Since 2020
Paul and Linda Fahnestock are New International missionaries and members of a team dedicated to the translation of the first sign language Bible in Libras, Brazilian sign language. There are 3 million Deaf women, men, girls and boys in Brazil and less than 2% know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! A group of Brazilian Deaf Christians are using an accelerated methodology to translate the first Bible in Libras translated entirely by the Deaf.
On April 23, 2019, the Biblia TPS, Brazilian sign language, Bible translation project changed from a movement to a credible, organized project in Brazil. The organizing coordinators of the project signed a cooperative agreement with UniEvangélica University in the city of Anápolis, Brazil. On that day, the movement became a legally recognized Brazilian organization under the administrative umbrella of one of the largest Christian universities in Brazil.
With the February 2020 arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, the Bíblia TPS coordination team quickly evaluated how the translation could continue when the teams could not meet physically. A plan was developed to proceed with translation teams meeting virtually. The idea was embraced by the Deaf translators, and four translation teams are now working a minimum of 20 hours per week in a hybrid setting using Zoom and studio time. This format is working successfully.
On September 25, 2020, the Gospel of John became the first Libras New Testament book released on the internet and on the Bíblia TPS app. The last verse of the last chapter of the Book of Revelation was completed and checked on October 10, 2023 to conclude the translation all 27 books of the Libras New Testament. Before publication on the internet, all Libras Bible translations are checked for theological integrity and correct grammar by the project's Quality Checking team consisting of Deaf translators, hearing interpreters, theologians, pastors, and grammar experts.
The translation of the Libras Old Testament began with the book of Genesis in January 2024.
The photo to the right are members of the Libras Bible translation team celebrating the completion of the New Testament at the First Baptist Church of Lagoinhas in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (March 9, 2024). This church houses a Bíblia TPS translation studio and 3-member translation team: Pastor Núbia (far right), Edinho and Anna Carolina (Deaf translators, far left).
Paul and Linda invite you to pray for and to contribute financially to this project and help the Deaf of Brazil to have access to God’s message of love and salvation in Jesus Christ. Your partnership is a great encouragement to the Deaf of Brazil.
If you would like to know more about the project and how you can become involved, click on the Contact tab above on this page and send a message to Paul and Linda. Click on the Donate tab above to make a one-time or recurring donation to the project.
Click on the photo below to watch a 4-minute video about the translation project.
