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The "Deep"

How do you train and equip Deaf people to translate the Bible into their language (Sign Language) when there are no commentaries, reference materials, Bible dictionaries or other translation tools available in their language? This is the dilemma facing the DOOR staff, around the world, as they seek to train and equip Deaf Bible translators - translating scripture passages from words into their Sign Language.

How do Deaf leaders preach every Sunday, teach a Bible study or lead a small group with no lesson plan and no study materials of any kind in their language? DOOR is learning that even if a "Primary" Bible is provided in their Sign Language, it is very difficult for them to preach, teach and lead with no study materials or explanations in their Sign Language.

The "DEEP" is an exciting solution. DOOR;s Deaf leaders envision an in-depth commentary complete with maps, illustrations and explanations for each person, place, animal, object, cultural issue, religious term or other confusing items for every story in the DOOR CBS (Chronological Bible Storying) series!

A Deaf team - Stuart Thiessen, Mark Sorenson and Philippe Gallant - has been formed to do research and develop a Sign Language DVD/web-based  "DEEP" for each story. Once completed, the "DEEP" will be made available to each and every Deaf translator, teacher, leader or preacher who needs it for their ministry. This will equip the Deaf with study and reference materials they need to confidently teach God's Word to the Deaf of their communities around the world. These "tools" - along with a Bible in their Sign Language on DVD - will make a huge impact in the Deaf world.

This will be a God-sized project involving a lot of time and money. Please pray for Suart, Mark and Philippe as they begin this much needed resource.

Source:  SL news for Europe & nearby regions #18 published by Wycliffe/SIL
               Geoffrey Hunt, SIL International Coordinator for Sign Languages