Stacy Bourland

One of the most unreached people groups in the world is the Deaf community. Of the over 70 million Deaf people in the world, only 2% are Christians. Our mission with the Deaf Services Program is to serve the Deaf community through the Deaf Owned Translation (DOT) and Symbolic Universal Notation (SUN) projects. Our mission is to provide a visual Bible that is easily understood and accessible. We do that in two ways: signs and symbols.

Deaf Owned Translation is for the Deaf who need a video Bible expressing the Scriptures in their sign language. This involves both training and equipping Deaf communities and churches to translate the Bible into their own sign languages. Our translation methodology makes the process accessible to native speakers and decreases the time required to produce a final translation.

Symbolic Universal Notation is for the Deaf who have never had the opportunity to receive an education in sign language or learn to read. SUN uses a set of pictures and symbols, accompanied by the national sign language, to communicate concepts across any culture. The Deaf and DeafBlind are taught to use SUN to communicate and to read of God’s love for them in His Word!

As Deaf Services Director, I am overseeing the operational aspects of both projects. We are expanding our training, developing materials, and mobilizing teams to reach these populations globally and enable and equip the local church with the resources they need to have a Bible they can understand. I’m grateful to serve at Wycliffe Associates where we can minister to the needs of the whole Deaf community.