A new resource designed to reach Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities around the world with the Gospel has been launched by biblical media company RevelationMedia in partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB). The animated resource will present the Gospel of Luke word-for-word in American Sign Language (ASL), with the characters themselves signing throughout the story rather than using a sign-language interpreter at the bottom of the screen.
The Luke ASL resource aims to help Deaf communities know Jesus. The producers say there is a significant need to reach the more than 70 million people worldwide who are deaf, although some estimates put the number as high as 400 million, depending on how deafness and hearing loss are defined. The community is considered one of the most unreached people groups, according to a joint news release from the two organizations.
Only 2% are considered “reached” with the Gospel. “In many parts of the world, Deaf individuals are treated as second-class citizens,” said Steve Cleary, founder and CEO of RevelationMedia, based in Richardson, Texas.“Disconnected from the hearing world, these individuals often feel forgotten and unloved.
Our mission is to bring the hope and good news of the Gospel into their hands through a compelling, visual format they can understand.” The project uses production technology developed for iBIBLE, the world’s first visual and interactive Bible that presents the entire biblical narrative as one cohesive story. With the characters signing throughout the story, the producers aim to create a fully immersive experience for viewers.
Integrating ASL directly into the animation will allow Deaf audiences to engage with Scripture in a more meaningful and accessible way, according to the producers. “We are excited to partner with RevelationMedia to leverage innovative technologies to bring God’s Word to life and accelerate the translation of the Bible for