Cañari Bible

In the middle of March, we were privileged to be able to witness the "debut" of the first complete Bible translated in to Cañari Kichwa.   They had a program on Friday night consisting of speakers and musical or folk dance selections from various groups in the Province of Cañar, as well as Kichwa representatives from other areas of Ecuador to celebrate with them.   A group of children from Mushuk Kawsay also sang a selection in Spanish, Kichwa and English.

The next day, people lined up in the town of Tambo to walk along the road to Cañar, where the official presentation would be.  At first, there was a bit of rain, and it didn't look as though there would be a lot of people, but people kept coming and adding to the parade.   There ended up being thousands of people that walked those kilometers!   It was really neat to see all the groups of people- mostly people from Kichwa Lutheran and Baptist churches from all around, and to talk to various people who were walking.  They were so thankful for the work that had been done and for the possibility to be able to read a Bible in their native language, and use it in the church.  It was also moving to meet an older missionary woman, that had lived here for many years, who had returned for the occasion.  When that generation of missionaries were here, they faced many trials, as did the Kichwa people, especially those first, who were Christians.   When this woman saw how many people were walking along the road in support, she had tears.   It was a great day to experience.