Friend,

I want to share a story with you about a man named Abdulai.

When our missionaries first met him, there was something striking about his story. He had never heard the name of Jesus. As a Deaf man in West Africa, that reality ran even deeper. He had never seen the name of Jesus signed or encountered Scripture in a way he could truly understand.

Abdulai grew up in a Muslim family, surrounded by religious practice but without clear answers about God. Even as he began to explore faith, he felt a disconnect. Questions remained, and hope felt distant.

Everything began to change when a friend invited him to a church where the message was interpreted into sign language. For the first time, Abdulai was not just observing. He understood. Through that experience, he learned who Jesus is and responded in faith.

But even after coming to Christ, something was still missing.

Like many Deaf individuals across Africa, Abdulai did not have access to Scripture in his heart language. Written text alone could not fully communicate the truth of God’s Word in a way that connected deeply.

That is why IMB missionaries invited him to participate in StoryOne Camp.

Through this training, Abdulai and other Deaf believers are equipped to translate and share key Bible stories in their own sign languages. These stories are designed to be clear, visual, and reproducible so the gospel can be understood, shared, and multiplied within Deaf communities.

As Abdulai engaged with Scripture in his heart language, his understanding of God’s Word grew stronger and more personal. Today, he is sharing those same truths with others, helping more Deaf individuals encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.

His story reflects a much larger need.

Around the world, millions of Deaf people still do not have access to Scripture in a way they can fully understand. Through the faithful work of missionaries and the support of partners like you, that is beginning to change.

I hope you will take a moment to read Abdulai’s full story and see how God is working among Deaf communities:

Visual Scripture resonates in Deaf African hearts – IMB

Thank you for partnering in this work and helping ensure that people of every language and every people group have access to the truth of God’s Word.

Sincerely,

Angie Shepherd
Journeyman Alumni
Prayer and Missions Advocate

International Mission Board is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation