In an effort to promote inclusion and reach the Deaf community in Peru, the Seventh-day Adventist Church organized the first Adventist Deaf Ministry (ADM) Meeting.

The event titled "Hands that Transform" was led by Edison Choque, director of the Adventist Possibility Ministry for the region, and brought together field leaders, committed lay people, and Deaf Adventists or those in the process of integrating into the church.

The meeting sought to train participants in the creation of new ADM in different regions. Attendees learned about evangelism, the Adventist lifestyle, Peruvian Sign Language (PSL) interpretation, and the foundations for establishing this ministry in their localities. In addition, awareness-raising dynamics highlighted the importance of inclusion and understanding of deaf culture, highlighting the communication barriers they face and the urgency of this mission.

The event included workshops specifically for hearing people, such as "How to start a ADM in my church," and for Deaf people, with topics on evangelism and personal development. In addition, attendees were given a ADM manual, designed to be a practical guide in implementing this ministry.

Ministy Growth in Northern Peru

The Academic Director of the Peruvian Union University, Hillary Jaimes, who has over two years of experience, served as an inspiring example during the meeting. She emphasized the importance of learning sign language as an expression of love for our neighbors and true inclusion. “Many deaf individuals in Peru live in isolation due to communication barriers. The Ministry to the Deaf is an urgent mission to integrate them into the church and help them understand the truth,” she stressed.

The impact of this first meeting began to be reflected in the attendees, who expressed the importance of this ministry and of continuing to work so that it is implemented in more places. It is expected that next year new ADM will be opened in cities such as Chiclayo, Trujillo, Chimbote, Tarapoto, and Lima, where Deaf people interested in becoming part of the Adventist Church have already been identified.

An Inspiring Legacy

The origins of ADM in Peru began in the south of the country, thanks to the commitment of Alex Malca, a young Adventist. Faced with the challenge of evangelizing his deaf relatives, Malca decided to start this ministry in his local church to include his cousins ​​in the Adventist Church. This act of love and dedication marked the beginning of a mission that is now growing and expanding nationwide.

Today, the northern and southern regions of Peru are working together, joining forces to reach more Deaf communities and share the gospel message of hope. This alliance reinforces the vision of an inclusive church, committed to bringing the gospel to all without exception.

A Ministry that Moves Forward with Challenges

In Peru, fewer than 100 PSL interpreters are officially recognized, while the hearing-impaired population exceeds half a million. This deficit represents a critical challenge for the expansion of ADM. However, the commitment of those attending the meeting marks a significant step towards inclusion and accessibility.

The event not only inspired the participants, but also highlighted the importance of training more interpreters and strengthening the Adventist Deaf Ministry throughout the country. The Adventist Church encourages all members to be part of this mission, bringing hope and God's message to the Deaf community in Peru.

The original article was published on the Southern American Division Spanish website.