The Support Raising Working Group (KKPD) of LAI Mitra Bandung held a Praise Service this Sunday, October 27, 2024. This event is in thanksgiving for the two decades of service of the LAI Mitra Bandung KKPD and in raising support for the ” Translation of Bible Stories in Sign Language ” for deaf friends in Indonesia.

 

Although often invisible, the number of deaf people is actually quite large. Based on data from the Ministry of Health & nbsp;in 2019, there were around 18.9 million people in Indonesia with hearing disabilities. Without realizing it, they may also exist in our own environment. Until now, we often assume that deaf people can read and understand well. So ,for what there should be Sign Language Bible? Wouldn't they be able to read the written Bible currently available?

 

This assumption is arguably untrue for the vast majority of deaf people. ” A few intelligent deaf people may be able to understand the written word, but not most of them. Writing is sound symbols that are effective only for hearing people, but for deaf people who rely only on visuals, the sound symbols in written letters are not effective messengers," explained Tri Harmadji, LAI Translation Coach, who assisted in the Sign Language Translation of Bible Stories. "For them, Sign Language, which is a visual language, is the language they understand best," he continued.

 

There are approximately 400 unique Sign Languages spoken around the world. In the deaf community, daily communication occurs through a dynamic combination of hand gestures, body language, and facial expressions. Deaf Christians often worship and pray in Sign Language. However, the Bible has so far only been available in written format. Many Deaf Christians who can read say that the written text does not convey the nuances and spirit of the Sign Language they use every day. For those who cannot read, the Word of God is still out of reach. Overall, 98% of the world's deaf population is still waiting for a Bible that speaks to them through Sign Language.

 

Till now, the focus of Bible translation agencies has been on the isolated and neglected tribes living in the far corners of the interior. But many don't realize that around them, close to them, there are people groups who also long for God's word in their own language, namely deaf people with Sign Language that they understand and is close to their hearts.

 

Recognizing this fact, the Indonesian Bible Institute will soon undertake the translation of the Bible into Sign Language. Of course, given the current state of Sign Language in Indonesia, this is a long-term project that will not be easy. However, we must do it anyway.

 

For 2024, LAI will start with the translation of short Bible stories that we will take from the book “Bible Stories Throughout the Year.” This book consists of 365 stories, and in 2024 we are planning for 150 stories. The funding needs in 2024 are around 300 million rupiah," explained the Head of LAI's Communication and Partnership Development Department, Erna Yulianwati.

 

Let's support the efforts of LAI Mitra Bandung and Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia in seeking the presence of Good News for Deaf Friends in Indonesia by: praying, preaching and donating. God bless us all.

 

Information

Mrs. Inge Sentana (0812 201 8838)

Mrs. Tuti Siregar (0812 2387 771)

Mr. Dwi Prasetyo (0812 9211 6359)