Matching Challenge
Year End Gift
From now until the end of the year, your donation to Kophos Mission will be matched up to $100,000. Your gift will have double the impact in continuing the Old Testament Libras Bible translation and theological and leadership training.
Or you may mail a check to:
Kophos Mission
9010 Palmas Grandes Blvd
Unit 202
Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
Testimonies
See how your gift
impacts the Deaf in Brazil
Kophós Mission
Welcome to Kophós
This is how the Kophós Mission was born (meaning “Deaf” in Greek). God gave us three primary goals:
- Continuing the translation of the Bible into Libras – Brazilian Sign Language;
- Developing leadership within the Brazilian Deaf community;
- Creating mission, evangelism, and discipleship programs in partnership with local churches.
About us
How it all began
In 2017, we started as a Translation Movement with dozens of Deaf volunteers and interpreters from across Brazil.
In April 2019, this movement evolved into a University Extension Missionary Project, affiliated with the Evangelical University of Goiás (UniEvangélica).
Seven years later, on February 28, 2024, we delivered the entire New Testament translated into Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) by Deaf individuals themselves, offering free and open access to all.
A brief history of Kophos Mission USA
Paul and Linda Fahnestock served as missionaries to Brazil from 1998-2004. After returning to the USA, Paul served as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL from 2005 until his retirement in 2015. However, retirement was just the beginning of a new chapter.
In 2015, Paul and Linda embarked on Bible translation workshops across India, Africa, and South America, igniting a passion that led them to join a Brazilian team translating the Bible into Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) in 2018.
In February 2024, the Libras New Testament was completed—a significant milestone for Brazil's Deaf community. The ministry in Brazil has since expanded to include Old Testament translation, theological training, evangelism, and discipleship programs under the name Kophos Mission (from the Greek word for "Deaf").
To support this growing work, Paul and Linda incorporated Kophos Mission, Inc. as a USA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in July 2024. Through Kophos Mission USA, they mobilize prayer and financial support for Kophos Brazil, helping transform lives by providing the Brazilian Deaf community with access to God's Word and empowering them through leadership training and spiritual growth.
Who we are
We are a team of over 20 Deaf translators and hearing interpreters individuals dedicated daily to the Bible Translation Initiative Led by the Brazilian Deaf Community.
- Deaf Translators
- Glossary Team
- Hearing Interpreters
- Bilingual Theologians
- Missionaries
- Volunteers
- Intercessors
The translation of the New Testament was made possible through the support of many individuals, churches, and institutions who prayed and contributed.
Over $560,000 were invested over seven years. Now, the challenge is to translate the Old Testament. It’s your turn to be part of this mission.
Discover the
Deaf reality
Deaf people are not just a mission field. They are also a mission force that needs to be trained and sent to reach other Deaf individuals. Learn more about the Deaf reality in Brazil.
There are over 300 sign languages in the world
And fewer than 30 Bible translation projects in Sign Languages are currently underway.
Missionaries are needed
Brazilian missionary organizations have few, if any, programs dedicated to this sociolinguistic group.
A lack of schools
There are no theological or missionary training centers adapted to Deaf culture.
Deaf pastors
It is estimated that there are fewer than 20 Deaf pastors in Brazil, serving a population of about 3 million profoundly Deaf individuals.
A rarity
Accessible churches in Brazil are scarce, and even fewer recognize Deaf individuals as authentic Christians, capable of being trained and taking on ecclesiastical roles.
Deaf statistics in Brazil
Access the New Testament in Libras
This is an open and continuously updated translation. The New Testament is awaiting validation by accredited consultants. We are committed to working in accordance with internationally accepted standards set by translation organizations (FOBAI). Publishing the videos is part of the community testing process among Brazilian Sign Language users. You may download the app on your cellphone from the Apple Store or Google Play. That’s how easy it is to have access to the Libras Bible. And it’s free!
Results
New Testament translated in seven years!
Technology – Libras Bible App. Free access to the New Testament, Sign Language Dictionary, Salvation Plan, Bible Studies, Daily Devotionals, all in Libras.
New signs created in Libras – Linguistic contribution
Monthly accesses
to the Bible TPS
Users in Brazil – and thousands more in various countries
Followers on social media
Daily accesses
Total accesses
Deaf Christians seek pastoral, missionary, and leadership training. They aspire to serve in the church, long to evangelize, disciple, and reach their own. To do this, they need to be trained. Just like our indigenous brothers and sisters, who have gone through the first, second, and now the third wave of missionary work, we believe this is also the natural path for the Deaf community.
That’s why Kophós Mission was born – the first Brazilian Missionary Agency led by Deaf individuals and interpreters, with a sole focus on reaching the Deaf community with the Gospel of Christ.
We’d love to hear from you! Please fill out the form below or reach out to us through the following contact details.
- paul.fahnestock@kophosmission.org
- +1 (239) 287-6797
Deaf individuals are not just a mission field. They are also a mission force.
Paulo Feniman, president of AMTB
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