Introduction / History

The Deaf walk silently among us in every city, town, village and neighborhood of the world.

Deaf children with hearing parents are the only ones in the world who do not learn language from their parents. Those who cannot communicate with hearing parents are, by definition, born into a dysfunctional family. Because hearing parents usually cannot communicate with their Deaf child, they are unable to transmit their values, convictions or beliefs.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Deaf tend to congregate in areas where there are Deaf schools, although only 1 Deaf child in 5 is able to attend school. There are no Deaf high schools or colleges. In those that do exist, the vast majority of teachers are hearing and do not know or understand true Sign Language. Hearing teachers, like hearing parents, are unable to transmit cultural values and beliefs to Deaf children. Therefore, they receive an extremely limited and poor education.

The Deaf child is left to try to visually determine his/her worldview. Many say they learn the "rules of life" by watching the action on TV or in movies. Hearing Sunday School teachers and pastors are not able to communicate truth or their beliefs to Deaf children.

For this reason, the "Know God How?" series (the first set of sign language Bible stories on DVD) was translated by D.O.O.R. International (Deaf Opportunity OutReach) and launched November 14, 2011, in Burundi's capital city of Bujumbura. More than one hundred Deaf witnessed the celebration and were thrilled to receive even part of the Bible in their own language. Some broke into tears as they held the DVDs close to their chests, proclaiming it was "the gift of God" that they had been waiting for.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Burundi is largely Christian, and this affects the Deaf community. Because of a lack of communication, many have only a partial understanding of the gospel.

What Are Their Needs?

Burundi has its own Burundi Sign Language. The Deaf in Burundi need many teachers who know Burundi Sign Language.

Prayer Points

Thank the Lord for gospel resources for the Deaf in Burundi!
Pray that gospel materials will be widely distributed and embraced by the Deaf in Burundi.
Pray for the Lord to move among the Deaf in Burundi through dreams and visions.
Pray for a spiritual revival of churches in Burundi that will result in efforts to reach the Deaf for Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Burundi.

References

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