If you grew up in the Christian community, you likely know the song, “Jesus Loves Me.” (And if you’re like us, the tune is now running through your head!)

If you’re not familiar with the song, it’s based on a poem written in 1860 by a woman named Anna Bartlett Warner. The poem was later turned into a hymn by William Batchelder Bradbury, and it still lives on today.

The first verse and refrain go like this:

• “Jesus loves me — this I know, for the Bible tells me so.


• Little ones to Him belong — They are weak, but He is strong.


• Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me — The Bible tells me so!”

The age-old truth declared in these simple words is one that even children can embrace.

But what if you’ve never heard the song? Or more specifically, what if you’ve never learned about Jesus and been given the chance to learn of His love for you?

That’s the case for many communities around the world — they do not yet know that Jesus loves them because they don’t have Scripture that communicates that truth. It’s why Wycliffe is so passionate about working alongside the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through His Word.

A Visual Language Needs a Visual Bible

There are 70 million Deaf people in the world, and only 2% have been introduced to Jesus in a language and format they clearly understand — their own unique sign language. Their lives are rooted in a distinct culture, sense of identity and language, with more than 380 known sign languages in use. Yet, the only complete Bible in sign language is the American Sign Language Version (ASLV).

Sign language is a visual language, different from any spoken or written language. God desires to communicate His love for His people in the language that best captures their hearts, and for Deaf communities around the world, that requires Scripture that is presented naturally, clearly and visually.

The Story of Jesus in American Sign Language

Today God is communicating His love in new and exciting ways for the American Sign Language community as they celebrate an incredible milestone — seeing the story of Jesus come to life through film.

Our partner, Deaf Missions, produced the film and describes it this way: “For the first time in history, a Deaf audience will have the unique opportunity to experience the story of Jesus presented as a feature film entirely in American Sign Language.

“JESUS: a Deaf Missions film” will take you on a journey with Jesus and His disciples. Witness His miracles, His transformative power and His challenges to the religious elite in a time of high tension under Roman rule in Judea. The Jews were anticipating a Messiah, but Jesus was not what they expected. What the religious leaders orchestrated to be Jesus’ end instead changed the world forever. Immerse yourself in Jesus’ love as He offers hope, forgiveness and eternal life. Don’t miss this historic film — produced for Deaf by Deaf — with a cast fluent in American Sign Language.”

The film debuted in theaters on June 20, 2024. Whether you are Deaf, know someone who is Deaf, are learning or fluent in American Sign Language or simply want to step into the shoes of our Deaf brothers and sisters, check out the film for yourself! It’s an opportunity for us all to see the love of Jesus on display in sign language and give us new eyes to see that transformational moment of encountering Him personally.

So what are you waiting for?

Together we have the opportunity to celebrate alongside the American Sign Language community that they are able to see Jesus’ love on display for them in a compelling and heart-capturing way!

Sign Up for Weekly “God Sightings” Text Messages

Each week, you can receive an update on what God is doing around the world — directly to your phone! Stay informed, inspired and encouraged by the latest news, and join us in praying for God’s name to be made known among the nations through the work of Bible translation.

Text SIGHTINGS to 407-358-0916.

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