RICHMOND, Va. — For the estimated 80 million Deaf people around the world, the gospel message is often an inaccessible truth, shrouded in a language barrier that has left a vast majority unreached. Currently, only about 2% of Deaf people have ever encountered the gospel in their native sign language, a staggering statistic that highlights the immense need for Bible translations in sign languages.
In a significant push to address this gap, the International Mission Board (IMB) and Wycliffe Bible Translators have partnered with over 95 organizations and churches worldwide. Their mission? To bring Bible stories to life in over 300 sign languages. This monumental effort is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that no Deaf person is left without the opportunity to hear and understand the Word of God in their own language.
The Deaf Community’s Unmet Spiritual Needs
Globally, there are at least 380 recognized sign languages, with many more likely undocumented. Despite this diversity, American Sign Language (ASL) is the only sign language with a complete Bible translation. For most Deaf communities around the world, written language is not a viable alternative, as literacy rates in the native spoken or written languages are often low. This makes visual-spatial languages, or sign languages, the most effective means of communication and spiritual engagement for Deaf people.
Deaf communities are not monolithic; they are distinct in their linguistic and cultural identities, making it essential that Bible translations be tailored to each unique sign language. Without this, the message of the Bible remains inaccessible to millions.
A Collaborative Effort with a Global Impact
The efforts of IMB, Wycliffe, and their partners have already borne fruit. Since an April 2023 meeting in Eurasia, where over 170 Deaf leaders from 49 countries convened, the collaboration has sparked Bible story translations in more than 75 new sign languages. This brings the total number of sign languages with Bible stories to over 100, a significant milestone in their broader goal.
Andy Keener, Wycliffe’s senior director of global partnerships, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that every sign language represented in that Eurasia meeting has an ongoing Bible translation project. We are committed to journeying with these communities for years to come, ensuring that the entire counsel of God is available in every language that needs it.”
IMB’s involvement goes beyond translation. They are actively sharing the gospel through Deaf missionaries in the field, engaging with local Deaf communities, and utilizing digital tools such as the Deaf Pathway Bible App. This app, a result of a partnership between IMB and Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, provides access to Bible stories in 20 different sign languages. These stories are being used by local believers to share the gospel, showing the love of God in a way that resonates deeply with the Deaf community.
Challenges and Strategic Goals
While the progress is encouraging, the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. The need for Bible translations in sign languages is particularly urgent in countries like India and China, where there are numerous sign languages in use. India alone has 28 known sign languages, while China has over a dozen. The lack of translations in these regions means that millions of Deaf people are still waiting to hear the gospel.
Keener highlighted the importance of building relationships and listening to the needs of the Deaf communities. “It’s really about developing projects that address the specific needs of each community. We’re in this for the long haul,” he said.
One of the biggest hurdles is the sheer scale of the task. Translating the Bible into sign languages is not as simple as translating a written text. Sign languages are dynamic, with expressions and concepts that do not always have direct equivalents in spoken or written languages. This requires a deep understanding of the culture and context of each Deaf community.
A Vision for the Future
The vision of IMB, Wycliffe, and their partners extends beyond merely starting translation projects. Their goal is to have every sign language in the world with an active translation project by the end of 2025. This ambitious target is akin to the start of a marathon, where the first step is simply getting everyone to the starting line.
Once these projects are underway, the work truly begins. Translating the Bible is a lengthy process, often taking years or even decades to complete. But the impact of these translations cannot be overstated. For the Deaf community, having access to the Bible in their own language is not just about spiritual nourishment; it is about being seen, valued, and included in the global Christian community.
Victor Hou, IMB’s associate vice president for global engagement and interim leader for Deaf affinity work, shared the organization’s long-term vision: “Our desire and prayer are for the 80 million Deaf people around the world to know the gospel, to be saved by faith in Christ, and to have healthy churches planted where they can worship in their heart languages.”
Building Bridges Through Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in this mission. The Deaf Pathway Bible App is one example of how digital tools are being used to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the Bible. The app provides access to Bible stories in multiple sign languages, allowing Deaf people to engage with the gospel in a way that is meaningful to them.
But the use of technology goes beyond apps. IMB and its partners are exploring innovative ways to use video, animation, and other visual mediums to convey the Bible’s message. These tools are especially important in regions where traditional methods of communication are not effective.
The Power of Partnership
The success of this initiative hinges on the power of partnership. By working together, IMB, Wycliffe, and their partners are able to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their impact. This collaborative approach is essential in reaching the goal of translating the Bible into over 300 sign languages.
These partnerships also extend to local Deaf communities. Engaging with Deaf leaders, listening to their needs, and involving them in the translation process ensures that the end product is not only accurate but also culturally relevant and accessible.
A Call to Action
As the global Christian community becomes more aware of the needs of the Deaf, there is a growing sense of urgency to act. The work being done by IMB, Wycliffe, and their partners is a call to action for churches, organizations, and individuals to get involved.
Whether through prayer, financial support, or volunteering, there are many ways to contribute to this mission. The goal is clear: to ensure that every Deaf person has the opportunity to know the love of Christ and to engage with the Bible in their own language.
Conclusion
The journey to translating the Bible into over 300 sign languages is just beginning. It is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring perseverance, dedication, and collaboration. But with each new sign language that gains access to the Bible, a door is opened for millions of Deaf people to encounter the gospel in a way that resonates with their hearts and minds.
The work of IMB, Wycliffe, and their partners is a testament to the power of the gospel to transcend barriers of language and culture. It is a reminder that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of how they communicate or where they live. As this mission moves forward, it carries with it the hope of a future where every Deaf person can know and worship God in their heart language.