Little Alina lives in a tiny house in Ecuador, at the foot of a massive snow-covered volcano. Spending so much time in such a remote area, the 10-year-old felt that “God was far away.”

Alina was angry and had trouble controlling her behavior. She was mean to people. Her sister thought she didn’t love her because Alina treated her so poorly. But all of that changed when, thanks to American Bible Society’s financial partners, Alina received her first Bible.

“This Bible transports me to heaven,” says Alina. “There is a difference. My life has changed. Now I can know Jesus.”

The Scriptures helped soften Alina’s heart. Since receiving her Bible, Alina no longer feels far away from her Heavenly Father.

“God is not far from me,” Alina said. “[The Bible] is like a shield … and it will help me in my behavior,” Alina said.

So many others in Ecuador, like Alina, long to know God and the comfort of his Word. Ecuador is not a wealthy nation. Most of its population is comprised of peasants, subsistence farmers and day laborers, many of whom cannot afford a Bible of their own. These precious people need the Bible so they too can experience the close presence of their Savior.

American Bible Society’s financial partners help make this possible. Through their support, they are placing Bibles in the hands and hearts of people in Ecuador who desperately need God’s Word.