This past year, April 1 held special significance for Armenia’s deaf community as they celebrated the launch of the first Scriptures in their mother tongue — Armenian Sign Language.

Many deaf children struggle to read, so until now, deaf children in Armenia didn’t have access to the Bible in a language they could understand. But now, the DVD of Bible stories in Armenian Sign Language lets these children experience God’s Word in their heart language.

Four years of dreaming and praying culminated in this launch. And this new Bible is changing thousands of lives.

“God entrusted his Word to be shared through chosen people,” said Bible Society General Secretary Yeznik Petroysan during the launch celebration. “Today, you have the translation of the first part of the Holy Bible in your language. God has chosen you to spread his Word to the people.

“This marvelous event coincides with the day of silence,” he continued. “But for the deaf, silence is a lifestyle. Now, in that silence, you hear God’s voice, and God’s life-giving Word is registered in your hearts, thus turning you into active witnesses of spreading God’s Word.”

The generosity of American Bible Society’s financial partners is placing God’s Word into the hearts of deaf children in Armenia for the first time — and we are thankful!