This month, please join us in praying over the specific needs of our Global Staff who live, minister, and reflect God’s love in JAPAN.

Mark & Mary Esther Penner
Japanese Sign Language Bible Translation
A farewell from Mary Esther

Dear Calvary,

Looking back over 44 years I’m grateful for how you, Calvary, sent us out and “held the ropes” with your support and prayers. Thank you for your faith—for seeing possibilities that weren’t so obvious at the time. Thank you for caring. For sticking with us all these years, even when the going was slow. Long before others saw the need that so many see today for Bible translation into sign languages, you were right there with us. Thank you.

Your support has helped the Japanese Sign Language Bible translation project complete 89% of the New Testament and make 39% of the entire Bible available. Wheelchairs of Hope has also refurbished and distributed more than 3,500 used wheelchairs across Asia. Both projects are now led by Japanese leaders and governed by Japanese boards.

Now, 44 years after you sent us out, we ask that you continue. To pray for us, yes, of course we want that, but even more, for the projects we leave behind. And even more than that, for the people who continue the work.

With gratitude,
Mary Esther & Mark Penner

Introducing our Newest Global Staff: Japanese Sign Language Bible Project
jslbible.org

Although the Penners’ partnership with Calvary has come to a close, the JSL Bible translation work will continue. We’re deepening our commitment to this work by welcoming the Japanese Sign Language (JSL) Bible Project as our newest Global Staff. The project’s goal is to translate the entire Bible into JSL. Check out the video below to hear from the JSL team!

Why do we need Japanese Sign Language?

Prayer Requests from the JSL Team

Bible Translation

Our translation ministry began 33 years ago, and over the years, we have translated portions of both the Old and New Testaments into Japanese Sign Language. Our current goal is to complete the entire New Testament by 2032. About 89% of the New Testament has now been completed, and we are currently working on 1 Corinthians 11–16 and Revelation 6–11. 

Please pray for wisdom, strength, and clarity for our translation team as we work to faithfully and clearly communicate God’s Word in JSL. Pray also that God would guide each step of the process as we work toward completing the New Testament by 2032.

Our Team

Our translation work involves people serving in many different roles—including signers, biblical researchers, JSL reviewers, video production, communications, and administration.

Please pray that each team member would be able to use their gifts well and that we would continue to grow and serve together in unity. Pray also that God would provide the people we need for the work ahead and sustain each member of our team, both spiritually and physically.

Reaching Deaf People Who Need Access

There are very few churches in Japan with Deaf pastors, and churches that provide sign language interpretation are also limited. As a result, when Deaf people desire to know more about Jesus and His Word, they may not have access to a church where they can learn, ask questions, and communicate freely in their own language. Some may feel isolated as they seek to grow in their faith.

Please pray that JSL Bible would reach these Deaf people and give them the opportunity to see and understand God’s Word in their own language. Pray that our translations would reach those who need them most and help them grow in their knowledge of Jesus and His Word.