There are approximately 10,000 Deaf in Czech Republic. There are no completely self-supporting Deaf churches. There is a general feeling of hopelessness and helplessness because of being stuck. Many Deaf have menial jobs because of a lack of adequate trade school opportunities and/or a lack of trained interpreters to go to higher education. Deaf associations and clubs play an important role in the lives of Czech Deaf because it is in these groups the Deaf are together and can combat oppression, have advocacy and national networking as well as networking with Deaf in other countries.
Sport teams are especially important to Czech Deaf so if mission agencies can focus on this sub population you have the potential for reaching the whole population for Christ. Deaf are an egalitarian culture and place a high value on community so outreach efforts should be geared to the whole group. Catholicism is so strong in the Czech Republic and many Czech are cynical and apathetic about Christianity so a special effort needs to be made to reach them in their heart language because there is little clear understanding among Czech Deaf. The cults have gone in and the people's hearts are hardened.
Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Czechia.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
