Overcoming Trials was the theme of Evangelibras 2024, a project promoted by the Adventist Ministry of Possibilities (MAP) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South America. Evangelibras, an Adventist Brazilian Sign-Language ministry, seeks to strengthen ties between deaf members and attract the curiosity of other deaf people by sharing teachings through biblical content. 

During this year's edition, which was broadcast between July 17 and 20, 2024, Douglas Silva, pastor and program speaker, shared messages related to the life of the biblical character Job. Silva discussed Job's experience, focusing on patience, perseverance, integrity, and justice. The program also included a recap of the Sabbath School lesson and numerous testimonies and concluded with two baptisms.

Watch the first episode below.

Approach that Transforms

Marivon José was one of the individuals baptized during the program. He shared part of his story of surrender and change. “My life was a mess. I had no knowledge of the Bible, I attended another denomination, but I was biblically illiterate, and I had a sinful lifestyle,” he explained.  

He explained that a deaf person invited him to visit the Adventist Church. He knew nothing about the denomination, but when he met them, he realized that “the biblical teachings imparted knowledge.” 

So he began to participate in meetings and Bible studies. “They were teaching about the law and the Sabbath, something I didn’t know. It was wonderful. I received teachings. These were good things that I learned in my life,” he said. 

He stated that he believes in God and trusts in His law and the Bible. “I accept being baptized because I have learned, through the teaching of the law, biblical knowledge that has brought me enlightenment. I believe in baptism in the Adventist Church, and I have decided to become an Adventist. I thank God for bringing me salvation,” he declared.

New Biblical Knowledge 

Solange Borges, who was also baptized during the program, grew up in a Christian environment and attended another denomination, but she did not understand the Bible. “I did not have much education. People would talk to me, and I could not understand. That made me sad at that time,” she shared.  

One day, José invited her to a class for the deaf. Among the subjects studied was the Sabbath. “I was shocked because I believed that Sunday was the day of rest,” she emphasized.  

“It was a wonderful study. Based on the Bible, he [the Bible class teacher] began to show me, and I was fascinated by what the Sabbath was like,” she said.  

Borges began to enjoy learning about the Word of God. “Today, I feel light and happy, and I want to learn forever,” she added. 

Libras and the Gospel

Evangelibas is a project that began about 15 years ago. Initially, the goal was to teach the deaf community about the Bible. However, today it involves many people, both deaf and hearing. 

The ministry seeks to make the Bible accessible to everyone.  

Alacy Barbosa, director of Possibilities Ministries (MAP) at the South American Division, highlighted the initiative's importance. "We need to provide this involvement and active participation of the deaf community,” he said. 

Barbosa also highlighted that one of MAP’s focuses is to take people out of their passive state. “MAP and Evangelibras' goal is to raise the question: How can we make deaf people more active and participatory members?” he reflected. 

“MAP works to highlight the importance of inclusion and equality. By encouraging more welcoming and understanding actions, through awareness and education about the needs and talents of people with disabilities, this ministry helps to build a more just and empathetic society,” he explained.

How Evangelibras Began 

Paulo Pedro is a camera operator and has always used his gifts and talents for the church. The creator of Evangelibras, he emphasizes how much more advanced the project is, both in technology and resources.  

“The goal now is for each state [in Brazil] to have Evangelibras. The idea is for us to spread the word that the focus is to help save the deaf,” he explained. 

“I needed to think about how to evangelize the deaf. So, I combined the idea of ​​the gospel and sign language, a gospel in Libras. The gospel is baptism, so the focus of Evangelibras is baptism,” explained Paulo Pedro. 

Mission Involvement 

Alex Silva Alves, a Libras teacher, has been an Adventist for 20 years. Since he was baptized, he has worked with the Ministry for the Deaf, and his goal is to teach the Bible. “The year that had the biggest impact on Evangelibras was 2021 when we baptized 14 deaf people from Brasília. As a result, the group at the church has grown significantly. There are more people to interact with,” he said.  

He also recalled the work that MAP has begun to carry out in churches and emphasized its importance. “I really like this initiative by the church. MAP gives more value to people and includes them,” he emphasized. 

The professor mentioned Maranata, a youth convention that brought together around 20,000 people at the Mané Garrincha National Stadium in Brasília in late May and early June this year. “There was a sign language interpreter and support for the blind and autistic. It pleased me to know how important it is to value these people,” he said. 

Growing in Volunteering 

Isabella Vieira da Silva, a volunteer at Evangelibras, told her story and highlighted how much she enjoys helping with the project. Although she belonged to another religious denomination, she received an invitation to visit the Adventist Church and was baptized in 2021. Little by little, she became involved in the initiative.

“I was involved behind the scenes, and I am very grateful to serve God. I am sure that it is His plan. This is the second time that I have participated as a protagonist, presenting Evangelibras,” she explained.  

“I felt that God’s love doubled when I was baptized, and it was a very good moment,” highlighted da Silva. 

Brazilian Sign Language 

Officialized in Brazil in 2002 through Law 10.436, Libras has increasingly reached its target audience. Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) estimates that more than 10 million people in the country have some kind of hearing impairment. 

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.