Colombia is a land of various terrains, like snow-capped mountain ranges, river valleys, deserts and more. The majority of Colombians live in the northern and western parts of the country where they have agricultural opportunities and natural resources.

Colombian Sign Language is the official sign language for Deaf people in Colombia, and more than 554,000 people use it. The translation team is eager for Deaf Colombians to be able to access important biblical truths in a language and format they clearly understand.

Both Edward and Lizzeth want to reflect Christlikeness in their behavior, and the significance of keeping a tight rein on his words dawned on Edward while he was watching a video of James 3:3-5 in Colombian Sign Language: “We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire” (NLT).

“Watching this reminded me [of the importance of] controlling what I say, just like a horse harness or a boat with a fin keel,” Edward noted. “It is so important to avoid offending people or signing anything in a bad way.”

Edward appreciated this biblical admonition. “I’m thankful for the reminder and how the Lord has changed my life.”

Lizzeth also knows that the way she acts in public can make a considerable impact on people. This truth hit home when she viewed 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, in which the Apostle Paul taught about food being sacrificed to idols. Verse 9 reads: “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble” (NLT).

Lizzeth was convicted about how she represents herself when she posts on social media. “I am a Christian and need to set an example,” she explained.

In the Colombian Sign Language translation project, team members will translate and publish the Gospel of Mark, 1 Corinthians 7-16 and eight chapters from Genesis. Additionally, they’ll complete two Scripture-based video series — one on the church and the other on faith and prayer.

So far, they’ve completed and published Genesis 22, 31-36 and 38, Mark 1-4 and the video series on the church. 1 Corinthians 7-8 is almost done and chapters 9-11 are in progress.

Prayer points:

• For new translators to join the team.


• That God will protect the health of the team members.


• Praise: The translation work is going smoothly!