Marsha Relyea Miles serves as a Bible translation advisor and literacy specialist, primarily focused on the Aruamu Translation Project of Papua New Guinea. The Aruamu language group has approximately 10,000 people who live in remote hamlets in the rainforest. The Aruamu Translation Team is composed of 9 Aruamu translators, and over two dozen translation checkers. Marsha helps the team with training, planning, encouragement, and translation checking, as they work together to translate the Old Testament and to see the Scriptures transforming lives.
In addition to her work in Bible translation and literacy, Marsha also serves on the Mobilization Team of Pioneer Bible Translators. Marsha has led many short-term teams to Papua New Guinea to minister in loving ways. She is an extremely moving speaker and has shared with deep, motivating impact at many conferences, college campuses, retreats and mission events. She is a frequent speaker for Perspectives on the World Christian Movement classes.
The Aruamu New Testament was dedicated in 2005, just after Marsha’s late husband, John Relyea, died. When the Relyeas began work with the Aruamu, the language had no written alphabet. The Relyeas learned the Aruamu language, developed an alphabet, worked with leaders to develop literacy and Scripture impact programs, and worked with Aruamu people to translate and publish the Aruamu New Testament in Aruamu.
Marsha is married to Nathan Miles of the United Bible Societies. They are members of First Christian Church in Duncanville, TX. They are blending a family of 6 adult children and 14 grandchildren and counting.