Deaf Pathway Global

Deaf Pathway Global (also known as Deafway Global) is a Nashville-area non‑profit (based in Brentwood, Tennessee) dedicated to bringing Scripture to Deaf communities around the world through Deaf‑driven, visual Bible translations.

Mission & Vision

Their mission is to transform lives through Deaf-driven, innovative approaches to Bible translation, empowering Deaf individuals to receive and express God’s message in their natural heart sign language. Their vision is to produce at least 300 foundational Bible stories and passages in each of the world's over 200 sign languages

Translation Approach & Tools

• The process begins with printed biblical stories transformed into storyboards—via sequential, color-coded visuals.
   
• From these, a universal framework known as “Sign Roots” (facial expressions, body movements, iconic sign components) is employed to aid translation across diverse sign languages.
   
• Qualified Deaf translation teams worldwide use these packages to craft translations in their own sign languages, followed by rigorous screening and editing 
   
• Translations are distributed via the Deaf Pathway Bible App—a fully visual, icon‑driven mobile app designed for Deaf users with no reliance on written language 
  
   Global Reach & Field Impact
• To date, Deaf translators have completed 300 stories in at least 13 sign languages, including ASL, Czech, Chinese, Polish, and Thai, with more in progress
   
• Their work supports communities globally: Deaf believers engaged in evangelism and church formation in locations such as East Asia, Mexico, Thailand, Czech Republic, West Africa, and the Balkans
  
  Organizational Info & Credibility
   
• Registered as a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 85‑1194604), Deaf Pathway Global is based in Brentwood, TN, and operates with a fully Deaf-led translation and support staff 
   
• Their 2021 revenue was approximately $700K, with expenses around $720K. Charity Navigator gives them a two‑star rating (63%), noting strong accountability and finance transparency but areas for improvement in program‑expense ratios and impact measurement metrics 
  
   Leadership & Partnerships
   
• The organization is closely connected with the International Mission Board (IMB) and has received recognition for its Bible translation efforts. IMB and church leaders highlight Deaf Pathway Global as a pioneering model for Deaf ministry worldwide 
   
• Key leadership includes President Nick Jungheim and founders such as Vesta Sauter, along with board and staff composed largely of Deaf individuals with deep cultural and global translation experience