International (MNN) — Approximately 95 percent of the world’s 400-plus sign languages have no Scripture. Thankfully, Deaf Bible Society notes significant progress in sign language Bible translation.
Deaf Bible Society’s Chantel Pagan says 28 sign languages now have Bible portions available 24-7 on the Deaf Bible App and website.
“It’s just been astounding to see God align strategic partnerships with translation organizations who are physically and actively working to excel in translations for sign languages around the world and provide that content to our Deaf Bible platform,” says Pagan.
“We’ve just been so astonished to see God’s hand at work amongst the Deaf community at large.”
Celebrating progress…
Deaf communities around the world use more than 400 distinct sign languages. Having God’s Word in 28 of them may not seem like a big deal. However, this number is significant considering Deaf history.
American Sign Language – and the hundreds of other sign languages that exist worldwide – only gained recognition as a “real” language during the past century. Some governments still don’t officially recognize the sign language used by their Deaf communities.
Furthermore, sign language Bible translation work didn’t begin until the introduction of mainstream video recording tools. Many of the translations on Deaf Bible’s platform were created in the past 20 years.
Additionally, the Lord gathered 1,100 people from around the world to join Deaf Bible’s prayer movement during the past fiscal year. Find more details in Deaf Bible’s annual report.