Every Deaf community adopts the characteristics of the country in which it resides. 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 Guyana face special challenges at home, in the classroom, and in the workplace. They tend to be overlooked because they require a unique way of communication.
Like the general population, the deaf in Guyana are about half Christian. Due to their communication limitations, they can only grasp Christianity at a superficial level.
The deaf community in Guyana 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 Guyana to hunger for the Lord Jesus.
Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Guyana.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |