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Joel & Melissa Williams Serving in Mexico

Jess McWatters Serving in Germany

May 2025 Missions Emphasis is Deaf Affinity

Sarah* is odd, and she knows it. As the only Deaf person

in a hearing Christian family, she always felt like “the

other.” The Deaf in her Indonesian culture are considered

inferior, so that’s the way she felt.

Sarah grew up in church, but it was up to her to figure out

how to interpret the sermon. In church and other social

settings, Sarah was forced read lips and attempt to speak—a

difficult task for the Deaf. But she always felt like she was

intruding on conversations. She chose, instead, to stay

quiet.

Naya Wilder,* an IMB worker, invited Sarah to a Bible

storying camp where Deaf people learn Bible stories

through Sign. Sarah’s mother gave permission for Sarah to

attend but was skeptical.

“Sarah has grown up in church, but she probably won’t

get anything out of the camp. She’s kind of stupid.”

At the camp Sarah saw Bible stories in her language for

the first time.

“Does Jesus know Sign language?” she asked Naya.

The truth that God created all languages empowered

Sarah to see her language as an instrument to share the

gospel. God transformed Sarah from a quiet girl to a bold

evangelist among the hearing and the Deaf. Her desire is for

everyone to know that God loves them, and that God can

use them for His purposes—even people who feel a bit odd.

IMB workers are aware of 100 Sign languages spoken

around the world. Jesus knows each one.