Video Welcomed by the Deaf, 2004 Yearbook pg.9--11.

by Blueblades 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  Blueblades

  In 1915 in the United States,a pilgrim,or traveling elder,named John a. Gillespie signed songs to the small deaf audience attending a convention of the International Bible Students,as Jehovah's Witnesses were then known.Now there are over 1,200 congregations and groups of deaf publishers and interested ones around the world.How are these being spiritually fed?

  At present,Bible study aids are available in 18 sign languages,and the number continues to grow.Those who use American Sign Language ( ASL ) received a special treat in September 2002.Starting that month,Watchtower study articles became available on video as a monthly edition.This provision is helping deaf people in ways that others might easily take for granted.

  Consider:Most Witnesses who are not deaf can quote a variety of scriptures from memory.This because they hear or read exactly the same words each time.Deaf publishers,though,do not always enjoy such consistent renderings.Why not?Because the Bible is not available in ASL,and those handling parts at congregation meetings do not always sign Scripture text in precisely the same way.But this began to change with the introduction of ASL video publications.And now ,with Watchtower articles also available on video,deaf audiences can enjoy a consistent rendering of Bible passages.

  Additionally,ASL congregations and groups no longer have to assign interpreters as readers for the Watchtower Study.In hearing congregations,an assigned reader might spend an extra hour or so preparing his Watchtower so that he can read well.But in a congregation of deaf publishers,those scheduled to sign an article would often spend many hours in preparation.Now, that valuable time can be used in other spiritual activities.How do the brothers and sisters feel about this new provision?

  A group of deaf publishers in the state of Rhode Island,U.S.A.,wrote:"We were overcome with joy when it was announced that we would have The Watchtower on video.In fact,some of our publishers were moved to tears."A Watchtower Study conductor in Florida said that so many raise their hand to comment that he has "the pleasant experience of having too many hands to choose from!"He added that"improvement in the quality of the comments is also evident."Another elder wrote:"The results have been outstanding! The comprenhension of even deep concepts has been wonderful."Yes,thanks to Jehovah's rich blessing,a growing throng of deaf ones rejoice in the privilege of knowing and glorifying God.----Rom.10:10.

  My thoughts: Do the deaf brothers have it harder to know that they have been lied to all these years,and is it harder for them to receive help about the true identity of the society?Do you know of any deaf ones who have been helped out of the society?Do you have a deaf congregation in your hall?Feel free to add any comments to what is written about the deaf in the 2004 Yearbook.

  I feel for the hearing impaired and deaf ones among us who may be trapped inside the society.

  Blueblades
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  jst2laws

  Blue,

  I feel for the hearing impaired and deaf ones among us who may be trapped inside the society.

  They certainly target needy people. Probably why their real growth for the last 10 years or more has been in third world countrys.

  Steve
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  Siddhashunyata

  In my opinion, there is a consistent movement within the WT to systemize everything for the sake of efficiency and productivity. In the mid-nineties there was a very nurturing atmosphere in NY sign language congregations, an atmosphere that was good for the hearing and the deaf. It was the meeting of two cultures that had all the trappings of patience, understanding, and tolerance . Slowly this comraderie was eroded by policy changes that excluded all hearing members except those proficient in ASL . For example, live audio interpretations ceased. The WT had been spoken through personal headphones by interpreters to the hearing. Very exciting and colorful! The absence of these headphones had the effect of smothering the excitement of many "hearing" who were willing to learn and who wanted to help. In my opinion a missionary spirit was discouraged for the sake of efficiency. So, what is the objective of the ASL WT video? Control, efficiency, productivity. If you are deaf and you cannot keep up, move out of the way, Jehovah's Chariot is on the move.
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  Joker10

  I've heard that only some 7& of deaf people in the U.S. consider themselvces Christian. And according to some churches, JW's are taking their few deaf members away.
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  fjtoth

  And according to some churches, JW's are taking their few deaf members away.

  That statement is absurd! Many churches are doing marvelous work in behalf of their deaf members. There are several church society's that provide a large number of videotapes and other resources for deaf Christians worldwide. Some church organizations provide magazines specifically for their deaf members, and they arrange conferences for them annually and even more often. By comparison, JWs are doing hardly anything. Instead of gaining deaf members from other churches, JWs often lose deaf members as deaf JWs find genuine friendships in cultural organizations for the deaf that have been established and supported mainly by various Christian denominations.
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  Stephanus

  That statement is absurd!

  Don't let him wind you up - he's not called "joker" for nothing. When I read his first sentence I thought "Who the **** is writing this crap"? As soon as I saw his name I realised it WAS crap.

  As many know, the outreach of Christendom to those who are hearing, sight and otherwise physically impaired is strong, consistent and puts the pathetic Watchtower to shame.

  While the deaf and dumb are catered for, it's a pity the idiotic like Joker10 still have to roam the streets, begging for whatever atttention they can attract with peurile posts!