On Sunday, September 18, 2022, Brother Hamilton Vieira, a member of the Brazil Branch Committee, announced that the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is now available in Brazilian Sign Language on jw.org and in the JW Library Sign Language app. More than 36,300 watched the program, which was live streamed from the auditorium at the Brazil branch office.
This is the first complete translation of the Bible into Brazilian Sign Language and only the third complete sign-language Bible in the world. The translation project started in 2006 with the Gospel of Matthew. Subsequent Bible books were made available immediately after they were translated.
Angellyca, a deaf sister, expressed: “In the past, I tried reading the Bible in Portuguese, but it was difficult for me to understand. Now, with the Bible in Brazilian Sign Language, I understand it so well that I feel as if I am part of the accounts!”
In 1982, Jehovah’s Witnesses formed the first sign-language congregation in Rio de Janeiro. Today, some 9,500 publishers serve in 246 Brazilian Sign Language congregations, 337 groups, and 63 pregroups.
This Bible release highlights Jehovah’s love for our deaf brothers and sisters. We pray that this precious gift helps many more people to learn about Jehovah and his Son and to find the way to everlasting life.—John 17:3.
Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible. Three points in particular make the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures worthy to include in your studies.