Mamelodi church welcomes deaf community with Sign language support
The church has brought new hope for deaf people and it is hoped that other churches also get sign interpreters to accommodate deaf people.
A church in Mamelodi East has become more inclusive as it welcomes a Sign language interpreter to embrace the deaf community.
Restoration Evangelical Ministry in Mamelodi Extension 6 has also hosted a deafness awareness event to educate the community about signing.
Pastor Irene Mokgonyana of the church said the event aimed to remind residents that deaf people were also part of the community.
She reminded congregants and community members that the deaf community forms part of Mamelodi and that they also sought to attend church services.
“We have deaf people who are attending our church, and to accommodate [them], we have found an interpreter for the members.”
She said the interpreter helps deaf people to understand what is being preached in the church and for them not to feel left out.
“Every Sunday the interpreter stands side by side with pastors to help interpret what is said in the Bible,” said Mokonyana.
The awareness event was not about deaf people only, but also served to raise awareness and teach residents Sign language.
Mokgonyana said they hosted the awareness event to also accommodate small children with hearing problems.
“The church saw it fit that we must also accommodate them, so that they can feel that they are part of the community and that God loves them too,” she said.
“They are enjoying being part of the congregation, and the community welcomes them too.”
The awareness event was also attended by the Thembisa deaf community.
“The event helps a lot because we have children from our community who have dropped out of school because they are deaf and it is not their fault.”
The church, that was started four years ago, also helps with social issues and drug-related issues in the community.
Community leader George Dikotope said: “We were invited to the church, and this is the first time I see something like this inside a church.
This initiative is good and would recommend other churches to start accommodating deaf people too.
It good to know the language and understand it.”
He pleaded with the community not to hide deaf people in their houses but to take them out, introduce them to the community, and let them attend church.
Amos Masilela said the church has brought hope for deaf people.
“We only see Sign language interpreters on TV, and hopefully many churches will do the same and get Sign interpreters for members of their congregations.
He also said community members also need to change, start showing love to people with different disabilities, and show them love.
Masilela added that the awareness event was an eye-opener, as he has learnt a few words in Sign language and is looking to learn more.
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