Remembering Dalene

Dalene Breytenbach joined The Word for the World Bible Translators in May, 1996, and it was only then that we got to know her. Over the years since then, we have come to know her as a co-worker, but also as a friend and precious member of the family of God on earth. Today we mourn her passing, but most of all, we celebrate her life, which to all who really knew her, was a demonstration of the mercy and power of God.

Professionally, Dalene was highly efficient and conscientious. She was our liaison person with the media, and also handled internal communications in the organization. Who will ever be able to forget her regular “In-House” Report, which read like a compendium of newsworthy items in the organization! One of her duties was to keep the address list of the organization up to date, in itself a mammoth task. With her extensive knowledge of both Afrikaans and English, she also served as editor of all official publications of The Word for the World. In the last years of her life, she committed to writing the history of the first thirty years of the organization, in a book of over three hundred pages yet to be published.

Dalene was a very colorful personality, having worked abroad and in South Africa in a variety of jobs, mostly to do with journalism and public relations. She spoke openly of her mistakes, and faults, and struggles, and was all the more appreciated for that. She was a faithful friend, cultivating relationships with great care. She appreciated everything that is beautiful, from art to music to literature – to jewelry and people.

We observed her spiritual development with excitement. It is no secret that she had reached a low point in her life before she joined us, and to see her working so hard to pick herself up, and putting her trust completely in God, was a great inspiration to all of us. Her close relationship with God was beautiful to behold, and will be remembered by all of us. Her life and her work were an expression of the motto “My Utmost for his Highest.”

We say goodbye in the sincere anticipation of seeing her again, and we imagine her dancing around the throne of God with the enthusiasm and dedication that was so characteristic of her life in this world.

Véroni and Martie Krüger
International Directors
The Word for the World Bible Translators