Deaf Missions · Council Bluffs, Iowa · Est. 1970
God at Work Through Deaf Missions
A history of faith, service, and the Gospel in sign language · 1966–present
Duane King meets Emery & Louise Booth
A chance Christmas visit to a deaf couple in Norfolk, Nebraska, ignites a lifelong calling. Duane promises to learn sign language and share Jesus with deaf people.
First worship services for deaf people
Duane begins holding separate sign-language worship services at First Christian Church in Norfolk, Nebraska — preparing specially crafted sermons for deaf attendees.
Bible classes at Iowa School for the Deaf begin
After moving to Griswold, Iowa, Duane begins weekly preaching and Bible classes at Iowa School for the Deaf. Attendance grows rapidly from 30 to over 120 students.
Deaf Missions incorporated
November 1970: the first Board of Directors formally incorporates Deaf Missions as a religious non-profit in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with five original board members.
Kings move to Council Bluffs; full-time ministry begins
January 15: the family relocates to a home that serves as Deaf Missions’ first office. God provides 33 speaking opportunities in the very first month.
Christ’s Church of the Deaf founded
July 4: first service held. By August 1972, 18 charter members sign on. The congregation grows to average 50 deaf attendees and ministers to the whole Council Bluffs community.
First Bible Camp for the Deaf
Camp of the Risen Son hosts the first deaf family camp. It runs for 44 consecutive years with over 120 campers at its peak and many professions of faith.
Sign language classes begin at Nebraska Christian College
Duane introduces sign language courses to Bible college — the first known such program — launching decades of training for Christian workers among the deaf.
Jim Price and Bonnie Weeks join the team
Jim Price becomes a full-time illustrator and ministry partner; Bonnie Weeks joins as secretary, freeing Duane to expand outreach. The small team grows Deaf Missions rapidly.
First dedicated studio building constructed
A new studio is completed on the Deaf Missions campus, enabling professional production of Bible visuals and films in sign language. A print shop follows in 1974.
First Workshop on Deaf Evangelism
Annual workshops begin equipping Christian workers to reach deaf people. Dennis Entinger attends one — later his deaf son Chad becomes Deaf Missions’ director.
“Jesus is Alive” filmed in Israel
Harold Noe leads a Holy Land tour; Duane and Bill Pike film a sign-language movie at the empty tomb. It becomes one of Deaf Missions’ most beloved resources.
Dr. Harold Noe joins staff
Harold moves from North Carolina to Council Bluffs, taking over Christ’s Church of the Deaf and Bible classes at both Iowa and Nebraska Schools for the Deaf.
Extension Classes program launched
Students from multiple Bible colleges come to Council Bluffs for a semester of hands-on training in deaf ministry, sign language, and Bible teaching.
Christian News for the Deaf launched
First issue mailed to 1,100 addresses in November. Grows to 13,000 by 1980, bringing Christian news and encouragement to deaf believers across the country.
Daily Devotions for the Deaf begins
A monthly devotion booklet launches and grows to nearly 35,000 printed copies. Now available as a free app and online in both English and American Sign Language.
ASL Bible Translation begins
Harold Noe launches what is believed to be the world’s first sign-language Bible translation. A pilot of Luke 1–3 is produced. KMTV Omaha donates studio time for 20 years.
Operation SERVE launched
Duane and Peggy King travel by pickup and fifth-wheel trailer — Starting new ministries, Encouraging existing ones, Reviving souls, Visiting supporters, Enlisting workers.
God Loves Deaf People Seminars begin
First seminar held in California; church-hosted events spread across the country equipping congregations to welcome and serve deaf members.
“Dr. Wonder’s Workshop” TV program
Joel Burkum produces award-winning VBS and children’s videos in sign language. The Finger Food Café series spins off into a nationally broadcast cable/satellite TV program for deaf children.
First Deaf Ministers’ Retreat
Evolves into the Deaf Christian Leaders Conference and Christian Interpreters Conference, each drawing 200+ attendees from across the US and beyond.
New Testament ASL Translation completed
A joyful milestone: the full New Testament in American Sign Language is finished. A deaf woman’s response: “Today is the first time I read the Bible and understood it.”
Chad Entinger becomes Executive Director
November 2007: Chad — who was brought to faith through Deaf Missions materials as a deaf child — assumes leadership after a smooth, God-ordained transition from Duane King.
Deaf Missions Training Center opens
A two-year residential Bible training program for deaf students is established on campus — fulfilling a vision Duane had written in the 1970s. Eight students enroll in the first class.
50th Anniversary & complete ASL Bible goal
Deaf Missions celebrates 50 years with the goal of completing the entire Bible in American Sign Language — available as an app, online, and on DVD to deaf people worldwide.
Reaching deaf people around the world
God’s work continues: translating the Bible into sign languages of other nations, training deaf Christian leaders, publishing devotions, and proclaiming that deaf people can know Jesus.