Heartfelt Compliments from a Deaf Friend

For those who are deaf, expressing love with sound is quite difficult. However, a sincere heart can find a way to send praise to the Owner of Life. i

WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN

Deputy pastor of the deaf congregation of the Bethel Indonesia River Jordan Church, Nenty Maria Nababan, delivering a sermon on Sunday (18/12/2022).

When listening with the heart, understanding is a challenge. Deaf friends, with their sincere heart, continue to voice love. Christmas is a special time for transmitting empathy and promoting the spirit of inclusion.

The loud sounds of the percussion were greeted by the congregation's screams, which were no less loud, signaling the start of a hymn. None of their screams matched, but the fingers and hands of each member of the congregation moved to sing the lyrics of a song. Although the movement was not simultaneous, the aura that radiated was still the same: namely, the solemnity of worship.

On Sunday (18/12/2022) at 9:00, around 40 deaf people and their friends, and a number of sign language interpreters (JBI) of the Indonesian Bethel Church of River Jordan (GBI Sungai Jordan Church) conducted a weekly special service for the deaf.

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The worship was carried out in a room measuring about 25 meters by 15 m. On stage, three deaf members led the congregation in singing. The lyrics of the songs they sang in sign language were also displayed on the screen at the front right of the room. There were two types of songs, namely slow-worship and fast-praise songs.

“We only sound the voices we have. In addition, we also cannot hear each other's voices. The rhythm of the song only adjusts to the beat [percussion]," said a deaf congregation member, Sumartina Avriasih, while moving her finger in sign language.

For the deaf, the sound that emerges from them is the best and most sincere chant from the bottom of their heart.

They can praise and be themselves.

“The ability of deaf congregations in music varies. Some have been deaf since birth so they don't know at all what a song is all about," said Hasiani Tampubolon, a JBI member, after the service.

However, some who lost their hearing when they were teenagers knew a number of songs. Still, a routine worship and practice enabled them to recognize each song and its tempo.

According to the deputy pastor of the GBI Sungai Jordan Church’s deaf congregation, Nenty Maria Nababan, the service was proof of their independence, partly thanks to adequate access. "They can praise and be themselves," said Nenty, who was also the preacher at the service that day.

Empowered

Nenty became deaf when she was 21 years old. When adjusting to life as a deaf person, her feelings of rejection and anger always appeared.

She was often treated with scorn by friends. The feeling of being rejected accumulated and peaked until she tried to end her life.

“[I] wanted to continue studying economics in Medan, but it was difficult because of deafness. Finally, there was no more hope for the future. I could only stay at home, hiding because I felt inferior," said Nenty.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Hundreds of residents took part in the Salatiga Christmas Parade on Jalan Diponegoro, Salatiga City, Central Java, Saturday (17/12/2022). The annual tradition of welcoming Christmas was held again after being canceled two years previously due to the pandemic.

With the help of her family, Nenty was brought to East Jakarta, specifically to the Melati Bambu Apus Deaf Social Institution (PSBRW), to learn more about the world of the deaf. She learned sewing, hairdressing, welding and sign language.

For seven months, Nenty studied at PSBRW. A deaf friend then took her to worship at a church. In 2000, her steps toward a new life began at the GBI Sungai Jordan church. She also started serving the deaf congregation.

It is expected that her experience can give hope to deaf friends to remain strong and independent.

There is no special priest, but there is an interpreter who is always present at every service.

In Bandung, West Java, the Pasirkoja Indonesian Christian Church also serves around 40 deaf congregation members. Every Sunday, they pray with the help of a sign-language interpreter. "There is no special priest, but there is an interpreter who is always present at every service," said Pastor Rahmadi Putera.

Special services for the deaf have been held since 2001. Apart from listening to sermons, they also sing hymns with the help of sign-language interpreters. "The music is still there to help interpreters," said Rahmadi.

Celebration

For the Christmas service, GKI Pasirkoja church will continue to open a service for the deaf on 25 Dec., unlike the GBI Sungai Jordan church, which holds a Christmas service on 11 Dec.

The congregation members will only move their fingers and hands to sing. The music is simply in the form of a piano melody that accompanies their fingers, dancing according to the lyrics of the song.

The room will be more spacious. About 300 deaf friends will be involved in the Christmas celebration.

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In addition to worship, it will also be an occasion for deaf friends to gather and socialize. In fact, those who will attend will celebrate not only Christmas, but also welcome adherents of other religions who want to join in the celebration.

A Christmas celebration for deaf friends and other disabled people will be also held at the Santa Anna Catholic Church, East Jakarta, on 25 Dec. In addition, there will be a Christmas story played by the congregation of children with special needs.

According to a sociologist from Gadjah Mada University, Derajad Sulistyo Widhyharto, the sensitivity of people with disabilities to religious activities is higher than people in general. He said religious activities are a form of reflection for them, as well as a way to recognize their own needs.

Efforts to open proper access for people with disabilities to worship in houses of worship, and to celebrate holidays together, reinforce the message of independence and equality. For those who are deaf, expressing love with sound is quite difficult. However, a sincere heart can find a way to send praise to the Owner of Life.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.