Every Deaf community takes on the characteristics of the country they are in. Just putting an interpreter in a church is not the answer, especially when the Deaf do not have any Bible background or knowledge. Some have estimated that Deaf people attending a church with interpretive sign language alone understand only two percent of the message. However, their understanding increases to 100 percent when the entire worship service including the sermon is in sign language.
The Deaf in Gabon face special challenges at home, in the classroom and in the workplace. They require a special way to communicate that often leaves them isolated.
Like the general population, the deaf in Gabon are mostly Christian. Unless they have the gospel presented in sign language, etc. they can only understand Christianity at the surface level.
The deaf community in Gabon needs educational and employment opportunities. They need more access to interpreters in university and health care settings as well as equal employment opportunities that capitalize on their individual skills and training.
Ask God to provide worship services in sign language.
Pray for interpreters who love and relate to the deaf.
Pray for the Deaf in Gabon to hunger for the Lord Jesus.
Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Gabon.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
