The Quechua people are the descendants of the famous Incas. They ruled an empire that extended 2.500 miles along South America´s Pacific coast into what is now Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, and Chile.

With the arrival of the Spanish in 1532, the Quechua population was decimated and the Quechua people became serfs in their own land. Thoughout their history they have suffered greatly.

In recent years the Quechua people have suffered from political upheaval and instability created by the Shining Path terrorist group in their struggle for power. Quechuas found themselves trapped between military and terrorist forces. Their youth were recruited by force at ages as young as 9. Many Christian leaders were killed for their stand against violence.

In spite of opposition from many sides, the Quechua population has grown, as has the Quechua Church. Today there are around 12 million Quechua people. Thousands of little Quechua church congregations are scattered throughout the Andes mountains, many almost inaccessible to the outside world.

There is a great need for teaching the word among the Quechuas since many of the pastors of these congregations have had little or no training to lead them. Some leaders have been chosen simply because they know how to read and write.