International (MNN) — DOOR International is hosting a celebration this month in Nairobi, Kenya, to recognize 40 years of Gospel work among the Deaf! This is just one of many international celebrations DOOR is hosting for the ministry milestone.
DOOR first launched in 1984 — around the same time as several other Deaf ministries.
Rob Myers, DOOR’s President and CEO says, “When others ask us, ‘Why is it that really all Deaf ministries have started just within the past 30 to 40 years, if not more recent?’ one explanation that I like to give is likening it to what happened in the Reformation back in the 1500s.”
The advent of the Gutenberg Press was a significant factor in the Reformation (also known as the Protestant Reformation).
The Gutenberg Bible was one of the first books printed from movable metal type. For the first time, ordinary people and families could easily possess a copy of God’s Word and read it for themselves. This newfound access to Scripture led to a spiritual revolution and revival.
(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)
“The Gutenberg Press allowed information to get into the hands of the people,” says Myers. “For Deaf communities, what we found is within the past 30 or 40 years, it’s really been the advance of technology that’s made Deaf ministry possible in the times that we have now.”
Several Deaf ministries launched in the 1980s and 90s and have continued to gain steam thanks to the Internet, video streaming, editing software, and other technological advancements.
“In order for Deaf people to have a meeting remotely, they have to have access to video…. In order to do Bible translation, you have to produce a video text instead of a written text.
“That technology makes God’s Word fully accessible to Deaf people once a translation is in place.”
Praise God for DOOR’s 40 years of advancing Kingdom work among the Deaf and through Deaf believers!
Learn more about DOOR International here.
Header photo courtesy of DOOR International.
