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 were missionaries to Brazil from 2008-2014. Upon returning to the USA, Paul served as
an associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL, from January 2005 until his retirement in
August 2015. Retirement, however, was just the beginning of a new chapter for Paul and his wife, Linda. In 2015,
they embarked on a series of Bible translation workshops, traveling to India, Africa, and South America. These
workshops ignited a deep passion for Bible translation and set the stage for their future endeavors.
In 2018, Paul and Linda were invited to join a Brazilian team dedicated to translating the Bible into Libras, Brazilian
Sign Language. This translation was a Deaf-led project whose objective was for the Brazilian Deaf community to
have access God's Word in their native language. Recognizing the importance of this work, Paul and Linda affiliated
with New International as missionaries, focusing their efforts on ministry to the Brazilian Deaf.
The hard work and dedication of the Libras translation team bore fruit in February 2024 when the Libras New
Testament was completed and released. This milestone marked a significant achievement, but the vision extended
further. The translation of the Old Testament began, and the ministry expanded to include theological and leadership
training, as well as evangelism and discipleship programs. This expansion was given the name Kophos Mission by
the Brazil team. Kophos is the Greek word found in the New Testament for "deaf."
To support this growing Brazilian ministry, Paul and Linda incorporated Kophos Mission, Inc. as a Florida nonprofit in
July 2024 and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This allowed them to focus on raising support in the USA for
the Deaf community in Brazil, ensuring that their work could continue to flourish. Through Kophos Mission, Paul and
Linda aim to help support the transformation of the lives of generations of Deaf individuals in Brazil by providing
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 and hearing individuals dedicated daily to the Bible Translation Initiative Led by the Brazilian Deaf Community.
- Deaf Translators
- Glossary Team
- 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 NT 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
Testimonies
Many impacts
Many stories being written
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 Feldmann, president of AMTB
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