You Think It’s Small Change

     God’s promise to do “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think” has been proven true once again through the ministry of Paul and Edwina Lobb. The Lobbs serve as Bibles International representatives in Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin. Recently Brother Lobb shared his burden for the Quechua New Testament translation project for people in Peru in a church where he was speaking in Minnesota. 
     Quechua speakers are descendents of the Inca Indians. Their language was officially recognized in 1975. Most Quechua pastors read from the Spanish Bible, translating it into Quechua on the spot. Translation is necessary because more than 35% of Quechua speakers understand no Spanish.
     After a survey visit to Peru by several Bibles International personnel, BI chose to take on the project in 1997. At present, translation of the New Testament text is complete. What remains to be translated is the add-ons, i.e., the concordance and glossary, maps, and book introductions. We pray that we’ll be able to print this NT by January 2011. We still need just over $13,000 in order to pay for the printing.
     Paul tells the following story.

About two months ago, following a BI presentation, the Grace and Truth Bible Church of Aurora, Minnesota, decided they would put out a container for a “change offering” for the Cusco Quechua translation. 

Pastor Miller told Paul Lobb, “We didn’t want to make a monthly commitment to BI because of our current missionary obligations, so the congregation decided we would let people bring what they wanted. One of the men in the church had a five gallon jar he offered to collect the offering in. I didn’t think we would get it half full, but the kids brought in bags of loose change and everyone seemed to enjoy seeing the bottle get fuller and fuller.”

October 31 Pastor Dan Miller asked the Lobbs if they could attend his church the next day because “we have something for you to see.” When they arrived, Paul and Edwina were shown the five gallon jug filled to the top with money! When asked what they had done to keep the interest so high, Pastor Miller related, “I would mention how much the Quechua people wanted a translation they could use.” 

The two-month offering totaled $1,847.81! The offering included 15, 255 pennies, 2,630 nickels, 5,249 dimes, 3,497 quarters, along with another $150 in paper money. 

     The Lord loves the Quechua people. He wants them to have His love letter to them in an accurate, yet easily understood text in their own language. Please pray with us as we continue to work toward that end. And remember that God can use even our small change for His glory.