A dusty footpath wound past our first home in Haiti, disappearing down into the ravine. All day long, young girls walked down this path with empty five-gallon buckets swinging lazily from their hands, returning a few minutes later with a full load of water balanced carefully on their heads. The tropical heat and humidity worked against them, but they strained upward, seldom losing a drop, because their load of water was invaluable to their families.
On other paths, you might find these same girls bearing loads of charcoal, mangoes, or even cement blocks. I expected these burdens would bend and break these small girls, but instead it strengthened them.
The girls walked tall and straight, with a regal air betrayed only by the threadbare rags that hung limply from their shoulders and hips.
These girls are not just carrying these burdens for themselves. They carry them for others.
The sight of girls carrying burdens is common in many of the places where Bible translation is underway. What is invisible in these areas but just as important are the thousands of Wycliffe Associates supporters like you who are helping to carry God’s Word to the hearts and lives of these same families.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (NIV).
When I think of you supporting Wycliffe Associates, I picture you carrying and bearing the burdens of the individuals, families, communities, and nations of our ministries. I see you standing tall and straight, bearing up gladly to serve them.
Thank you for your partnership in Bible translation!
