Title: The Bible my life

Francois Sieberhagen

And so I answered, “Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.  How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart.  Psalm 40:7,8

It is touching to attend the launch of a new Bible.  Especially if it is the first time the Bible is being translated.  Usually the launch is attended by translators, church leaders and then of course the public.  And usually these people are believers who have waited many years for the translation.  Often, these launches are synonymous with singing and dancing and a lot of praise and worship.  It is the perfect opportunity to take very special pictures.

I met Moses Ndala in 2009 in Platfontein near Kimberley.  It was during the launch of the New Readers Scripture Selections in !Xuhn.  Moses was very close to being 70 years old.

Moses is dressed very neatly, wearing a white hat.  He sits on a step, reading aloud from the New Readers Scripture Selections Book B.  For the first time he can read about Jesus in his own language.

I move closer to take the picture.  The flash does not even disturb him.  He is concentrating on what he is reading.  As I move closer to talk to him, he sees me.  “What I read here is true. Jesus is the Son of God,” he said.

Moses Ndala had to grow old before he could receive something from the Bible in his own language.  He will probably not be receiving the whole Bible in his mother tongue very soon.

The bigger picture in which Moses Ndala finds himself, tells the sad tale of unsettlement and of having to find his feet in a strange new country.  The smaller picture that I capture tells the tale of a believer who loves his language and the Bible.

It is truly inspiring to meet someone like this.  Someone who is not ashamed to talk about his love for the Bible even if it is not in his own language..  And this should encourage us as believers to also express the same love for our Bible.

May it be like the Psalmist says “I keep your teaching in my heart.”  And if we confess this, let our lives reflect that.

Prayer: Lord, let my love for your word become visible through my words, thoughts and behaviour. Amen