Tokyo Deaflympics Becomes Gospel Mission Field

November 25, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

Tokyo Deaflympics Becomes a Powerful Platform for Global Gospel Outreach

The Deaflympics in Tokyo has become far more than a global sports gathering, this year, it opened unprecedented doors for sharing the gospel among Deaf communities from around the world.

At Komazawa Olympic Park, long lines formed outside the volleyball semifinals venue as spectators waited patiently in the crisp autumn air. But for Suncica, a Deaf believer from Serbia, the most important event was not happening inside the stadium. Instead, it was the gospel conversation unfolding with the couple behind her in line.

She handed them a small card illustrated with Mt. Fuji and five colorful rays. Once the couple scanned the QR code, they were directed to a site offering short gospel presentations in multiple sign languages. As the line moved, Suncica continued explaining the message of Christ using the colors on the card.

A Global Team on a Unified Mission

Suncica is one of over 50 volunteers from eight nations partnering with International Mission Board (IMB) workers to spread the gospel during the Deaflympics. With thousands of athletes and spectators from more than 80 countries gathered in Tokyo, the event presents a rare opportunity.

“Deaf people are naturally spread all over the world, and having them come together at one time is a rare event,” said Hank Greene, who leads the IMB’s global Deaf work. “We want to make as many connections as possible because the gospel flows through personal relationships. It opens doors to places where we wouldn’t otherwise have access.”

To maximize impact, volunteers split daily into small teams covering multiple venues across Tokyo. Each team includes at least one Deaf volunteer, one hearing volunteer, and one IMB worker. Their tools include specially designed trading pins and QR-coded gospel cards pointing to sign-language resources.

First-Time Volunteers Step Out in Faith

For many volunteers, the Deaflympics outreach has been a life-changing introduction to missions.

Liberty Gratz, a Deafblind volunteer from Richmond, Virginia, used all her annual leave just to participate. Before arriving in Tokyo, she had never left the U.S., nor shared the gospel with anyone.

Early in the week, she noticed a Deafblind man and approached him. Using Tactile signing, where communication happens through touch, she shared the gospel, guiding his hands as she explained each point.

When she finished, the man exclaimed, “Wow. I’ve never heard that before, I’ve never been able to hear that.”

The moment deeply moved Gratz. “It was inspiring to know he had never heard the gospel before, but I was able to share who Jesus is. Deafblind believers should know they can do anything, including sharing Christ.”

Gospel Encounters Across Tokyo

Other volunteers with little experience in Deaf ministry also witnessed God at work.

One such volunteer was Youngsook Lim from Holy Seed Church in San Francisco. She and her group did not know sign language, yet felt called to join the mission. At a basketball game, Lim noticed a Deaf Japanese woman sitting alone. Through Google Translate, she learned the woman had traveled hours to attend.

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Lim shared the gospel, and the woman immediately professed faith in Christ. IMB workers are now connecting her with a local Japanese Deaf fellowship. Months earlier, believers had prayer-walked the arena, trusting God for moments like this.

“God has been working in so many ways,” Suncica said. “It’s been amazing.”

A Growing Mission Field

With an estimated 80 million Deaf people worldwide, the need for more long-term missionaries is urgent. Greene hopes the Deaflympics will inspire some volunteers to consider ongoing service.

“In total, our teams have shared the gospel more than 200 times and connected with over 500 people from more than 30 countries,” Greene reported. “This is the first time we’ve done ministry on this scale at Deaflympics, and we hope to continue in the future.”

He added that the experience has strengthened global partnerships and expanded the vision for Deaf ministry worldwide.

“This has allowed us to connect with people who share our heart for the nations,” Greene said. “We are so grateful for the support from Southern Baptist churches. We see God moving here, and we couldn’t have done this without God providing through them.”