Our Mission
To provide opportunities for the Deaf, their families, friends, and neighbors to advance mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually through education and mentoring to become well-rounded productive citizens of their countries.
An Introduction to Latin Deaf Services, Inc.
Latin Deaf Services Inc. Statement of Faith
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are the inerrant, inspired, and infallible Word of God. God’s Word is the final authority for faith and life.
We believe there is only one God, and He has chosen to reveal Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe man was created in the image of God and the sin of Adam (the first man) marred that image, creating an eternal divide between God and man. Every person is born in sin.
We believe the only way a person can have a true, forgiven relationship with God is through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus became man without ceasing to be God. Our right standing with God is made sure because of His literal, physical resurrection.
We believe in the literal, physical return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead.
We believe God offers eternal life as a free gift and that it must be received by faith alone through God’s grace alone. The life that comes from this gift is a permanent possession of the one receiving it.
We believe the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of believers on mission to enlarge God’s kingdom.
We believe believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances of the church.
Vision Statement for Latin Deaf Services, Inc.
At Latin Deaf Services Inc, our vision is to transform the lives of Deaf individuals, their families, and their communities throughout Latin America. We are driven by the core mission of providing opportunities for the Deaf to advance mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually through education and mentoring, enabling them to become well-rounded, productive citizens of their countries. With passionate staff, many of whom are Deaf or hard of hearing themselves, we are uniquely equipped to serve and love the Deaf community.
Our primary goal is to give equal access to the Bible in sign language, fostering the development of evangelical biblical signs within the Deaf community in Guatemala(Which our mission board has been commissioned to do by the governing agency overseeing the development of Guatemalan Sign Language). We envision the profound impact of assisting in the creation of Lenseggua, the Guatemalan sign language, as a means to bridge communication gaps and connect the Deaf community.
Through our Deaf Bible Institute, we aim to train pastors of the Deaf, ensuring that the Deaf can receive the Word of God and biblical teachings. By employing Deaf individuals within our organization, we further contribute to our mission, utilizing their unique talents and skills in areas such as social media coordination, camp hosting and language consulting.
Our commitment to hosting annual camps for the Deaf and interpreters is aimed at increasing socialization, fostering relationships, addressing language deprivation, and reaching them for Christ. These camps also equip interpreters to excel in their roles within churches and communities.
As we reach more Deaf individuals, we empower them to become messengers of love and faith. Through their newfound knowledge and connection with Christ, they can be sent out to teach and inspire other Deaf individuals, creating a ripple effect of hope and spiritual growth within the Deaf community.
As we expand our reach to other countries in Central and South America, we plan to establish ministries led by trained leaders to spread the Gospel and raise Deaf pastors through our Bible institute. Partnering with North American Deaf churches will strengthen our work in Guatemala and neighboring countries through prayer, financial support, pastor/ mentors for the men in our Bible institute and training teams to travel to Guatemala for mission trips.
Located strategically in cities with high Deaf populations, our headquarters ensure accessibility to the Deaf community, who often face transportation and financial barriers. Our long-term sustainability relies on the generous support of donors and monthly givers.
Guided by our core values of loving God and loving people, we believe that every Deaf individual has inherent value and the right to communication. Our ultimate goal is to reach the deaf for Christ and end the exploitation and human trafficking of Deaf children by empowering them with communication, employability skills, and community.
We measure our success by noting those who have made a decision for Christ and discipling them, sign language class participation, and camp attendance from various countries.
Cultural sensitivity is of utmost importance, and we follow the guidance of the Deaf community to ensure respect and understanding. Our faith in a loving Savior drives our work, with the salvation and discipleship of the Deaf being our strongest motivation.
In the next 5, 10, and 20 years, we aspire to move our center of operations to Guatemala City, strategically expand to other countries, establish headquarters and offices in each, and create a fully functional campus for Biblical studies for the Deaf and church planting. We engage with the local community through online classes, social events, and performances by the Deaf.
To realize this vision, we seek more Stateside Deaf pastors willing to teach and mentor in our Bible Institute, partner churches, and individuals to support our mission financially and help with travel expenses including the task to maintain our mission fleet for the challenging roads in Guatemala. Our legacy is one of faith, hope, and love, ensuring that future generations of Deaf individuals and their families in Central and South America have access to God’s love and the tools to thrive.