On September 2022, at the mission office function hall of the Zamboanga Peninsula headquarters in the south Philippines, the church members of a local town called Ipil held its first community-wide Filipino Sign Language Training with the slogan "Say it with Sign." More than 40 people from 14 churches in lpil came together for camaraderie and worship. Most of the guests involved are youth and youth leaders from their local churches. Some teachers were also present during the meeting. Thirteen Deaf individuals were asked to participate as resource speakers to enrich, engage, and inspire the training. Twelve of these individuals work as sign language interpreters for the Mission View Adventist Church. Most of them are members of the Zamboanga Sibugay Deaf Association and the lpil Deaf Association.
Pastor Patrocenio A. Caberte Jr., the lpil District Pastor, greeted everyone at the opening program and explained why he had sought out ways to make this training possible. He expressed that the gospel is not only for those people who can hear but especially for those people who have hearing challenges. During the program, the differently abled individuals interpreted a special song using their hands. The performance gained more significance and impact, particularly to this special community and its guests.
Mrs. Carmelita Asoy, Director of the Adventist Possibility Ministry of Zamboanga (ZPM), delivered a message of hope about what the Adventist Possibility Ministry is about and how we may become engaged in supporting it. Mrs. Lorena Mae Beronio, the person in charge of Ipil Church’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office, also shared inspiring thoughts on reaching out to this group of people and how the Lord would want every single individual to be a part of God’s salvation.
The Adventist Possibility Ministries' aim is to improve the member’s participation in fellowship and service, both inside the church and in their respective communities. Additionally, it urges church members to appreciate and understand people from all cultures and backgrounds. Putting on events for the Deaf Community is an opportunity to connect with people and create connections that will help this particular social group feel accepted and a part of society.
Inspiring devotionals about participating in the Adventist Possibility Ministry(APM) were shared throughout the program. Pastor Cart Gladden Aguillon, one of the devotional speakers, underlined the importance of getting involved in the mission, particularly in terms of reaching the Deaf Community.
“It is our responsibility to share the gospel with everyone. The gospel is not only for a certain group of people, but the Lord made it clear that His word is for every kindred, nation, tongue, tribe, and people,” Aguillon said.
The session was highly interesting and enjoyable, according to Micaella Masayon, one of the participants, because there were many games, and they liked making new friends with the Deaf Community. Cristina Turno, another participant, stated that she never regretted signing up for the program because it was worthwhile for her time. She continued by saying that being able to interact with the Deaf Community through basic sign language finally makes her feel wonderful and pleased.
Most of the training is facilitated through one-on-one, face-to-face interaction between the students and sign language instructors. Students were instructed on how to interact with the deaf using basic greeting signs, survival signs, and approach techniques that bridge the communication gap, connect, and establish positive connections between the Deaf Community and the public.
To develop an organization that adheres to the holistic needs of the Deaf Community in the District of lpil, the lpil Adventist Possibility Ministries opted to elect officers that will advocate the endless possibilities of people associated with disabilities and encourage them to discover their worth in the eyes of God and the world.
The newly elected officers of the lpil APM concluded the training through a program. The sign language students demonstrated their knowledge by performing a brief Bible drama in Filipino Sign Language. The Deaf Community enjoyed this drama because it helped them grasp the Bible Stories. The president of the joint fellowship of the lpil District, Gerry Faustino, delivered a moving speech about the need to use our hands to serve the Lord. All participants were awarded certificates of completion, and all Deaf teachers were given certificates of gratitude and the chance to be acknowledged for their commitment to lead and to teach during the program.
Clyde Santuyo, one of the Deaf teachers, expressed his appreciation for the training since it helped him feel a sense of equality in the community. It gave him the impression that the hearing community stands by their side and treats the Deaf Community equally.
The possibility that more people will get involved in this ministry has grown in the hearts of the APM advocates. The hearing community has also seen opportunities to establish relationships with the deaf community and make them realize that their God-given talents can be utilized for His purpose. According to organizers, this opens avenues for the Deaf Community to learn more about God and have greater access to His writings.
The Adventist Possibility Ministries is advocating for the recognition of every person’s God-given dignity, which deserves respect and the kind of assistance that helps them make possible the discovery of unrealized abilities despite stigmas associated with a disability or loss. To learn more about this ministry, you can visit https://www.possibilityministries.org/
Paulmarc Aber Caberte with additional reporting from Edward Rodriguez, Zamboanga Peninsula Mission