A special outreach campaign has been driven in France from Deaf people. “To be deaf is often to be relegated to the world of silence and to be excluded from the society of the hearing people” said Helder Pereira, Deaf Ministry director for North France Conference (NFC).
But there is a reality in this area that is encouraging: the deaf people, touched by God's love, want to be heard! It is this message that a small group of deaf people, encouraged by the Deaf Ministry team and Special Needs Ministries team of NFC wanted to express during Espérance 2019, an outreach campaign led by the Seventh-day Adventiust church in all France territory.
Four things to know about you and God. This was the main theme of the four Bible conferences led by and for the deaf at La Maison de l’Espérance (the House of Hope) from April 24-27.
The three speakers, who were deaf, had no particular experience as speakers. Due to the difficulty of access to the written word, many obstacles had to be overcome. But isn't faith a conviction of things not seen?
Many deaf people who surround us, without we can see them, need to hear the message of the Gospel in their own language. And who can present the Gospel with accuracy to another deaf person better than a deaf person itself, who has discovered the love of Christ?
“This first experience in our Union was a real challenge that could be met thanks to real teamwork” continue Pereira. “We are also aware that this work needs to be improved and for that it is necessary for us to be in solidarity to feel even stronger together. We are sure it won't be the last time!”
"We are delighted to know that the Franco-Belgian Union is one of the first Union to hold this type of event but also to have a ministry of specific needs in all its Conferences” declared Phillpe Aurouze, Special Deaf Ministries liaison at the Franco-Belgian Union of Seventh-day Adventists.
Enthusiastic, Deaf are already facing new challenges. Their motto: Make a sign to your Commitment!
A motto, which they hope will become a reality in all churches, to integrate the Deaf, to the glory of God!
To know more about the Four Things about you and God, you will soon access to www.monesperance.frand www.signesdesperance.org
