Can you imagine what it is like to not have access to the Bible in your heart language? This is the case for many people around the world. We often imagine those living in remote jungle villages as those who do not have access, but what if I told you that this applies to many people living in America? I am a member of the Deaf community, and this summer I had the opportunity to walk into a movie theater and see the story of Jesus on screen in my own heart language, American Sign Language.
According to Deaf Missions, “Roughly 98% of the worldwide population of Deaf people have never encountered the real Jesus. What is the number one issue Deaf people face when it comes to knowing Jesus? The answer boils down to two words: communication barriers.” We experienced a powerful difference by watching the entire movie using American Sign Language for communication. Subtitles were unnecessary for us as we could clearly understand the dialogue.
My wife Marta and I have been a part of Browncroft Community Church for over ten years. We have served on two short-term trips that were part of Browncroft’s initiative with Deaf Ministries in Dakar, Senegal (2019 and 2022). We have also met several Browncrofters through the ASL classes we have taught on campus. It has been wonderful to see an increased interest and participation in our classes. If you haven’t had the opportunity to take an ASL class, we will be offering basic and advanced classes in the fall– so consider signing up! ASL registration is available HERE.
While watching the movie, we felt a much deeper sense of belonging to the family of God. In addition, we felt a stronger connection and sense of empathy for Jesus as a man and as our Savior.
Last spring, I had the opportunity to represent Browncroft and present at a Deaf Mission Conference in Arlington, Texas, on “Navigating Life as a Deaf Christian: A Guide for Deaf Refugees and Others.” While I was there, I attended a pre-premiere showing of JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film. This movie, which was produced by a Deaf team, is impressive because it features all Deaf actors/actresses. Imagine what it is like for the Deaf community to see Jesus and His disciples signing together! While watching the film, we felt a much deeper sense of belonging to the family of God. In addition, we felt a stronger connection and sense of empathy for Jesus as a man and as our Savior. In the movie, encountering Jesus is a welcoming and heartwarming experience, as His friendly and approachable nature leaves a lasting impact.
Browncroft Community Church is opening its doors to host a viewing of this movie on our campus on Sunday, August 25th, at 2:00pm. We would love to personally invite you to join us for this unique experience! While this is a powerful event for the Deaf people, we would also encourage the hearing community to come and gain a deeper understanding of our Deaf culture. This is the first ever full-feature film about Jesus in American Sign Language. Please join us for this special event and invite your friends! You can watch a trailer and purchase tickets below.
While this is a powerful event for the Deaf people, we would also encourage the hearing community to come and gain a deeper understanding of our Deaf culture.
“Even hearing people who don’t know sign language will be able to connect, not just through the subtitles, but through how expressive it is,” Deaf producer Michael Davis from GUM Vision Studio said. “You ‘listen’ to a lot with your eyes as well.” The film’s lack of spoken language shouldn’t deter audiences who don’t understand ASL. While there is no voice-over, the film is fully subtitled. (It may not be a great fit for young children who cannot read, and parents should be advised there are some graphic scenes during the crucifixion and the healing of a demon-possessed person.) Of course, if you have Deaf people in your family or networks, this would be a wonderful event to invite them to!
Please save the date and join us on Sunday, August 25th. It is our hope and prayer that God uses this project in a powerful way, and that the WHOLE world, every tribe and language, would come to know the story of Jesus and the hope we are offered through Him.
