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Background - ATEK’s ministry grew directly out of the Bible translation work of Wycliffe Bible Translators and SIL International in southern Peru. After the Cusco Quechua Bible was completed, missionaries and local church leaders recognized that translation alone was not enough. Many Quechua-speaking people could not read the Bible, and some churches were not regularly using it. In response, Wycliffe and SIL helped bring Quechua pastors and leaders together, and ATEK was formally established in 2004 as a locally led Peruvian ministry. ATEK stands for Asociación Tawantinsuyuman Evangelioq K’ancharinanpaq, meaning “the association that shines the gospel to the Quechua-speaking world.” Wycliffe continues to partner with and support it. ATEK carries the work forward by distributing affordable Quechua Bibles, teaching literacy, training pastors and Sunday school teachers, leading women’s Bible studies and family seminars, developing children’s ministries, and producing biblical teaching materials in Quechua.
The relationship between Wycliffe and ATEK shows that Bible translation is not the end of the work, but the beginning. ATEK helps people read, understand, apply, and teach the Scriptures in their own heart language. Through this work, Quechua believers are being discipled, families and churches are strengthened, and future Christian leaders are being equipped to serve throughout the Andes. The biggest challenge ATEK has now is finding and paying for the staff required for the work they do.
Today - The dorm-style accommodations here at ATEK are bustling right now. It's winter break in Peru, and parents have sent their teenagers here for training with the hope that, if God is pleased to bless what is being poured into them, they will become future church leaders, faithful parents, and godly adults in a country where dysfunction and a lack of holistic education have left many struggling.
Mila shared something that really stood out to me. Years ago, they primarily handed out Bibles, but they discovered that lasting transformation required much more. Today, they walk alongside these young people through discipleship, counselling, biblical teaching, mentoring, and genuine relationships, helping them grow in the knowledge of Christ and in every area of life. It is encouraging to see the difference this intentional investment is making.
This morning we had the privilege of speaking to about 40 of these young people. We encouraged them to make wise choices today because those decisions will shape tomorrow. We spoke about the deceitfulness of sin, the attraction it holds, the lies of Satan, and the daily need for discernment. We urged them to take full advantage of the training available to them, to remain faithful in studying God's Word, to be devoted to prayer, and to stay connected to God's people in His church.
They had thoughtful questions for us too. What is life like in Canada? What kind of work do we do there? Why have we come all the way to Peru? What opportunities exist for them to study in Canada? What cultural differences have we noticed between our two countries? It made for an encouraging and meaningful time together.
We are so thankful that God allowed us to meet Mila and witness this ministry firsthand. The staff here serve with remarkable humility, sacrifice, and perseverance. They simply don't stop. Day after day they continue trusting God to provide for every need, confident that He is faithful. We've seen this same pattern repeated in faithful ministries around the world, and every time it leaves us asking the same question: How can we be more intentional in supporting the work back home?
It makes me think about all the seemingly small decisions we make that could have an eternal impact.
When we need to stock up on supplies, why don't we buy jam from local berry growers whose proceeds support widow care?
When we need a new garden hose, why don't we support the local company that sends teams to drill wells and install irrigation systems in Africa, impacting thousands of lives?
When we need a realtor, why don't we choose one whose profits support charitable work?
When our workplace plans a team-building event, why don't we send the team to a charity golf tournament raising funds for a church building or agricultural project that helps communities become self-sufficient?
When there's a pickleball, softball, or soccer tournament, why don't we volunteer, donate the cheddar cheese, pop or chocolate bars needed for a "lunch by donation" fundraiser for mission projects, or simply find another practical way to help?
When a church or school hosts an event, why don't we park our trailer by the entrance and invite people to bring their recyclables, with the proceeds going toward food hampers in impoverished communities?
When we've accumulated thousands of Air Miles, why don't we fly a trusted field partner to Canada to speak in several churches, raising awareness, encouraging believers, and mobilizing prayer?
When we see pies being sold to raise money for school uniforms or tuition in developing countries, why don't we donate the apples falling from our backyard trees or bake a few ourselves?
Why don't we browse Marketplace for fabric that can be donated to Days for Girls projects, helping girls around the world stay in school for an extra five days a month? Or collect canning jars for those faithfully making the jam?
Why don't we ask friends upgrading their phones or iPads if we can wipe the devices and send them to pastors or seminary students who can use them for Bible translation, theological resources, Ligonier teaching, or Audible books?
Why don't we encourage the children at school or church to make friendship bracelets that mission teams can distribute as simple reminders that someone across the world loves them and is praying for them?
If we have skills in graphic design, photography, or social media, why don't we volunteer a few hours each month to help ministries communicate their work and fundraising needs?
Why don't we gather a group of ladies to bake pies, sew hygiene kits, or donate a mean brisket to the next fundraiser if we have the skills?
If we have beautiful handwriting and a heart for encouragement, why don't we write cards that can be delivered to widows who feel forgotten and alone?
Why don't we offer mission organizations the use of our recreational property for staff retreats?
Why don't we donate excess company hats, toques, or clothing to organizations sending supplies overseas?
Why don't we redeem our credit card rewards for gift cards so mission teams can purchase soccer balls, underwear, VBS supplies, and practical needs, allowing all donated funds to go directly to ministry projects?
If you hear of a pastor needing a motorbike, please prayerfully consider helping. Many faithfully shepherd several churches spread across difficult terrain, and transportation dramatically expands their ability to minister.
If you hear of an opportunity to provide chickens or pigs for a village, please don't overlook it. The eggs, meat, and ongoing income they provide can be life-changing for a family and village.
There are so many meaningful ways to make a difference. If we don't have abundant financial resources, perhaps God has given us time, skills, creativity, equipment, or relationships that can accomplish just as much. Every one of us has something we can offer for His kingdom.
Please consider supporting the local organizations making this work possible. Talk with the wonderful staff at HFL and ask how you can help change lives for the better. Pray that God would open your eyes to opportunities, enlarge your heart for generosity, and strengthen your hands for service. God can accomplish what we never could, yet He graciously delights to use ordinary people and ordinary acts of faithfulness for extraordinary purposes. Never underestimate what He can do through even the smallest act of obedience. Think big, trust God, and remember that He is working all things together for the good of His people and the extension of His kingdom.
Please pray for our safe travels home in a few days if you think of us. We plan to enjoy a couple of personal days before beginning the journey home with four flights ahead of us. Thank you so much for following along, praying for us, and encouraging us throughout this trip. We are deeply grateful.
