Inside the warm and inviting walls of the Assembleia de Deus church in São Paulo, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. A group of dedicated church members gathers around a table, their hands moving gracefully in the air as they sign the sacred texts of the Bible in Libras, the Brazilian Sign Language. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and purpose, as this congregation is pioneering a significant venture: becoming a major hub for Bible translation into Libras.
The initiative, launched in April 2023, was the brainchild of Pastor Edson de Oliveira, whose long-standing commitment to inclusivity within the evangelical community ignited this groundbreaking project. With over 10 million individuals in Brazil using Libras as their primary mode of communication, the necessity of making the Bible accessible to this population is undeniable. As Pastor Edson puts it, “We believe everyone deserves to hear the Word of God.”
The church's new mission began during a series of discussions about how to further engage the deaf community. It quickly became clear that providing quality biblical translations in Libras would be a key step. Earlier this year, the church collaborated closely with Deaf Ministries Brazil (Ministério Surdos Brasil), a non-profit organization also dedicated to meeting the spiritual needs of the deaf. Marcio Silva, the organization's director, highlights the vision: “Through this partnership, we want to create a deeper understanding of God's Word in the deaf community. Language should never be a barrier to faith.”
As work began, members of the church underwent training to become proficient in Libras, ensuring they could convey the nuances and depth of biblical passages effectively. Each translation session became a small group gathering of prayer and worship, transforming a simple task into a profound spiritual journey. “Seeing the Scriptures come alive in Libras is something I wish all churches could experience,” shares Thais Sousa, one of the volunteers passionately involved in the project.
This endeavor is not just a means of translation; it’s a bold declaration of inclusion and community. The church hosts regular services led by pastors fluent in Libras, fostering an environment where deaf believers can engage with each other and worship freely. During these services, testimonies are shared that resonate deeply, not just within the deaf community but also with hearing members who are eager to learn.
The impact of these translation efforts is already being felt far beyond the church walls. A seminar held in May attracted hundreds from various regions, where enthusiastic people engaged in discussions about faith and accessibility. Young parents with deaf children, like Rafael and Sonia, shared their gratitude, saying, “For years we felt our family was disconnected from church. Now, they can access the stories of the Bible just like we do.”
As the project moves forward, more than just translations are coming to life. The church aims to develop resources such as video devotionals, workshops, and community outreach initiatives, paving new pathways for sharing God’s Word. This pioneering work in São Paulo serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging other congregations across Brazil and beyond to consider how they can be more welcoming and inclusive.
In a world often marked by barriers of communication, the Assembly of God in São Paulo exemplifies the transformative power of faith in action. Their mission reflects Jesus’ call in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” showing that inclusivity—especially for the deaf community—is an essential part of fulfilling that Great Commission. As they continue this effort, their journey is not just about translating words but about growing a family of believers where everyone, regardless of their ability to hear, can know and experience the love of God.
