Iran (MNN) — Jesus Film Project recently released a new translation of the “JESUS” film. But it’s not a spoken translation. It’s in Persian Sign Language!
Persian, also known as Farsi, is the nation of Iran’s official language. And there are over 400,000 Deaf in Iran. The “JESUS” film has been available in Farsi for a while. But now, Iranian Deaf communities also have access to the movie and its powerful representation of the Gospel!
Brian* with Jesus Film Project says, “They were hoping to actually have it premiered last year at [a] conference, but COVID canceled it. But it is now officially completed!”
Persian Sign Language translation of the “JESUS” film. (Screenshot courtesy of Jesus Film Project)
Jesus Film Project was connected with a woman in Dallas, Texas who helped with the Persian Sign Language in the film. Now the next step is to get the word out!
But that can be easier said than done, especially in a closed country like Iran.
The Deaf in Iran — like the rest of the nation — largely follow Shia Islam. Converting to Christianity is extremely dangerous and can cost your life.
A friend of Jesus Film Project is getting micro SD cards into Iran with the “JESUS” film in Persian Sign Language. And it is also available on Jesus Film Project’s website.
Brian says, “We’re connecting with other ministries who do Deaf ministry, and so we try to network with them,…letting people know this is out there. Because before, people didn’t even know there was such a thing.”
Currently, the “JESUS” film is available in over 1,900 languages.
The Persian Sign Language translation is part of Jesus Film Project’s initiative, Mission 865. The ministry hopes to complete 865 translations of the “JESUS” film in minority languages by 2025.
“These languages are in Middle East, Central Asia, and some of those are North Africa — really hard to reach places,” Brian says. “So pray that [Mission 865] will be completed so that people everywhere will have a chance to hear the Gospel.”
Pray also that Deaf Iranians and other Persian Sign Language users would access the “JESUS” film and find eternal life in Christ!
Header photo courtesy of Pixabay.
*Last name omitted for security purposes.
