CLC Belarus is considering Marriage, Thistles & Flowers by Barnabas and Grace Achoki, marking yet another encouraging step for African Christian content finding a place in new language territories.

The book has already gained international traction, having been translated into Spanish by CLC Colombia and Italian by CLC Italy. That matters greatly in the world of publishing rights. Publishers are often more willing to consider authors whose books have already shown movement across borders, because previous translations demonstrate that the message can travel, connect, and serve readers beyond its original market. It gives reassurance that the content has already been tested, appreciated, and found relevant in other contexts.

For this reason, succeeding authors often attract greater interest from publishers. It is not simply because they are known, but because they represent a lower publishing risk. A book that has already been translated, awarded, or embraced by readers gives a publisher greater confidence to invest in it. In many cases, one open door helps open the next.

Yet the Achokis’ story also reminds authors that visible success is not always immediate.

Speaking at the awarding of the Spanish and Italian translations in Kampala, Uganda, Barnabas and Grace Achoki urged fellow authors to be patient with God’s process. Their journey with Marriage, Thistles & Flowers did not begin with quick recognition. The book was submitted through ACABA in 2021 and did not receive any award or formal recognition at the time. In 2022, their second book, Navigating the Storm, was recognised with the Book Content of the Year award. Meanwhile, Marriage, Thistles & Flowers remained largely unnoticed, even though the Achokis continued to stay active around the message of the book.

That patience proved significant. In 2024, from among more than 100 titles, Marriage, Thistles & Flowers was selected and awarded double translation rights. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes the matter is not the absence of value, but the timing of God for a book. What seems delayed may simply be awaiting the right season, the right audience, and the right door.

The Achokis have also provided a practical example of what authors can do to remain active and discoverable. They use Facebook as their main social media platform, where they document and share their marriage seminars across Kenya. In doing so, they keep their message visible, their ministry active, and their audience engaged. This steady presence matters. Publishers are encouraged by authors who are not only writing books, but also continuing to live, teach, and serve the message behind those books.

For authors, the lesson is clear: remain active, remain faithful, and remain discoverable. Find a social media platform that works naturally for you and use it consistently. It is far better to be strong and present on one platform than scattered and silent on many. Share your events, your teachings, your testimonies, your book insights, and the practical outworking of your ministry. Keep your author profile updated. Let people see that your message is alive.

Marriage, Thistles & Flowers is therefore not only a testimony of translation interest from Belarus. It is also a testimony of perseverance. The Achokis stayed faithful to their assignment, even when recognition did not come immediately. In due season, the fruit became visible.

Sometimes, it is all about God’s timing for the book.