From the first time I heard of the need at the deaf school, a desire was born in my heart to reach them, but it didn't seem possible as we were not planning to live in Takoradi for more than one year. When James came to visit last December, he decided to stop by the school and ask a few questions for another person who was interested in reaching the deaf. While there and later on the flight home, God began to show James that He wanted us to have a deaf ministry. Now, as we are seeing the first souls come to salvation, I believe that they are only the beginning of a great harvest!
With any worthwhile open door, there are obstacles to overcome. The obvious obstacle with the deaf being...we do not know their language! So... enter sign language classes. The headmaster arranged for us to have a sign language class at the school. We are currently going twice a week on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Our teachers are two of the deaf teachers at the school. I was wondering how in the world you can communicate when your teacher is deaf, but it has worked very well. Kaitlin had some previous experience with sign language years ago so many times she can get the meaning of what they are signing. Other times, we write on the board, paper, even desks (with chalk). The amazing thing is- we are learning -not as fast as I would like...I think my brain leaks!! : ) Every week the teacher writes a list of words on the board which he then signs. We each have a notebook in which we record the words (and, for me, hints for how to sign) so that we can practice at home. I am definitely coordinationally challenged. Sometimes, they have to take my hands and fingers and put them the way they need to be because I can't figure it out. The only encouraging factor I cling to is that my husband is as bad as I am- maybe worse : )
The best way to learn and remember sign language is to have to teach it without an interpreter...at least, that is what the headmaster says. He said they had to suffer in Bible times so we should be willing to suffer as well. That is easy for him to say!! How do you teach a Bible story with a very minimal vocabulary?! But the sheer number of students (350) and the lack of helpers has forced us to do just that. Kaitlin and Jimmy are doing quite well. James has always had an interpreter. ME? Well, thankfully I have only had to teach without an interpreter one time. I did find out when all else fails, play hangman with Bible words from the lesson because I have mastered the alphabet : )
In spite of the obstacles (there are others- especially with my class- which I will tell you about in a later post), God is really blessing. There is a hunger in the older students especially that I have rarely seen. They have many questions about life and death. Those who have come for salvation have amazed me with their seriousness and transparency. After getting saved, one teenager asked if it would be okay if he went back to his village and told others how to be saved or did a preacher have to do it! These students are from many different West African countries...Can you imagine how many people they could reach if others get saved and go tell it in their villages?! Please keep us in prayer as we continue to study sign language and reach the lost among the deaf.
