Why Deaf Ministry?
Deafness is more than hearing loss. The world tends to think of it as a disability, but for Deaf people, it is their culture.
About 70 million Deaf people worldwide richly identify with Deaf culture and sign language as part of vibrant linguistic communities.
Why Deaf Ministry?
Deafness is more than hearing loss. The world tends to think of it as a disability, but for Deaf people, it is their culture.
About 70 million Deaf people worldwide richly identify with Deaf culture and sign language as part of vibrant linguistic communities.
In keeping with this belief, DOOR International strives to reach Deaf around the world for Christ. Of the world’s 70 million Deaf people, less than 2% know and follow Jesus.
In keeping with this belief, DOOR International strives to reach Deaf around the world for Christ. Of the world’s 70 million Deaf people, less than 2% know and follow Jesus.
Unique Culture • Rich Language • 70 Million Strong
Unique Culture • Rich Language • 70 Million Strong
90% of Deaf people are born to parents who are not Deaf.
Over 85% of those parents will choose not to learn sign language or to sign with their Deaf child. (The numbers are much higher in developing countries or rural areas.)
Language barriers begin early. These children often lack access to early communication and family conversation, leading to isolation and information deprivation.
90% of Deaf people are born to parents who are not Deaf.
Over 85% of those parents will choose not to learn sign language or to sign with their Deaf child. (The numbers are much higher in developing countries or rural
areas.)
Language barriers begin early. These children often lack access to early communication and family conversation, leading to isolation and information deprivation.
Language is learned at school and from other Deaf people.
Deaf schools are an important part of Deaf culture. It is at these schools that the traditions of Deaf culture and sign language are passed on to the next generation. Through sign language, Deaf people are able to communicate with the world.
Language is learned at school and from other Deaf people.
Deaf schools are an important part of Deaf culture. It is at these schools that the traditions of Deaf culture and sign language are passed on to the next generation. Through sign language, Deaf people are able to communicate with the world.
Sign languages are the heart languages of Deaf people.
In many developing countries, Deaf individuals have limited language exposure before school, making reading difficult. While some read well, most struggle. The most natural way for Deaf people to encounter the gospel isn’t through reading, but by translated Scripture in their heart language, sign language.
Sign languages are the heart languages of Deaf people.
In many developing countries, Deaf individuals have limited language exposure before school, making reading difficult. While some read well, most struggle. The most natural way for Deaf people to encounter the gospel isn’t through reading, but by translated Scripture in their heart language, sign language.
Deaf people don't all use the same sign language.
Linguistic research has identified at least 135 sign languages, with estimates exceeding 300 worldwide.
Like spoken languages, sign languages developed naturally within diverse communities, reflecting God’s design for cultural and linguistic diversity.
Deaf people don't all use the same sign language.
Linguistic research has identified at least 135 sign languages, with estimates exceeding 300 worldwide.
Like spoken languages, sign languages developed naturally within diverse communities, reflecting God’s design for cultural and linguistic diversity.
Complete statistics for Deaf populations around the world don't exist.
Statistics for the Deaf are incredibly difficult to find. This is largely because government censuses in many countries do not ask about the number of people who identify primarily with the Deaf community and use a sign language as their first (or heart) language.
The World Federation of the Deaf estimates the global Deaf population at 70 million, around 1% of the world’s people.
Complete statistics for Deaf populations around the world don't exist.
Statistics for the Deaf are incredibly difficult to find. This is largely because government censuses in many countries do not ask about the number of people who identify primarily with the Deaf community and use a sign language as their first (or heart) language.
The World Federation of the Deaf estimates the global Deaf population at 70 million, around 1% of the world’s people.
Deaf-led ministry, both in church leadership and Bible translation, empowers spiritual growth, and cultural authenticity.