Deaf Bible Society recently had the privilege of making a historic gathering on the National Mall accessible in sign language.
In partnership with Museum of the Bible, K-LOVE, and Great American Pure Flix, Deaf Bible Society provided professional sign language interpretation for The Bible and the American Story, a special evening in Washington, D.C. The event featured worship and performances from Chris Tomlin, Maverick City Music, Matthew West, Jordan Feliz, Blanca, Ryan Ellis, and others.
Following the event, Chantel Pagán, CEO of Deaf Bible Society, reflected on her experience and the importance of sign language access.
The heart of the night
It was a trip that I will never forget. We gathered on the National Mall with incredible partners and leaders to celebrate Scripture, worship together, and ensure Deaf participants could fully experience the evening. For me, providing accessibility was the heart of the night.
Through Deaf Bible Society’s Interpreter Workforce, our team provided professional sign language interpretation for those gathered on the Mall and those watching online. This access is not an afterthought. It is essential to the mission of making God’s Word available to every person.
Making the Bible accessible
A personal highlight was presenting Scripture in American Sign Language during a special portion of the program. As I shared John 8:12 in ASL, I was reminded again why this work matters so much.
When Scripture is accessible in sign language, Deaf people are invited to participate fully, not simply observe from the margins. That kind of access communicates dignity, belonging, and the truth that guide our work every day at Deaf Bible Society: the gospel is for everyone.
A national stage for sign language
It was powerful to see sign language represented and celebrated in such a visible place. As worship rose from the heart of Washington, D.C., our interpreters helped make the message accessible to Deaf participants in person and online.
Carly, our Engagement and Product Mobilizer, watched the livestream and later shared what that representation meant to her: “As a Deaf person, seeing sign language included on such a visible national stage gave me hope. It sends the message that our language belongs wherever the Bible is shared.”
Reflecting on the evening, Stephen, our Language Access and Interpreter Workforce Director, shared: “The program highlighted how the Bible has been a foundational part of our country for the past 250 years. That legacy brought us together to worship in the heart of our nation on the National Mall. We look forward to how God will continue to work through His Word!”
It was a beautiful reminder that God is still working through His Word, and we are grateful for every opportunity to help make that Word known in sign language.
Partnering to serve the Deaf community
It was beautiful to watch our interpreters faithfully communicate worship songs, see people respond in prayer, and witness the unity of the body of Christ. One of our Interpreter Workforce interpreters, Emma, shared this reflectiont: “My glimpse of heaven on earth was seeing people worshipping God on the greens of the National Mall, face down on holy ground among the people of God!”
Another interpreter, Erica, received this message from a fellow interpreter: “I saw you and your team interpreting on the livestream. What powerful worship! I sent it to my Deaf church friends, and they watched it too. It just so happened that our church service was cancelled due to bad weather, so they were able to have church anyway.”
I’m grateful for Museum of the Bible, K-LOVE, Great American Pure Flix, and the many partners who helped make this evening possible. Events like this show what can happen when accessibility is prioritized from the beginning: Deaf people are invited into the fullness of the moment, and the gospel reaches farther.
I’m thankful for our amazing team, for the opportunity to serve, and for every reminder that night that the Bible is alive and active — and it’s for everyone.
