Isaiah’s Prophecy Fulfilled: The Deaf Shall Hear the Word in Their Heart Language
When the day comes, the deaf will be able to hear a book being read aloud (Isaiah 29:18a)
In the cities and rural towns across Nigeria, a group of people who have been largely left out of the spiritual conversation exists—the Deaf community. With over 2 million Deaf people in Nigeria, only less than 2% identify as Christians. This shocking statistic highlights the pressing need for inclusivity and access to the Word of God in a way they can understand—through the Nigerian Sign Language (NSL). The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), committed to making the Bible available and affordable in every preferred language and format, took on the monumental task of delivering God’s Word to the Deaf in Nigeria.
This mission gave birth to the Nigerian Sign Language Bible Translation Project, a lifeline for the Deaf community, that allows them to “hear” God’s Word through their hands and hearts.
A Dream in Motion: The Start of the Nigerian Sign Language Bible Translation Project
In 2012, a collaborative vision between BSN and DOOR International (Deaf Opportunity OutReach) in Nairobi, Kenya, was set into motion. The goal was ambitious, to translate the Bible into the Nigerian Sign Language. To accomplish this, Deaf men from Nigeria were recruited and sent to Nairobi for intensive training in translation. They worked tirelessly to bring 32 Chronological Bible Stories (CBS) to life, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
This was not just about translating words; it was about creating access to the Gospel for a community that had been spiritually underserved for generations.
A Partnership for Transformation
In 2014, to fully realise this vision, the Bible Society of Nigeria formalised its partnership with DOOR International, solidifying its commitment to make the Word of God accessible to the Deaf. However, it was not until July 2017 that the BSN officially took over the project, with the translation team beginning full operations in December 2017. This was a turning point in the project’s history.
Since then, the progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. 222 selected Bible texts have been translated, approved by the Translation Consultant (TC), and distributed to Deaf communities across Nigeria. These translations are not only approved but have been made freely available on memory cards, ensuring that every Deaf person has access to them. This is a testament to the dedication of the translation team, as well as the unwavering support from partners, sponsors, and the Deaf community itself.
A Focus on the New Testament: A Hopeful Future
In October 2022, the team began work on one of the foundational books of the New Testament, The Gospel of Matthew. The journey is ongoing, with the translation expected to be fully TC-checked and approved by September 2025. This monumental step is part of a larger plan to translate the entire New Testament into the Nigerian Sign Language, providing the Deaf community with the transformative power of the Gospel.
The ultimate goal is to have the entire Bible available in the Nigerian Sign Language within 20 years, a target that could be achieved even faster with the right support.
A Call to Action
We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Together, we can ensure that the Deaf community in Nigeria receives the entire Bible in their language within their lifetime. Your support, prayers, and contributions will make a difference in bringing God’s Word to millions of Deaf Nigerians.
To partner with The Bible Society of Nigeria to make the Bible available to the Deaf in our midst, kindly call our Assistant General Secretary, Publishing, Pastor Olugbenga Oludaisi on 08159094106 or 08033672696, or email: oludaisi@biblesociety-nigeria.org. You can visit the NSL – Deaf Translation Centre Ibadan. God bless you.
In the cities and rural towns across Nigeria, a group of people who have been largely left out of the spiritual conversation exists—the Deaf community. With over 2 million Deaf people in Nigeria, only less than 2% identify as Christians. This shocking statistic highlights the pressing need for inclusivity and access to the Word of God in a way they can understand—through the Nigerian Sign Language (NSL). The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), committed to making the Bible available and affordable in every preferred language and format, took on the monumental task of delivering God’s Word to the Deaf in Nigeria.
This mission gave birth to the Nigerian Sign Language Bible Translation Project, a lifeline for the Deaf community, that allows them to “hear” God’s Word through their hands and hearts.
A Dream in Motion: The Start of the Nigerian Sign Language Bible Translation Project
In 2012, a collaborative vision between BSN and DOOR International (Deaf Opportunity OutReach) in Nairobi, Kenya, was set into motion. The goal was ambitious, to translate the Bible into the Nigerian Sign Language. To accomplish this, Deaf men from Nigeria were recruited and sent to Nairobi for intensive training in translation. They worked tirelessly to bring 32 Chronological Bible Stories (CBS) to life, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
This was not just about translating words; it was about creating access to the Gospel for a community that had been spiritually underserved for generations.
A Partnership for Transformation
In 2014, to fully realise this vision, the Bible Society of Nigeria formalised its partnership with DOOR International, solidifying its commitment to make the Word of God accessible to the Deaf. However, it was not until July 2017 that the BSN officially took over the project, with the translation team beginning full operations in December 2017. This was a turning point in the project’s history.
Since then, the progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. 222 selected Bible texts have been translated, approved by the Translation Consultant (TC), and distributed to Deaf communities across Nigeria. These translations are not only approved but have been made freely available on memory cards, ensuring that every Deaf person has access to them. This is a testament to the dedication of the translation team, as well as the unwavering support from partners, sponsors, and the Deaf community itself.
A Focus on the New Testament: A Hopeful Future
In October 2022, the team began work on one of the foundational books of the New Testament, The Gospel of Matthew. The journey is ongoing, with the translation expected to be fully TC-checked and approved by September 2025. This monumental step is part of a larger plan to translate the entire New Testament into the Nigerian Sign Language, providing the Deaf community with the transformative power of the Gospel.
The ultimate goal is to have the entire Bible available in the Nigerian Sign Language within 20 years, a target that could be achieved even faster with the right support.
A Call to Action
We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Together, we can ensure that the Deaf community in Nigeria receives the entire Bible in their language within their lifetime. Your support, prayers, and contributions will make a difference in bringing God’s Word to millions of Deaf Nigerians.
To partner with The Bible Society of Nigeria to make the Bible available to the Deaf in our midst, kindly call our Assistant General Secretary, Publishing, Pastor Olugbenga Oludaisi on 08159094106 or 08033672696, or email: oludaisi@biblesociety-nigeria.org. You can visit the NSL – Deaf Translation Centre Ibadan. God bless you.