Introduction / History

Deaf people in Kenya, like those everywhere, place a high value on community. Being together in fellowship is a high cultural value for them. Transparency in all situations is paramount within the culture for complete understanding and acceptance by Deaf People. By virtue of being Deaf, Deaf people take in most of their information visually. Visuals of any kind used in any situation is appreciated and valued by Deaf people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kenyan Deaf live within the same environment as hearing Kenyans. Their daily lives, employment and surroundings do not differ from the majority of Kenyans who live below the poverty line. The difference is that Deaf people are not recognized or respected for who they are as people by the majority. The need is obvious, and the opportunity is now to bring the message of the Bible to the Deaf of Kenya.

What Are Their Beliefs?

No part of Scripture has been translated using Kenya Sign Language. There are no films or videos in KSL with a Christian message available. Missionaries or church societies began many schools for the Deaf in Kenya. Unfortunately, the gospel was not communicated to the Deaf students in their heart language, KSL, resulting in a limited understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ among the Deaf today.

What Are Their Needs?

A Deaf person living in Kenya is not recognized as someone who has a complete and rich language. Nor as someone who belongs to a unique cultural group. But rather, this Deaf person is perceived to lack the mental capability to speak or to hear, at best the Deaf persons inability to hear is seen as a pathological problem and so much time, effort and resources are spent on speech therapy for Deaf students in the schools for the Deaf with the goal of "making Deaf people speak." This being Kenyans' perception about Deaf people, their economic, educational and social standing among the general population is one of the lowest.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to pave the way for the spiritual needs of the Deaf in Kenya.
Pray for the Lord to reach the Deaf in Kenya through dreams and visions.
Pray for him to raise up loving Christians to work in Deaf schools.
Pray for God to raise up Deaf Christians in Kenya to reach others.

Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Kenya.

References

Anonymous.