March 19, 2010

Sources: HCJB Global, Biblica (written by Kay Burgi and Ralph Kurtenbach)

Representing the next generation of Quichua Indians, four children joined civil leaders, professionals and pastors in receiving copies of the newly revised Quichua New Testament in Ecuador's Chimborazo province on Sunday, Feb. 28.

More than 300 Quichua pastors, local dignitaries, and villagers gathered on the shores of Lake Colta to celebrate the launch of the new translation, held at the first evangelical Quichua church, built in 1958.

Nearby Mount Chimborazo may remind some Ecuadorian believers and missionaries that God's Word came to Ecuador in the late 19th century against the wishes of a customs agent whose pledge was that as long as this mountain stands, shipments of Bibles would not enter the port city of Guayaquil.

A century later, translators Daniel Sigla-a major contributor to the translation work-along with Pablo Saenz, Gunther Schultz, David Strumbeck and Richard Aschmann, produced a revised translation in accurate, clear, contemporary Quichua. The team was assisted by various language technicians, Quichua leaders and pastors.

The New Testament was translated and published by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society) which is also making audio CDs of the text available for ease of use.

Biblica Latin America Vice President Luciano Jaramillo, Latin America President Esteban Fernández, Area Director Enrique Baldeón, Ecuador Director Pablo Del Salto and Global Publishing President Scott Bolinder spoke at the three-hour event.

In his inspiring message, Jaramillo illustrated how on the road to Emmaus, Jesus used Scripture to illustrate the path to the revelation of God. Also present was a local dignitary who thanked Biblica for making this new edition available to the Quichua community.

"The Quichua feel a sense of pride in having this highly valued translation in their language, with its commitment to accuracy and readability," Bolinder said.

Biblica also plans to translate the Old Testament as funds are available. "We don't believe the work is done once a New Testament translation is completed," he added. "We are earnestly working to complete the Quichua Old Testament and to print more copies so its value can extend more deeply into the local church. Our only constraints are time and money."

Three women's choirs and a traditional brass band presented special music at the dedication ceremony. Roberto Guapi and Francia Pucuna, both of HCJB Global Hands and hailing from Ecuador's central highlands, moderated the dedication ceremony. Radio Station HCJB in Quito continues airing Quichua broadcasts as it has done since 1941.