New Testament Dedication!

Saturday, August 4, finally arrived. It was the culmination of decades of labor from many, many people. The first ladies to enter the Huaylas valley came in the 1960s. Trial after trial prevented much from being accomplished. Mike and Cheryl Miller arrived in the early 80s with one child, Benjamin (2 yrs. old at the time). Mike and Cheryl laid down their lives for the Huaylas Quechuas. They endured the terrorism of the Shining Path (personally directed at them a few times), raising a family (that eventually grew to four children), and countless obstacles that come just from being in a foreign country and working with a foreign government. Far and away the deepest valley for the Miller family was Cheryl's battle with cancer and being called home to the Lord in August 1998. We all loved Cheryl and it was so painful to say good-bye. But God is ever faithful and brought Heather to be Mike's new wife. After a brief time, Mike and Heather were able to return to Huaraz and the translation picked up speed again.
It was for this very event that coming back to Peru was so meaningful for me. I, of course, did not participate in the translation at all. But I love Peru, I love Huaraz and I love the Quechuas. They are a precious people. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to return to celebrate this huge testimony of God's faithfulness to this group of people.
The dedication began with a parade that led down the main street of Huaraz until it came to the area where the festivities were held. So we dressed up and all walked together. Many Quechuas came from surrounding villages. They were dressed in their best traditional clothing and were singing and playing music. As an aside, there were several men (who I am sure helped to plan the parade) that we labeled "The Parade Nazis." They cracked me up. We--Miller group and associated missionaries and friends--were at the tail end of a long parade and the Parade Nazis kept yelling at us, "Fila, Fila!" meaning walk in a straight line (of which there were three). We laughed and didn't do a good job staying in a straight line. Anyway, the ceremony was long and wonderful and very emotional. Many people spoke, musical groups performed and the New Testament was officially given out to key people. After the formal portion was over, the Americans were able to serve lunch to all the Quechuas in attendance. That was wonderful. Approximately 3,000 people were there. There were massive cauldrons of potatoes, various meats and a sauce to go on top. It was a long day but what an honor to celebrate God's word in the heart language of these people.
I left eventually, but the Quechuas (and none of the Americans--it wasn't our party truly) stayed and sang and danced until 3am. They may be the poor of the Earth, but they know how to throw down. :)


I am so proud of and excited for the entire translation team that have finished this huge task. I truly hope they feel God's, "Well done, good and faithful servant." What a blessing to be a part of such a special event.



Regarding the pictures: #1 The parade--note the lines. #2 Kaitlyn, me and Carly--Miller girls in the parade. #3 Mike and Heather in Quechua finery. #4 Mike speaking at the Dedication. #5 & 6 Quechuas purchasing their own copies of the New Testament. The most precious thing I witnessed. They only cost 10 soles (about $3) but it is a tremendous sacrifice for them, especially since most are illiterate. #7 The translation team: bottom row--Ade and Rachel Yanac and their baby Danny, Carly, Ben, Mike and Heather Miller; top row--Yepo, Jon Miller, Tim, Pushpi and Kaitlyn Miller.