Benoni swimmer makes a splash for Bible translation
Wycliffe South Africa assists indigenous churches in providing the Word of God to people who have no Bibles in their mother tongue.
Benonian Alan Webster, executive director of Wycliffe South Africa, swam 50km in September to raise R50 000 for Bible translation.
Webster explained that Wycliffe South Africa assists indigenous churches in providing the Word of God to people who have no Bibles in their mother tongue.
He said there are more than 7 400 spoken languages in the world today; South Africa alone boasts 12 official languages.
“There are at least 30 other ‘living’ languages spoken across the country. One of the most powerful ways to preserve a language – and affirm the dignity of the culture behind it – is by translating the Bible into that community’s mother tongue.
“Globally, however, only around 10% of languages have access to a full Bible translation. That is why the work of Wycliffe South Africa matters.”
The organisation, which supports translation projects across southern Africa, celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 28 at eMseni in Benoni.
To mark the milestone, Webster, who has lived in Benoni since 1981, set himself a unique fundraising challenge: to swim 50km to raise R50 000 during September. That meant swimming the equivalent of a Midmar Mile every day.
ALSO READ: Church celebrates 65 years with joyful march through Benoni
Training at Health World in Rynfield, Webster meticulously clocked up 2 500 laps in the 20m pool.
On September 27, he completed his final stretch, cheered on by supporters.
What started as a solo effort quickly grew into a team venture. By the end of the challenge, Webster was joined by three other swimmers, two runners, and two walkers.
On the last day, fellow Wycliffe colleagues June Dickie, a translation consultant from Cape Town, and Christoff Kok, who is training to become one, took to the pool alongside Webster to celebrate the finish.
Wycliffe South Africa currently works with 24 language communities in the region, helping people gain access to Scripture in the language of their hearts.
“Every lap reminded me that this is about more than swimming; it’s about bringing dignity, hope, and the Word of God to people in their own language,” said Webster.
To learn more or support the ongoing work of Bible translation, visit www.wycliffe.org.za
ALSO READ: Cute Little Boy Impressively Recites A To Z Bible Verses
