Globally, millions of people know and use different languages daily. The Lord, however, communicates to us in a language that most speaks to our hearts.
Jesus says in Matthew, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” How do we pursue Truth if we do not have access to God’s Word in a language that we can understand?
Mary is a Truth Pursuer. Watch her tell her story in American Sign Language of how she immigrated from China to America. Mary knows different languages, yet it was the American Sign Language Version Bible that spoke to her heart and gave clarity to Scripture.
Learning a new language
Hi, my name is Mary. I’m from China. I moved to America when I was seven years old. Chinese is my first language. I started learning English as a second language in elementary school. My mom does not know English. The school I went to did not allow me to use American Sign Language, and at home, my mom spoke Chinese (as I said, she doesn’t know English). It was much later when I finally learned American Sign Language, which actually is my third language.
Gaining clarity through the Deaf Bible app
I have pretty good English skills, but sometimes English words still confuse me. For example, the other day, I read Luke 7:11-35. I came across the Scriptures in verse 28, which uses the word “least.” I was trying to figure out what the word meant, but I just didn’t get it. I decided to watch the American Sign Language Version Bible through the Deaf Bible app. That’s all I needed. The word “least” was no longer an issue. I understood the passage.
Building a strong foundation
See Mary’s story? When the Psalmist cries out in Psalms 86, “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!” he is hungry to learn from Scripture. The Psalmist wants to build his life on a foundation that is strong. He is a Truth Pursuer. He cries out to the Lord to teach him the right path so that he may honor Him. When Deaf people pursue Truth, like Mary, they want to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s plan. Having accessibility to a Bible in sign language is key.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me.
— 2 Samuel 22:2-3 NIV / ASLV
