By Heather Kinghorn
One of the first gifts I ever received was a pink pocket-sized King James Version of the New Testament from my grandfather. I still treasure it. As a child, I enjoyed showing it to my friends because it was so pretty. Now, I enjoy talking about it with friends because of the wonderful messages found inside. Messages that have changed my life. Messages that have saved my life.
Until a few months ago, my Wanca Quechua-speaking brothers and sisters in Peru would have seen it as I did when I was a child – a little pink book, perfect for show-and-tell. They wouldn’t have discussed the promises in it or lived the way it instructed. Why would they? In English, it would mean nothing to them. Even in Spanish, it wouldn’t touch their hearts. How could they worship and praise a God they didn’t understand?
 But on a sunny afternoon in early August, hundreds of Wanca Quechuas walked miles from their villages to worship together in Wanca. To sing praises to the Almighty in Wanca. To hear Scripture in Wanca. And – for the first time ever – to buy their very own book of the Wanca New Testament. To treasure it, not only for its outer beauty, but for its inner beauty. For its life-changing, life-saving beauty.
 The high-pitched voices of women singing praises on the stage inspired the audience to stand and join in. The deep prayers spoken in Wanca brought some to tears. American visitors’ attempts to share in the joy by speaking in Wanca – although through clearly memorized verses and phrases – were met with appreciation and applause. And when the Wanca New Testament was held up high for all to see, every single person rose, translators’ tears of joy showered each other, and smiles and happiness from Wanca men and women lit up the entire place.
 Later in the day, I watched as two Quechua men sat side-by-side, closely comparing their New Testaments. One man held the Spanish Bible. His neighbor used his new Wanca New Testament. I watched as they pointed Scriptures out to one another, as their expressions changed from contemplation to joy. While I didn’t understand a word they said, I felt their happiness. I felt connected to them, and I reached into my bag to touch my pink New Testament, too. The book that connected us all – the Word of God spoken to each of us in our heart language.
Every day, Wycliffe missionaries go into the field to serve God and the Bibleless peoples of the world. When you make a planned gift with the Wycliffe Foundation, you support their Bible translation, linguistics training and literacy efforts for many years to come.
Call toll-free (866) 379-7746 or e-mail
to find out how to set up a planned gift and take your support into the field.
|