“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God – God provided His Word, the Bible, as a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Psalms 119:105). But what happens if you do not read well? What if the Bible is not in your language?
Foreign Language Example – What would happen if you wanted to read the Bible in the Chinese language, but you did not know Chinese? What if your teacher only taught you in English? …If you could only SEE the Chinese language written? …If you never heard the Chinese language spoken? It would be very difficult. You would probably appreciate simple, easy-to-understand books and study helps.
English Can Be Hard – Many Deaf people have almost the same difficulty. Many use sign language as their first language and read English as their second language. They have never heard English. They must learn the complicated English language only by sight. Many English words look the same or almost the same. Many words are long and unfamiliar. Many Deaf people have told me it is hard for them to read the Bible. They have never heard it. To many, English is an unfamiliar language. But SWM can help!
SWM Deaf Bible Institute (DBI) – One of the oldest programs at SWM is the DBI, written specifically for Deaf people in simple, easy-to-understand English. SWM provides DBI as a “free” ministry for DEAF and Hard of Hearing people only. The DBI helps Deaf people learn about the Bible and the Christian life.
How to Study the DBI – DBI is available by postal mail and also online. Deaf people register online at DeafBibleInstitute.org (for either printed or online) or by writing SWM. The online version can be studied worldwide on computers, tablets, and phones. The first 20 lessons are divided into 4 courses. Students return tests to SWM and receive a certificate for each course of 5 lessons successfully completed.
DBI Coordinator – SWM’s Donna Condra grades the tests and corresponds with Deaf students by postal and email to answer their questions and encourage their progress. Even Deaf prisoners are enrolled! At this time there are 1,683 Deaf people enrolled, 2,204 courses have been completed, and 47 salvation decisions have been reported through DBI since 2011.
SampleDBI Certificate
Deaf PeopleRegisterToday!
DBI Courses and Lessons – What will students learn? The first 20 course titles are…
Course 1 – The Old Testament
● In The Beginning
● People in the Old Testament
● The Kings
● The Prophets 1
● The Prophets 2
Course 2 – The New Testament
● Introduction to the New Testament
● The Lord Jesus Christ
● Following Jesus
● The Twelve Disciples
● People in the New Testament
Course 3 – Christian Growth
● Bible Doctrines
● The Christian Life
● What Does the Bible Teach?
● What Christ has Done
● The End of all Things
Course 4 – Christian Maturity
● Soul Winning
● What is Right and Wrong?
● What God Wants Deaf People to Know
● The Holy Bible
● Christian Character
Teach Others – Leaders can “teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2) by using the DBI to teach a class with several Deaf together. SWM asks classes to purchase the needed courses, to help cover the cost of reprinting the lessons.
You Can Help – The DBI is one of 5 special SWM ministries in the SWM Evangelism Fund and is “provided free as the Lord provides.” Would you like to be involved in reaching and teaching Deaf AND hearing people with the Gospel? Pray and give! 100% of all funds given will be used as designated through the SWM Evangelism Fund.
If you would like help or would like to help us, click here to contact Jon.
