Language: Romanian Users: 93,500

Dates: 2016-2019 Total Project Cost: $518,800 Project Goals: Old and New Testament portions

ROMANIAN SIGN LANGUAGE EURASIA —

THE PEOPLE THE PLAN THE IMPACT About 93,500 Deaf people Translating a series of stories “If you understand what God living in Romania use Romanian from God’s Word will introduce has been doing in Romania with Sign Language to communicate. the Romanian Deaf community Deaf people,” said a project to the overall message of adviser, “it becomes clear that They are scattered throughout Scripture for the first time! translating the Bible could be the country, though many the next wave to see more Deaf prefer to live in urban areas The sign language translations people come to faith.” where it’s easier to find others aren’t written — they’re produced who use the same language. as videos. This process generally Recently, the Romanian Sign takes longer than for written Language team tested a chapter Culturally, the Deaf view translations. The team must film of Genesis during a worship themselves as members of a the person signing the translated service at a local Deaf church. vibrant community with its own Scripture, then check, edit and Attendees were very excited unique language and identity. revise it, and finally publish the to see God’s Word in their sign However, they face challenges recordings. language and eagerly gave when communicating with the the team helpful feedback. society around them. The translations are complex, taking into account body As the Scripture passages The Deaf often feel frustrated, position, , facial are completed, the team will excluded and unimportant expression and even eyebrows! immediately distribute them when efforts aren’t made by uploading the videos to communicate with them This project will produce to a YouTube site and sharing in a language they naturally Romanian Sign Language them via phone apps, DVDs understand. videos that cover the basic and flash drives. narrative found in the Bible — Some Deaf people have from creation and the fall, The videos can be used in been members of Christian to salvation, redemption and church services, Bible studies, churches in Romania for many ultimately restoration. The team and everyday connections within years, but due to the lack of will also produce commentaries the Deaf community to draw communication and no access to help people understand what people to Christ. to God’s Word, they have they are seeing. received little discipleship. Your prayers and investment A local Deaf church is eager will help Deaf people in Romania A Romanian Sign Language to see the translation take place. have access to God’s Word in translation of the Bible is So much so, that they initiated the language of their heart! needed to grow the Deaf the work and are providing community’s understanding translators for the project! of God and help them be at home in the church. 0416/E90178/997879 wycliffe.org