“Out of the 70 million Deaf people worldwide, it’s estimated that less than two-percent of them know Christ and are following Him,” shares Dr. Rob Myers, President of DOOR International, an international organisation that translates Scripture into sign language, and equips Deaf believers with the resources they need to fulfill the Great Commission.
Myers made this remark upon return from an annual conference organized by the Forum of Bible Agencies International, or FOBAI as reported by christiannews.net
in 2014, the World Federation of the Deaf estimated that 80% of Deaf people do not receive any education at all.
“In total, we had about 15 sign language translation organizations represented there,” said Myers. “It truly was a historic event. It’s amazing how God has raised up different organizations to bring different gifts, different talents.”
This year’s Forum of Bible Agencies Conference focused on how to reach the Deaf for Christ.
“For the very first time in history, not only were the needs of sign language communities mentioned, but they actually served as the common theme this year.”
“It was called, ‘The Macedonian Call: Engaging Hearing Communities with Deaf Groups.’”
The theme is a reference to Acts 16:6 – 10. This passage recounts Paul’s momentary pause in Troas, when he was seeking God’s direction and had a vision of a man from Macedonia. The man asked Paul to come to Macedonia because they needed his assistance.
“In the same way, Deaf communities around the world are ready,” Myers stated.
“They’re hungering for the Gospel; they’re ready for translation work to happen, they’re ready for their leaders to be trained and empowered, and equipped, to go out and serve. What they need is the Church’s help,”
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aaron@ugchristiannews.com – Photo – Forum of Bibles Agencies International/Facebook
Editor’s Note – There is need of reaching out to people with learning disabilities and their families. Church organisations have a significant role to play in identifying and contacting local families with these people and those who are supporting them.
Make sure your church has volunteer/ministry opportunities for the disabled to participate in. Could be the simplest thing, maybe a prayer ministry set up online. Just something to make the people feel like they are members and not just tag-alongs.
