Talking Hands

Eyes were fixed on the church choir as the piano played a smooth transition to its last key. Sitting in the pews, they move their lips to mouth the words of the chorus. Deep in their focused attention, they understood the verses they would love to sing, if only they could sing. Unable to hear the melody they smiled in much appreciation as the choir held their last note. By reading the interpreter's hand sign, they have sung heartily with the choir in silent harmony.

Deaf can be extraordinary in their own way. They can live in the Hearing world and, at the same time, in the Deaf world. Though they have hard of hearing, they have learned to adapt cleverly to their environment. Having to cope with life’s challenges they face difficulties that people with hearing capabilities would never fully understand. Don't they deserve to be treated with much respect? 

In the same manner that hearing people would want to, Deaf also desire to be accepted, understood and most of all, loved.

With Ate Jackie and Sister Yoly (behind)

More often than not, many people look down on them. But in God's eyes, they are His beautiful creation. When the Lord was calling Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, He made a point by asking Moses, "Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the mute, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11) 

Declaring Himself to be the Creator of deaf people establishes the fact that deafness was not an accident that happened by mistake. God designed the Deaf according to His divine purpose. He intentionally placed them in this world for a beautiful reason. 

“Cannot hear? Cannot speak? It does not matter. God is calling you to serve Him,” Deaf Pastor Alejandro Peña hand signs to the Deaf of Bible Baptist Church, San Fernando, La Union in his exhortation one Sunday Worship Service. 

Regardless of their physical imperfections, the beauty of Christ shines through them when they received Him as their Lord and Savior. In their peculiarity, they loved and obeyed Jesus Christ. Without hearing, they listened to the call of Christ for service. They are regarded as a wonderful gift to the ministry as they commit their lives to the work of Christ. 

 

Yes, they are deaf and cannot speak. They may have deformities. But in their own unique language, they share the Good News about Jesus. In their own unique language, they worship God in their hearts. In their own language, their sacrifice of praise is a delight unto the Lord. And their service counted them a reward in Heaven. 
(Matthew 16:27b, Colossians 3:24, Revelation 22:12)

Circumstances in life are not excuses to disregard the call of Christ. God gave them to show the glory of His power in the lives of those who believed in Him.

Bible Baptist Church Deaf Ministry
San Fernando City, La Union

They are deaf, and they are complete in Christ. In Heaven, they will be perfect.  
(Revelation 21:4)