Adventist Leaders, Members Train to Minister to Peru’s Deaf Community

In an effort to promote inclusion and reach the deaf community in Peru, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s North Peru Union Mission recently organized the first Adventist Deaf Ministry (ADM) gathering in the north of that South American nation.

The event on the campus of Peruvian Union University in Ñaña, Peru, was titled “Hands that Transform” and led by Edison Choque, director of Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) in the North Peru Union Mission. It brought together field leaders, committed lay people, and deaf people who are already Adventist church members or are getting acquainted with the church.

The meeting sought to train participants in the creation of new ADM groups in several regions. Attendees learned about evangelism, Adventist lifestyle, Peruvian Sign Language (PSL) interpretation, and the fundamentals of establishing this ministry in their localities. In addition, leaders highlighted the importance of inclusion and understanding of the deaf culture, discussing some of the communication barriers they face and the urgency of this mission.

The event included specific workshops for listeners, such as “How to Start an ADM in My Church.” Topics for deaf people included evangelism and personal development. In addition, attendees were given an ADM handbook, designed to be a practical guide in the implementation of this ministry.

Ministry Growth in Northern Peru

With more than two years of already working on behalf of the Deaf, the ADM at Peruvian Union University inspired attendees during the event, organizers said. Its director, Hillary Jaimes, stressed the need to learn sign language as an expression of love for others and authentic inclusion. “Many deaf people in Peru live in isolation due to communication barriers. The ADM is an urgent mission to integrate them into the church and allow them to know the truth,” she emphasized.

The impact of this first meeting was reflected among the attendees, who discussed the importance of deaf ministry and how it is essential to keep expanding it. Regional church leaders said they expect new ADM groups will be launched in other Peruvian cities, including Chiclayo, Trujillo, Chimbote, Tarapoto, and Lima, by 2025. In those cities, leaders have already identified deaf people who are currently interested in joining the Adventist Church.

Tackling Challenges

Peru currently acknowledges a roster of fewer than 100 certified PSL interpreters, while around 500,000 hearing-impaired citizens live in the country. The deficit represents a critical challenge for a prospective expansion of ADM groups. On the other hand, leaders said that the commitment of those attending the Adventist-sponsored event marks a significant step toward inclusion and accessibility.

The event not only inspired participants, regional church leaders said, but also highlighted the importance of training more interpreters and strengthening ADM groups across the country. “The Adventist Church encourages all members to be a part of this mission, bringing hope and God’s message to the deaf community in Peru,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.