We support the following
Joel & Melissa Williams Serving in Mexico
Scott & Casey Tuminello Serving in Europe
Ryan & Michelle Tankersley Serving in Japan
Adam & Christa Serving in South Asia
Jared & Jennifer Serving in Asia Pacific Rim
T&R M&D M&K Dr. Clara Serving in closed countries
Will & Beth Serving in South Asia
Jamie & Aarica Myers Airforce Chaplain
Mark & Ammie Phillips Serving in Madagascar
Roy & Jenna Serving in Europe
Ryan & Terra Lindsey Serving in Europe
David & Robin Serving in Asia Pacific Rim
Jess McWatters Serving in Germany
Randall & Luda Ford Serving in Jerusalem
Elisa serving with Barnabas International
Zack & Courtney Newsome serving in Mexico
October Focus: Deaf Affinity
This month our emphasis will be on the Deaf Affinity. As I studied the map of the world which shows a red dot for every 1,000 lost Deaf people, I was struck by how much was solid red. I learned that there are around 300 distinct sign languages in the world. I read the following (bold by me):
The Deaf population of Afghanistan is nearly 400,000. Few, if any of these people have been told the story of the Creator God and His Son’s sacrifice on the cross to bring them full and eternal life. There are no known Deaf believers or evangelical Deaf churches in Afghanistan to share the truth with them and no known missionaries trying to reach them. No part of the Bible or any gospel resource is available in Afghan Sign Language. A few Deaf schools are available, and some Deaf communities network together, but most Deaf in Afghanistan live marginalized lives without much hope to access the good news of abundant, eternal life in Jesus Christ.
This November, more than 10,000 Deaf athletes, coaches, and supporters from over 70 countries will gather in Tokyo for the Deaflympics. Many of them have never seen the name of Jesus signed in their heart language.
For some, this may be the only time they meet a believer who can share the gospel in a way they truly understand.
Our IMB missionary team is ready to go — fluent in sign language, partnered with Japanese Deaf churches, and prepared to share Christ face-to-face.
This month let’s remember the Deaf of Afghanistan. Ask God to open doors for His Word to be translated and to spread among the Deaf of many countries. Then let’s pray for the Deaflympics taking place in Tokyo and for our IMB missionary team to have an impact and that God would open doors for conversations.
