Luke 5 award from Oscar who can access the Bible by himself!
Oscar is a 19-year-old young man with Down Syndrome, who is also Deaf. More importantly, he is a follower of Jesus.
Breaking down barriers
Oscar loves the stories of the Bible, but because he can't hear and is unable to read due to his learning disability, he had never been able to access the Bible by himself. He has always relied on it being read to him and explained to him in British Sign Language.
But now everything has changed… Oscar’s favourite Bible animation series, Superbook, has just been made available with British Sign Language translation!
This is life-changing for Oscar, and to celebrate the difference this has made in Oscar’s life, his mum Karen has helped him to nominate makers of Superbook for a Luke 5 Award for Disability Inclusion. Through the Roof were delighted to give the Luke 5 award from Oscar to Christian Broadcasting Network UK (CBN).
How it all began: lead up to the Luke 5 Award
CBN first piloted one episode of Superbook with BSL interpretation and asked for feedback. Members of Through the Roof’s Deaf Ministry Network gave feedback, and CBN responded magnificently in every possible way. The result is excellent, and Oscar’s mum’s reaction says it all…
“I'm so over-joyed with this - I feel quite tearful!... Oscar is unable to read so cannot access the Bible by himself. He relies on it being read to him and explained. Watching Superbook by himself has helped him to develop his faith and love for Jesus because it is so visual and engaging, causing his knowledge of the truth to grow.”
Karen goes on to say, “I asked him just now ‘Why do you like Superbook?’ He looked up at me and said ‘Because it’s about Jesus. I want to follow Him’ and went back to carrying on watching the episode!”
CBN's response: more translation and a video!
CBN were delighted with the Luke 5 award from Oscar, and very touched by his story. Luke Hancorn, Director of Mission Advancement at CBN, said:
“On behalf of the entire team here at CBN UK, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for nominating Superbook for a Luke 5 Award. What an incredible encouragement it was to receive your message!”
“Reading Oscar’s story truly moved us, it touched every heart on our team. We feel so blessed and inspired to hear how Superbook in British Sign Language has played such a powerful role in his journey with Jesus. Stories like this are exactly why we do what we do.”
“We’re excited to share that we’re about to begin translation of Season 2 into British Sign Language – a milestone we’re celebrating with great joy.”
CBN were so thrilled that they made this fantastic video with Oscar and his Mum! Watch it now to hear from Oscar himself the difference BSL makes.
You can watch all of Series 1 of Superbook in BSL on YouTube @SuperbookUK. To find out more about the series, visit: www.superbook.uk
Please pray and advocate for all media to be made accessible to people with hearing loss – and other impairments – so that all have equal access.
If you'd like to be an advocate for disabled people in church, or just show that you're positive about disability inclusion, please consider becoming a Roofbreaker disability champion in your church or community.
If you are a disabled person who wants to celebrate a person or ministry that has supported you to be included more fully in Christian life, consider a nomination for the Luke 5 Award for disability inclusion.