Tribute to Mrs Flavie Jackson
You have not seen Him, yet you love Him; and trusting in Him now without seeing Him, you are transported with a joy too great for wards, while you reap the harvest of your faith, that is, salvation for your souls. Peter 1.8-9
The Seychelles Bible Society (SBS) is now without one of its pillars, Mrs Flavie Jackson, brought about by her recent passing on 1st September. Since its conception, first as an advisory Committee in 1985, followed by its inauguration as a fully-fledged society in 1989, the SBS has benefited enormously from the invaluable contribution of Mrs Jackson, one of its longest serving members.
Her devotion to the Society, the sole fully ecumenical national organization, and its records meticulously and faithfully kept by her as its then secretary, are now a historical legacy to Mrs Jackson’s unflinching love for God, His Word and mission in this world. As a founding member of the Society, she assisted in the laborious work of formulating its constitution, of nurturing the infant organization through its earliest and adolescent years to its present independent adulthood. Hence, when Flavie Jackson was elected chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Society in 2000, it was an obvious and unquestionable choice.
Mrs Jackson, inspired by his spiritual life source, had an unflinching vision for the expansion of the work of the society, and she lived to reap some of the fruits of that vision. With her indomitable devotion and spiritual zeal, she never missed any opportunity to spread the Word of God. Some of the new ideas that she initiated were the introduction of the Bible Society Newsletter and the yearly Spiritual Concert which has become a tradition and well-participated and attended event.
The translation work of the society has also greatly expanded under the strong leadership of its heroine. The work on the translation of the Old Testament is well under way with very satisfactory progress. Mrs Jackson encouraged different publications while waiting for the publication of the Old Testament in kreol. This project would not have been possible without the assistance of the Universal Bible Society (UBS) - an assistance and support negotiated by Mrs Jackson. It has been through the help of the UBS that the Society could initiate the emergence of the Bible Society Bookshop, one of the most conspicuous achievements of its late chairperson. The bookshop is situated in a strategic location in Victoria, again thanks to the perseverance and foresight of Mrs Jackson in acquiring this place. Beside Bibles and related scriptural publications, the bookshop provides all national Churches and the Seychelles society generally with other spiritual literature and religious items.
The departure of Mrs Jackson will, no doubt, leave a huge void on the Board of Directors and the Seychelles Bible Society itself. Her wish, needless to say, would be to see all concerned continue from where she has left off, with renewed determination and undaunted devotion, leading particularly to the publication of both Ansyen and Nouvo Testaman (the Old and the New Testament in kreol) in one publication. In return, and by way of gratitude and response, can one do any less? Now in her Lord’s and Saviour’s perpetual Presence, her prayers and love for the Society and the spreading of God’s Word amongst our people can only be undimmed.
The Board of Directors and staff of the Seychelles Bible Society extend to Mrs Jackson’s family and loved ones their heartfelt condolences and prayers.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory!
On behalf of the Seychelles Bible Society, Contributed by O. De Comarmond, member on the Board of Directors and Bishop French Chang-Him, (former Chairman of the Society)
Source: Nation 8-9-08