Man Di's Sunday in T'dad

Sunday 30th November 2008

On this Sunday morning the Deaf Ministry was given the opportunity to minister in both the first service and second service at the First Church of the Open Bible San Fernando. Pastor Mark, who heads this Ministry, introduced Man Di to the Church and spoke briefly about SIL and the upcoming Bible translation project. He also introduced Ian and through Man Di's efficient interpreting, Ian was able to impart some Deaf awareness and also testify about his experience ministering in Belize. He informed the church that "Deaf" is perferred over the use of the term "dumb" or "mute" to refer to Deaf persons. He also related how some of the Deaf at Belize received salvation during his missionary trip. I was particularly happy to know that so many people were exposed to Ian's brief talk about Deaf awareness. Many times people say things in their ignorance and this was a great opportunity for change to take place through public awareness.

After this, Ian joined Roger, Krystal, Navita, Shevon and I and we ministered in song - Helen Baylor's "Lord You're Holy". The response was tremendous!! As we were ministering I heard some people praising God with a loud voice. The applause at the end was thunderous. Five Deaf persons were able to go before God and the hearing church and minister and bless lives. This was a true joy!

When we had finished, Pastor Mark thanked me before the church for my involvement with the Deaf Ministry. Some may think that this public acknowledgement was my reward for serving the Precious Deaf. I think it was my test. We ALWAYS have to stay humble and even though we may be exulted before men. I have been constantly blessed and rewarded throughout this journey with the Deaf. Infact, this blog documents the immeasurable blessings and rewards I've received since my Christmas in August (See first blog).

After first service, Man Di attended Deaf Church. Here she was able to interact with more Deaf and participate in the service.

Again, Man Di took initiative during the Second Service as she interpreted for a few remaining Deaf persons who wanted to see us minister in song. She was able to interpret the Service as we waited to minister. What was different about the Second Service is that through Sister Pearl's recommendation, Pastor Mark was able to inform the church to sign the applause. Of course Man Di demonstrated how this is done. I think this is what really stood out to me after we ministered during the Second Service. When we had finished the response was evident by the loud, sustained applause. Yet when the music finally came to an end and we stood up and turned around, the entire church lifted their both hands and shaked them as they signed the applause. I COULD NOT HELP BUT SMILE. I looked at the others and I saw the difference it made to them. I remember seeing Navita in particular smiling as she saw the raised hands. Krystal was so amazed at the response! I was so overjoyed that they were able to see the difference they made.

Many people approached me after the both services and testified about how the Deaf had ministered to them. I was so thankful. The intent of this opportunity for the Deaf Ministry to be presented before the church was to make people aware that there is an active Deaf Ministry and Deaf community among us. Many did not know that the Deaf Ministry existed and that each Sunday while the Hearing Church is in progress, Deaf Church is in session at another location with the church building. Even more, I know that Aunty Olga was concerned about spreading awareness and I was so elated to know that God was in control and He took care of everything (as He always does) in her absence.

After Church, Man Di had lunch at my home and for me, we had one of the most memorable conversations over lunch. She was able to teach me about Deaf Culture and there were so many things that I have to learn as well as unlearn. I am going to share some of these things because I believe that it is also beneficial to any person reading this blog and interested in the Deaf:

• Most Hearing people do not allow the Deaf to be independent. It is important to allow them to have this independence and respect their authority. I must always consult the relevant Deaf leaders in any decision making process.
• Sometimes the Deaf accomodate to hearing people when they are signing. It is favourable to observe the Deaf while they are interacting with each other and try to sign the way they sign naturally.
• It is rude to talk to a hearing person in front of a Deaf person without signing and interpreting. The Deaf person is ignored and excluded from the conversation even though they are present. This is quite impolite.
• Deaf people have their own linguistic rhythm. To my understanding this is like their idiolect. As such, a song like the one we ministered with, which contains varying timing (fast/slow) is difficult for the Deaf to learn. This explains why I had to constantly tell them to slow down while we were practicing. The song goes against their natural linguistic rhythm. Man Di suggested that the Deaf should be allowed to minister using songs that they have composed.
• It is not wise to sign whilst speaking in order to learn sign language. It is more beneficial to try to express yourself thoroughly when signing and interpreting. Remember that Sign Language and English Language are two DIFFERENT languages.
• It is not "hand gestures" but signing.

You know when I think about it, I NEVER liked Linguistics at University and here I am, now involved in the very field that I complained and fretted over lol. God really has a sense of humour! lol. I thank Him now that I see its relevance to His overall plan for my life. Nothing we do in life is purposeless.

Anyway, Man Di went to Christmas Village that evening. Agape Deaf Centre had a booth there so she was able to interact with the Deaf. I bought a plant that evening. It's a small, pretty Crown of Thorns plant. I named it Man Di.

Mom and I decided that Man Di should stay at our home for the rest of her stay.