Every Sabbath (Saturday), while biblical messages are preached at the Huancayo Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Peru’s central highlands, Lisset Daviran Gutiérrez interprets the sermons through sign language. Using her hands, gestures, and facial expressions, she helps ensure that deaf individuals can actively participate in Sabbath School, worship services, and youth programs.

Through her work, members of the Deaf community can receive the message clearly and participate fully in the life of the church.

Gutiérrez’s ministry grew out of her own personal experience. For many years, she relied on hearing aids to assist her hearing. When she stopped using them, she went through a period of adaptation that led her to learn sign language and connect more closely with the Deaf community in her city. Through that experience, she discovered both a deeper sense of identity and a new missionary calling.

In addition to her ministry, Gutiérrez has pursued academic training to better serve others. She is an Art Education teacher specializing in Music Education and also holds a degree in Psychology. Currently, she works as a sign language interpreter with the Alivia Peru Network, which is linked to the National Council for the Integration of People with Disabilities.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she dedicates time to church outreach. She participates in the Adventist Possibility Ministries and promotes inclusive evangelism through the Adventist Ministry for the Deaf, providing pastoral support in her local congregation.

New disciples through inclusive ministry

Efforts at the Huancayo Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, part of the administrative territory of the Central Peru Mission, have helped create opportunities for deaf individuals to study the Bible and join the Adventist church.

Among those baptized is María Hurtado, a mother who learned about the biblical teaching on the Sabbath during her Bible studies. Another is Rosember Zamora, who found renewed purpose through faith and now serves within the Adventist education system.

Through her dedication, Gutiérrez helps bridge communication barriers that often prevent deaf individuals from fully engaging with faith communities. For her, sign language is a bridge that allows more people to encounter the message of hope found in the gospel.

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