and highly educated people could read it.
John Wycliffe believed God’s Word belonged to everyone, not only to priests and scholars. He believed that ordinary people should be able to read the Bible in their own language. He thought farmers, workers, children, and ordinary families should all be able to hear and understand the Bible in their own language. They should not just have to listen to God’s Word being read to them in Latin, by priests at church, and not really understand what they were hearing.
When I read this information about John Wycliffe, I realised that what he believed sounds just like what I believe today, and I’m sure you do too. God’s Word should be for everyone. All people should be able to hear and understand the Bible in their own language. Nearly 700 years later this is still what people in the Wycliffe family believe and are working hard to do.
I found out some more about John Wycliffe. John and his friends began the huge job of translating the Bible into English. Word by word, page by page they changed it from Latin to Middle English, the language that ordinary people in their country could understand. This became known as the Wycliffe Bible.
This was long before computers or printers existed. Every single Bible had to be copied by hand with ink and a feather pen! It could take months and months just to make one copy.
Wycliffe’s helpers carefully carried these handwritten Bibles around England. They would visit towns and villages and read the Bible aloud to people. For many people, it was the very first time they had ever heard God’s Word in English. People were amazed. They listened closely because now they could finally understand the stories of Jesus.
But not everyone was happy. Some powerful church leaders became angry because they did not want ordinary people reading the Bible themselves. They liked it and felt special when they were the only people who could understand God’s Word. These leaders could control people by twisting the words to tell people what they wanted them to hear, and sometimes not what it really said.
It became dangerous to own an English Bible because many church leaders were fighting against this happening. John Wycliffe was not afraid and bravely continued to help more people to have a Bible in a language that they could understand.
Even after he died, angry leaders tried to erase his work and stop the spread of the English Bible. But they could not stop his ideas. More and more people got an English Bible.
This was hundreds of years ago and now millions of people around the world can read the Bible in their own language. God used people like John Wycliffe to make a way for more people to be able to understand His Word. People still remember what the hero, John Wycliffe, did.
A large group of people carry on the work that John Wycliffe started. They are the Wycliffe family and they still work hard, sacrificing their own time and money to help more people get God’s Word in their own language. They are brave and they don’t give up easily. Even when it is difficult, or when they feel tired or like the job is too big, they keep doing what Wycliffe did: helping more people understand the Bible. I love it that I can play a very small part in carrying on the work that John Wycliffe started. I can still pray and give and help more people to know about what the Wycliffe family are doing. And you can too!
Love Gill
