Before I start writing, I want you to watch the interesting reel on Instagram which has been installed. Here is the reel.
She is Janet Moreno with her Instagram account @deafmotherhood who is a Deaf mom of two hearing sons and serving for the Deaf in Christ. She also shares her faith, the gospel, and Christianity in American Sign Language (ASL). I love watching and learning with her. She said only 2% of 360 million Deaf/ hard-of-hearing people know Jesus Christ. And, she is right!
Deaf people aren't aloud in praying, praising, and reading the Bible because they can't speak as well as hearing people do. Deaf people are kind of more silent and lonely. They will pray in their heart which is going to speak for themselves. That's the way I feel and pray for. Sometimes, Deaf people also can pray aloud but it doesn't speak clearly, you know what their heart out is and deeply praying for Him. In a case with some Deaf people are going to pray in sign language. Jesus Christ is very polyglot and He knows many languages, including sign language. So, I am really sure with He knows sign language. I would be singing praise Him in sign language because I know the songs are beautiful and touching.
We aren't taught in religion and sometimes we do in the school but it doesn't as much as hearing people have. We have minority and small religious events in out-community, in the Deaf community but mostly it doesn't because it hasn't a Deaf pastor or a hearing pastor who knows sign language. All churches haven't provided sign language interpreters and a special program for Deaf people, like Sunday school, Bible class, and any events. Deaf people mingle with hearing people in the same class so that's why Deaf people always feel left behind by hearing people due to accessibility less.
We are kind of only know basic religion like who Jesus Christ is, fasting, praying, going to the church, celebrating Easter/ Christmas/ Ascension, etc, and little Bible lessons, depending on where the school is. But, most do know basic things. And, worst is, average Deaf people can't read Bible well because of the deprivation of language, where some Deaf schools don't teach them sign language and bilingual system (which is one of the most needed Deaf children do and know more than two languages). So, you will be shocked when you receive a text message from Deaf people who have bad writing and back and forth sentences. Actually, they can read Bible but as cognitive, they are as it is not much as hearing people have and they have limited words and sentences. A short conclusion is Deaf people are more left behind by hearing people in all aspects, including religion.
Then, what should you do? Just provide a sign language interpreter for all events and not just the worship because you can make difference and give equal chances to Deaf people who need to know about Him and be good Christian people. And, you are expected to learn and know sign language at least basic signs so you can teach the gospel to them. if you can't provide a sign language interpreter, you can be a notetaker or a captioner who types and writes what the pastor is saying on your laptop, cellphone, or paper. Importantly, when a Deaf person wants to pray for you but will not pray aloud as what you expect, just accept and respect the way Deaf people pray for. Take patience by teaching them because Deaf people always feel left behind by hearing people so they will be able to be feeling frustrated and always be upset with reasonable and unreasonable.
So, I hope the tips I have given will help you and your church that wants to open and provide a sign language interpreter for Deaf people so Deaf people will be able to know Jesus Christ and be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Have Jesus Christ Day!
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