A life deeply changed and renewed by the Gospel: it’s why we do what we do. In his own words, a new Deaf translator on the Kenya team shares how God used sign language Scripture to change his heart.
My name is Elvis. Before joining DOOR to do translation work, God’s Word was foreign to me. I went to many different church services and even tried reading the Bible for myself. But, I didn’t understand it; I didn’t even know where to start reading.
The KSL team discusses part of the translation.
Even though I was going to church, that didn’t stop me from doing bad things or being an immoral person. I stole, I was a conman, and a very skilled liar. At one point, I asked Jesus to come into my heart because I didn’t want to look like I was missing out. I didn’t feel like I needed God in my life – I just wanted Him to sort out my problems.
Later, when I joined DOOR, I began learning Bible passages. It was very clear because it was in sign language.
By the end of the year, my heart was full of pain. I had come to know how much God loved me and how much I sinned against him.
When I learned about Saul’s conversion to Paul, I was intrigued. One night as I slept, I dreamt about a light shining on me three times and a voice asked when I would surrender my life to the Lord. The very next day, during our staff fellowship time, a fellow translator shared with me the passages describing Saul’s conversion.
Before the end of the fellowship, my mind was made up. I was ready to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. I ran to our linguistic advisor, Jared, and told him that I wanted to give my life to the Lord. He then led me in a prayer, inviting the Lord into my heart. Immediately, the pain in my heart disappeared and was replaced by so much joy.
Please pray for me that I may grow in the Lord. Pray that I may show good fruit, so that my friends may come to know the Lord as well.
