A seed. A pearl. A hidden treasure. A little yeast. Jesus uses simple imagery to
describe the secrets of the kingdom of God.
These examples are small and unseen in ways that belie their great value and effect. No wonder Jesus urges His followers to “seek the kingdom of God above all else”—a lesson in attending to opportunities we miss if we’re not looking carefully.
The global church is brimming with God’s kingdom-seekers, but relatively few of them are Deaf. That’s because Deaf communities are among the last to experience the gospel. It was said 20 years ago that only two percent of them had such an opportunity. At that time, limited portions of the Bible were accessible in a handful of sign languages, generally on videos, DVDs, or memory cards.
We don’t know what the gospel reach is today, because research is hard to come by. But now there are at least a few thousand Deaf churches and ministries the world over. Sign language Bible access is growing in dozens of sign languages, and the Internet makes it broadly accessible.
With increasing access to sign language Scripture, Deaf leaders are like the yeast of God’s kingdom. As they influence sign language Bible translation and Deaf ministry, we see the gospel spreading and faith rising.
Growth and collaboration
We asked several Deaf leaders to share what it’s like to seek faithful and fruitful growth in their leadership. A group of them meets monthly on Zoom—more than two dozen leaders representing translation projects underway in 11 sign language communities.
Each meeting begins with time in prayer and Scripture. From there, they take a peer advisory approach to celebrating wins and addressing challenges.
“The group creates an environment where leaders can thrive together,” according to Paul Andrushchak, community mobilization director for Deaf Bible Society, who facilitates the meetings. “It strengthens relationships, empowers leaders to grow, and promotes efficient problem-solving.
The unity of the group—linking arms in trust-building and discipleship—makes the mission more effective as leaders work toward shared goals.”
With support from our Interpreter Workforce, group conversations happen in American and Russian Sign Languages, along with International Sign—a grammatically simplified system of gestures.
This approach provides enough common signs for each leader to understand and contribute. Two interpreters donate their service time because they are compelled by the benefit of collaboration among Deaf leaders.
There are countless prayers reflected in what the leaders share about the growth they are experiencing together. Prayers answered. Prayers for the work ahead. Prayers in unity: May God’s kingdom come.
