Last Updated on Friday, 26 December 2008 19:01

September is traditionally the month of Bible distribution here in Cusco. The Cusco Quechua Bible normally sells for $10, a formidable price for most Quechuas who earn less than $3 per day. But thanks to many Christians from North America who had donated funds to subsidize the price of the Bible, the Quechuas were able to buy a Cusco Quechua Bible for three dollars.

Pastor Tomas Puma, two friends from the United States and I drove to Ttinki to deliver the two hundred Bibles that had been pre-sold earlier in the month. After arriving, we had the privilege of taking communion with these Christian brothers and sisters. Then, one by one, names were called of those who had already paid the 10 Soles for their Bible. Up to the front they came, some having purchased two or three Bibles. We saw people taking their Bibles back to their seats, kissing them, and excitedly leafing through them. Some sat and immediately began reading different passages. Others headed out the door with a handful of Bibles, on their way to deliver them to those living in communities several hours walk from Ttinki.

When all the Bibles had been distributed to their new owners, seventeen Bibles remained. When the pastor announced that the left over Bibles were available for purchase, there was an excited rush of people holding their 10 Soles in the air, each hoping to be one of the seventeen new owners of a Cusco Quechua Bible. In the end, all the Bibles were sold, and a list was compiled of several more people who paid for a Bible even after they ran out. Then someone was designated to go to Cusco to collect that many more Bibles to bring back to Ttinki.

We praise God for His powerful Word and for the enthusiasm of the Quechua believers to read it in their own language.

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