The Nsawam Road Church of Christ has successfully concluded its Deaf Awareness Month activities, held under the theme “Do Deaf People Matter?”
The initiative aimed at dispelling misconceptions about deaf individuals and promoting inclusivity within the church and country at large.
The church, which previously dedicated a single Sunday to creating awareness about deaf issues, extended the observance to the entire month of May this year.
This change was implemented by church leaders to provide more comprehensive engagement and support for the deaf community.
In his sermon, Elder Dr Eric Darko emphasised the significance of inclusivity and understanding towards the deaf, drawing parallels to the practices of Jesus Christ. “Even Jesus Christ communicated symbolically and made deaf people in the Bible feel that he identified and sympathised with them,” he said.
He highlighted that Jesus chose words that allowed the deaf to read his lips and understand easily, demonstrating deep care and sympathy.
Elder Darko also underscored that Jesus and God alone could heal the deaf completely, urging the deaf to maintain their faith.
Jesus Christ he said reassured them that their conditions mattered to him, referencing biblical promises that in the end times, the deaf will hear and the blind will see. “On the last day, the deaf people will be the happiest because they will hear the angels of the Lord singing hallelujah to the Lord,” he added.
He outlined the church’s strategic plan to ensure all members, including the deaf, remain faithful to Jesus Christ.
Also, he touched on the importance of reaching out to the needy, leading godly lives, and reflecting the love and glory of God as directed by Jesus Christ.
“These key things will help us to be a church pleasing to God Almighty and achieve our vision,” Dr. Darko stated.
In furtherance he called on individual members to contribute to this mission by embodying shared Christian values such as love, truthfulness, hope, holiness, and joy
“We must not sit down for the devil to take the deaf from us. Let us win the battles for souls in this 21st century. Let us organise ourselves well to be able to win this war,” Dr. Darko urged.
He mentioned that the church had arranged various ministries aimed at leading people to Jesus Christ.
Preacher Eric Sapey, the minister in charge of the church’s deaf ministry, expressed his gratitude to all members for their support in making the Deaf Awareness Month a success.
He commended the congregation for their active participation and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for the deaf.
Deacon Ernest Dagbui speaking in an interview with the Ghanaian Times on the sidelines of the service urged the government to integrate sign language into the national school curriculum, and stressed that such an initiative would significantly enhance inclusivity across educational institutions.
He pointed out the importance of sign language in everyday interactions, suggesting that its formal teaching could foster a more inclusive society.
He also highlighted that sign language was often used in daily activities, underscoring the need for its broader adoption in schools.
“Everyone uses sign language at certain times in their daily routines. Given its relevance, it is crucial that we take this seriously and ensure that sign language is taught at all academic levels,” Deacon Dagbui.
Interpreters of the church were appreciated at the end of the service for their dedication towards the development of the deaf ministry and the church at large.
The month-long series of events and activities underscored the church’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the deaf community, aligning with their broader mission to serve all members faithfully and compassionately.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU