Johanna browses houses for sale in Johannesburg
Yes, folks, the Pillingers are moving on! After many discussions and meetings, our future plans are clarifying… In case you missed it: in October Steve will start a new job within Wycliffe; and next July, Lord willing, we’ll be moving to South Africa.
In July we met with Steve’s future boss, Paul Kroening. We had a very useful session with him, in which we agreed on the outlines of Steve’s new position as Area Publication Production Co-ordinator for sub-Saharan Africa. (More about what that jaw-breaker involves below!) Paul took a flexible approach, which we appreciated. Both he and I (Steve) are starting out in brand new jobs that haven’t existed before; therefore our job descriptions will evolve gradually as we discover what’s involved.
In line with this, during August I drew up my own preliminary job description. This is for the period from October (when the change of assignment will take place) until July, when we expect to move to South Africa. During this interim period I’ll be finishing off a couple of jobs still outstanding from Typesetting Services UK, which I’ve been managing since 2005. From October this department will close; Wycliffe will no longer offer typesetting services to members here in the UK. As we work towards starting a new translation in every language that needs one by 2025, typesetting of completed translations is increasingly being done locally in the country concerned, or at nearby regional publishing centres. This has given rise to the need for an experienced typesetter to co-ordinate, recruit, train, etc. — and I look forward to taking up this new role.
The Konkomba Bible (Protestant edition), which Steve typeset in 2008–9
But from October to December I’ll be doing two remaining UK jobs: the Burunge book of Genesis (Tanzania); and the Catholic version of the Konkomba Bible (Ghana). During this time, and extending on into January and February, I’ll also be starting on my new job. At the moment this will involve contacting typesetters and translation teams in Africa, starting to co-ordinate publishing requirements with typesetting capacity, and getting an idea of where new typesetters may be needed. In the long term there will be others aspects to the job as well — more on that in a future post…
The period from March to May we’ve set aside for partnership development — i.e., visiting and reconnecting with all you wonderful folk here in the UK who help to make this possible, and who we hope will be fully ‘with us’ as we move on into this new phase of ministry.
And, finally, in June we’ll be preparing for our move to South Africa (early July, DV).
That’s the theory! What we can’t yet factor in, is Jen and Warren’s wedding in South Africa. They expect that this will happen in the first half of next year, but are not yet able to set a date. (It’s a complex situation!)
Meanwhile… Watch this space!
Print this post (PDF)
Or, get HP Smart Web Printing
Hi Steve & Johanna, great to hear your news, we’re sure it’s the right time for you both and the family in God’s plan. Every blessing to you for the future in all the planning and preparations necessary. We will remember you both in our prayers and we think often of the many happy times we spent together from the past in Colchester.
Love and best wishes to all from Phil & Pauline K.
Thanks, Phil and Pauline. We’ve so much appreciated your prayers and fellowship over the years. We’ll definitely have to get together next year when we’re in the Colchester area!
Love and blessings from us both.
Glad things are becoming clearer. Your new position sounds very impressive! I should start calling you ‘Sir’
Ha ha, no thanks! No ‘sirring’ in Wycliffe, we’re very egalitarian. In fact we’re all unique, just like everyone else. If you call me Sir, I’ll call you Madam!