The conclusion of the first International course for Interpreters for the Deaf took place on Sunday, Sept. 20. It was organized by the Inter-European Region (EUD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The course lasted a weekend, it began Friday, September 18 and was held in the beautiful city of Seville, Spain.

"I'm excited the way it all worked out," says Taida Rivero, deaf interpreter, but also project manager for the Ministry of the deaf in Spain. "It is a dream come true, and I'm very happy to have been able to contribute to its realization."
Those who attended the course were Noemi Fariña, SL Interpreter and pre-doctoral researcher in the BCBL; Larry Evans, General Conference of Adventist Deaf Liaison; Javier Moliner, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director of Adventists in Spain; Taida Rivero and Corrado Cozzi, EUD Deaf Liaison.

Not everyone knows that there are more than 400 sign languages in the world. That is why an International Sign Language (ISL) was introduced to facilitate communication especially in international meetings, such as that recently concluded in Istanbul.
Within the Adventist Church in the EUD territory, there are now at least 4 official organizations (France, Signes d'esperance - http://signesdesperance.org/; Germany, STA - Gehörlosengemeinschaft https://www.facebook.com/Sordos-Adventistas-en-Espa%C3%B1a-252479178134583/timeline/ https: //sta-gehoerlosengemeinschaft.adventist. eu, Spain, ASAE, ; Romania, Raise and Walk, https://www.facebook.com/ridicatesiumbla ). Of course all of them use their own local sign language. Hence the suggestion to introduce a common language, especially in view of the forthcoming International Congress for the deaf and deaf-blind that will be held in Seville on May 13-16, 2016.

Taking part in the program were also: Taida Riveiro, who in his introductory message raised awareness to the need of creating a strong team spirit among the interpreters; Javier Moliner, who along with Riveiro developed a Sabbath School session (an Adventist systematic study of the Bible) for an exclusively deaf audience; Larry Evans, presented the benefits of remaining faithful to the divine principles, commenting and applying the famous story of the three young Hebrews in the book of Daniel (chapter 3). A pleasant evening visit to the monuments of the city of Seville ended a rather full day.

Among the participants there was Pastor Jeffrey Jordan with his wife Melissa, his faithful interpreter. Pastor Jordan is the first Adventist minister with a Master's degree to pastor a church of 70 deaf members. He will be one of the main guest speakers at the next Congress. His presence, but above all, his advice as a deaf himself, have prompted the organization of the event.
"It's amazing what you're doing," said Pastor Jordan, "I understand the significance of my commitment to lead in the spiritual aspect of the conference. It will be a blessing for everyone."
Sign language is a language to be interpreted with care, in order to understand and be understood. But this is the case for everyone, even for a hearing person who attends an international meeting and doesn't understand the language of the speakers. Pedro Torres, Communications Director of Adventists in Spain, was the translator for the entire course, his contribution made a tremendous difference.