You might be asking, “Why is DOOR building this huge complex?”
In a previous e-mail (Your office is where? March 14), we asked you to help us get Flo and the artists out of the bathrooms. They are still working out of the bathrooms!
There is more to the story … currently, DOOR is using two bedrooms as video studios, which have neither the ideal width, length or ceiling height to videotape all the sign language translations. DOOR is using another bedroom as the editing room, which has only one electrical outlet to serve five computers and a TV monitor.
In 2010, five African sign language translations, which were started in 2009, should have returned to Kenya, but because DOOR has no room at the current center for them, DOOR had to tell them they cannot come back until February of 2011 when, hopefully, the new Deaf Bible Translation and Training Center will be completed.
WHY DOESN’T DOOR HAVE ROOM FOR THEM THIS YEAR?Presently, DOOR is housing at their old facilities:
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A Kenyan Deaf translation team and a Kerala-India Deaf translation team working on the 2nd series of stories DOOR calls “Follow God How?” (Discipleship Series). These stories, along with the “Know God How?” series that both teams completed, dedicated and distributed in January of 2010, will become the “source texts” for all future translations.
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Another Kenyan Deaf translation team and Kerala-India Deaf translation team working on what DOOR calls the "DEEPs.” These are the translator’s tools needed by other sign language translation teams in order to do translation, as well as study material for Deaf teachers and pastors.
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These two teams are supported by 4 Deaf artists (3 from India and 1 from Kenya) who develop all of the graphics and drawings needed for the DVD and storyboard publication.
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Five master’s degree level hearing Consultants-in-Training (CITs) that DOOR recently recruited (4 from India and 1 from Kenya). One of the greatest needs identified by The Seed Company, Wycliffe and DOOR is Bible Translation Consultants with a specialty in signed languages who can assist the Deaf. Currently, for all of Africa and India, there is only one!!!
The new Deaf Bible Translation & Training Center will have:
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4 video studios
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10 editing stations
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10 stations for back translation
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Server and network office to store all the video output
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Office space for 7 Consultants or Consultants-in-Training
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Residential accommodation for:
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48 male Deaf Bible translators
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Up to 14 woman or 7 couples
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Short-term rooms that Consultants-in-Training can live in
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Safe housing for Kenyan staff
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Safe housing for International staff (1 DOOR Consultant, 2 Wycliffe Consultants-in-Training and a North American who oversees the technical issues)
On the surface it may look like a “brick & mortar” project, but in reality, it is a solution to many real questions DOOR, Wycliffe International, SIL and The Seed Company have been struggling with for several years.
Questions like:
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How do you evangelize without a Bible?
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How do you lead a Bible study without a Bible?
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How do you translate the Bible with no source text or translation tools in your language?
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What needs to be included in a visual Bible that is not in a written Bible?
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What additional information is needed for Deaf who have no religious and little educational information?
DOOR’S GOAL IS NOT A BUILDING, BUT AN IMPACT.
This is a FIRST in Christian history!
Once completed, equipped and staffed, this DEAF BIBLE TRANSLATION & TRAINING CENTER will become the “hub” for as many as 80 Deaf sign language groups in the next 30 years.
WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR WORLD?
Show your support for DOOR by praying for us, offering encouragement, telling others about DOOR, and supporting us financially. Together we can make a difference!
WANT TO SEE SOME PICTURES?
Click on the link below ... and enjoy the show!
http://www.picnik.com/show/id/7843153458_FKDXg/t/20104-door-dbttc