Do All Things to Reach Deaf Persons With the Good News
1. What conscientious efforts did the apostle Paul make in his ministry?
1 The Christian apostle Paul made conscientious effort to present his message in an appealing and effective way. He said: “I do all things for the sake of the good news, that I may become a sharer of it with others.” (1 Cor. 9:23) So, what can we learn from Paul’s example when preaching to deaf ones and inviting them to our meetings?
2. What attitude did Paul display toward the Jews and their way of life?
2 Adjust to Differences: When preaching to the Jews, Paul recognized their established way of life and was willing to adapt his approach to fit their way of thinking so that they would accept Jesus as the Messiah. He wrote: “To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those under law I became as under law, though I myself am not under law, that I might gain those under law.”—1 Cor. 9:20.
3. How was Paul’s willingness to do all things for the sake of the good news shown in connection with Timothy and the Jews?
3 For example, when the apostle chose Timothy as his traveling companion, Paul knew that Jews might be stumbled if an uncircumcised young man tried to help them to become reconciled to God. Therefore, so that honesthearted Jews might not be hindered from accepting Jesus, what did Paul do? He “took [Timothy] and circumcised him because of the Jews.” (Acts 16:1-3) This was done even though circumcision was not a Christian requirement. For Timothy, this was no small matter. Yet by showing respect in this way, the brothers were strengthened and many others became believers. How can you show respect for the thinking and feelings of deaf ones in your territory?
4. How can we show respect for the thinking and feelings of deaf people?
4 Communicate Using Sign Language: One important way to demonstrate proper respect for the thinking and feelings of deaf persons is by using sign language when conversing. When the deaf see us using sign language in the ministry, this often attracts their attention and gives us an opportunity to present the Kingdom message. Do you use sign language when approaching the door, in public places, or at other times with the goal of appealing to deaf persons?
5. Why is it important that you converse using sign language before and after meetings?
5 Foreign-language congregations are established for the benefit of those dependent upon their native language to understand clearly spiritual truths from the Bible. Of course, most deaf people are dependent upon sign language for communication. Often one of the first things that deaf persons attending the Kingdom Hall for the first time notice is whether or not sign language is the primary means of communication. Therefore, if you attend meetings with a sign-language congregation, it is important that you endeavor to communicate using sign language while at the Kingdom Hall. Signing before and after meetings provides a pleasant environment, which enables all persons in attendance to enjoy spiritually upbuilding association.—Rom. 1:12.
6, 7. (a) How can we imitate Paul when we are preaching to deaf people? (b) How can improvements be made in this area?
6 Continue Improving Your Preaching Skills: Jehovah’s Witnesses today need to imitate Paul as he imitated Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1) The apostle was a skillful preacher who had the missionary spirit. Like Paul, what can we do to improve our skills as Kingdom preachers and disciple makers?—Matt. 28:19, 20.
7 Regardless of whether or not sign language is our first language, our common goal should be to “utter speech easily understood.” (1 Cor. 14:8-11) Though people may be tolerant, using poor hand shapes or wrong signs may distract them from listening to your message. Giving attention to proper signs, facial expression, and grammar will help us to be clearly understood. We can enhance our progress in this regard by regularly associating with deaf persons, especially those who are patient and willing to offer helpful suggestions.
8. Why is it important to be observant in the ministry?
8 It is also important to be observant. Be sensitive to the views and concerns of deaf people and be adaptable. For instance, you might observe certain stickers or slogans indicating that the householder is pursuing or has obtained a university education. On the other hand, it may become apparent that the householder has very limited education. Or, you may observe that some family members of deaf adults may be very protective and even suspicious of visitors conversing with them. Your ability to identify various situations and adapt your conversation accordingly may have a bearing on your level of success in sharing Kingdom truths.—Acts 17:22-25.
9. How can we effectively begin a conversation with a deaf person?
9 Begin your conversation in a way that puts the deaf person at ease, using a friendly greeting that is acceptable in your area. (Matt. 10:12) Deaf householders often want to know who is visiting and why. Therefore, provide adequate information about yourself. In some areas, people are so interested in visitors that they are eager to get answers to such questions as: Who are you? Are you deaf or hearing? Do you have deaf family members? How did you learn sign language? Where do you live? Are you married? To contribute to the pleasantness of the occasion, it may be very helpful for you to answer these questions before explaining the purpose of your visit. Do not view such dialogue as unnecessary, but use the time to observe the person and build a respectful rapport with him.
10. As we do our best in the ministry, what confidence do we have?
10 Be Confident of Jehovah’s Blessings: We rejoice that presently there are over 179 sign-language congregations within the 8 sign-language circuits in the United States. Additionally, there are over 64 sign-language groups. Certainly, success as Kingdom proclaimers depends primarily on Jehovah’s blessing. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Yet, we also need to put forth effort. So be observant, as Paul was in his ministry. Use discernment, be considerate, put householders at ease. Be willing to adapt your presentation to views and concerns of the deaf people in your territory. Yes, let us ‘do all things for the sake of the good news, that we may become sharers of it with others.’—1 Cor. 9:23.