Maureen's Feedback...

Dear Church, Can You Hear Me? September 16 2017
What a FAB-U-LOUS Day!
PRAYER TIME in church. It was a real eye opener for two reasons:

1. What a joyful time we had
2. It really brought home how mentally and physically exhausting signing for 20 minutes can be

During times of prayer, instead of bowing our heads and closing our eyes, we kept our eyes and ears open as Gill began the prayers and Susan signed, using not just her hands but also with facial expressions and her whole body. But it was the joyful energy that was released by the prayer-ers and Susan as we listened, participated and watched. What a way to pray with mind, body and soul. What a start to the day.
Thank you Gill, Susan and helpers for your insightful/informative presentations.
My comments, questions and suggestions, following the workshops:
HAVE ENOUGH SEEDS BEEN PLANTED TODAY?
There are not enough trained Christian BSL interpreters. Non-Christian interpreters do not have the ‘spiritual language’ needed in churches, and it was recommended that churches invest and budget for training BSL interpreters to meet future needs.
For those affected by hearing loss it is strongly suggested that we ASK and persistently make our needs known in or out of church.
It was suggested that we get the media involved in raising awareness about increasing numbers of deaf people and what the needs are of people who are hard of hearing.
It would be helpful if professional audio medical doctors (audiologists) etc. could have some input to advise what it is possible to achieve to help alleviate issues around deafness. What are the medical research hopes for the future?
Churches to be encouraged to work together; more meetings are required; volunteers encouraged to help with preparation and organisation of local meetings; the setting up of regular local deaf café meetings where possible.
Other Observations:
At future meetings, when stands are set up by different organisations, we need more publicity and a time slot allocated to them.
Deafness separates us from society because hearing loss is the most isolating disability.

feedback from Maureen Hamidi