International (MNN) — Hopeful trends emerge in the Deaf world. On a global scale, “you see more and more sign language interpreters accompanying the announcements [in various settings],” DOOR International’s Rob Myers says.
“Even just having interpreters there brings a lot of awareness that sign language is a need, sort of a visual reminder that Deaf people need access to the same information.”
DOOR International is a Deaf-led ministry specializing in Bible translation and church planting. DOOR and its partners celebrated the world’s first complete Bible in American Sign Language in 2020.
Today, “several sign languages crossed the line of having about 25 percent of the Bible completed,” Myers says.
“We’ve also seen a lot more Deaf engagement and involvement in larger networks of major Christian organizations like Finishing The Task, Every Tribe Every Nation, Illuminations, and Global Alliance for Church Multiplication.”
Did you know that Kenya Sign Language (KSL) is in phase four of their project and is one of the few sign languages in the world to have more than 300 Bible passages translated so far?
(Photo, caption courtesy of DOOR International)
However, “with every opportunity, there’s a potential challenge. One of the challenges is [making] sure that ‘next steps’ are always taken with Deaf people,” he continues.
“Deaf people are the experts on their experiences and what happens in their lives. It’s really important that – instead of assuming we know how to fix things in the Deaf community – we engage with Deaf leaders to address those problems.”
Most of the world’s 70 million Deaf people have no access to sign language Scripture or any Deaf Christians. DOOR International is on a mission to change this, and you can help.
“If you’re a church leader and you’ve heard about Deaf people, but you don’t know how to take any next steps, then I’d encourage you to look up our website,” Myers says.
“That gives some practical next steps in terms of engaging with Deaf leaders and [beginning] to walk down that road of ministry with them.”
Watch these “myths and facts” videos to learn more about Deaf ministry.
Header and story images courtesy of DOOR International.
