In the streets of Havana, a story of faith and perseverance is unfolding. Yaily Valdés, a law graduate with a background in communications, never expected her life to take such an unexpected turn. With no prior connection to the deaf community, she was asked to provide legal advice to the Cuban Bible Society. It was there that God planted a seed in her heart: to translate the Bible into Cuban Sign Language (CSL).
“I didn't know any deaf people. I had no link to that world. And today, I can't imagine a single day without them,” Yaily shared in an interview with Adventist News. What started as a temporary job became a life mission. She describes this journey as a true divine calling, deeply connecting her to a community often overlooked.
Challenges of Bible Translation in Signs
Translating the Bible into Cuban Sign Language is no simple task. The team, made up of two hearing and four deaf members, faces the challenge of conveying not just words, but deep meanings. “We study the text and then express it in signs. It's not just about translating words, but about conveying the meaning,” Yaily explained.
The Complexity of Biblical Concepts
Concepts like “salvation,” “grace,” or “redemption” are especially hard to explain to those with limited Spanish proficiency. Many deaf Cubans do not master spoken language, making the work even more delicate. “For a hearing person, if I say 'Jesus came,' they understand everything: his birth, his life, his death. But for a deaf person, I need to explain each part of that story,” Valdés illustrated.
The team uses videos to record each translated passage, ensuring the message is faithful to Scripture and culturally relevant. So far, the Gospel of Luke has been completed, resulting in over 100 videos available in churches and on digital platforms.
An Inclusive Church: The Role of Community
The project goes beyond translation. It aims to empower the deaf community and promote a truly inclusive church. As it is written in Galatians 3:28 (NIV): “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This truth drives the team to break down communication barriers.
Yaily emphasizes the importance of involving deaf people in the process: “They are the experts in their own language. We, the hearing, learn from them.” Collaboration between deaf and hearing ensures the translation is accurate and natural.
Impact and Future of the Project
With over 14 years of progress, the initiative has already transformed lives. Churches across Cuba are using the videos to include deaf members in worship services and Bible studies. The next step is to translate the entire New Testament and, eventually, the complete Bible.
“At first, I felt out of place. I come from communications, from the media, but God brought me here,” Yaily reflects. Her story is a reminder that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The deaf community, long marginalized, now has access to God's Word in their own language.
Reflection and Action
May we learn from this example and seek ways to include all brothers and sisters in our faith journey. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:15 (NIV): “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” But for the deaf, the message can be seen and felt. Ask yourself: how can your church be more welcoming to people with disabilities? Small gestures, like learning a few basic signs, can make a huge difference.
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