Estonian Sign Language
The Estonian Deaf Community waited 18 years to receive access to the Gospel in their heart language. Once their Estonian Deaf Community learned that the translation team, FOUND, will finally film the Gospel of Mark into Estonian Sign Language, the community rallied together to push this project to the finishing line. After years of studying the scriptures, “the translation team worked tirelessly to complete the project” within two months. It was no easy feat. At first, they underestimated the hours they needed for work. As their work piled up, they fervently worked endless hours with passion. Through blood, sweat, and tears, they overcame many obstacles and barriers.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14
For example, translating the bible from one language to another is a long, meticulous process. Many spoken languages have ample resources to assist with high-quality bible translation. Unfortunately, Deaf people are unable to hear the spoken Gospel. Therefore, the Deaf cannot tap into those spoken resources. Therefore, Deaf people are slow to build their own signed resources to assist with bible translation into signed languages. Sadly, there is only one, complete signed bible available in the entire world, American Sign Language Version (ASLV). This bible is a beacon of hope for many sign language translation teams around the world. The Estonian team relied on ASLV and the other three written bible translations as a guide.
Body of Christ
The translation team were all from different church denominations. However, they worked past their differences and focused on the truth of the Gospel. In the end, the Word of God became visual to many. The Estonian Deaf Community hosted a celebration, shared testimonies, and ate cake together in honor of Deaf Bible app, their guide.
However, there are still 65 more books left to translate into Estonian Sign Language. They don’t have forever on earth! Please join us in prayers and pray for the Deaf people of Estonia! Pray that God finds a way to bring more resources to their bible translation project!
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation…”
Mark 16:15