CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR DEAF FRIENDS, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE LAUNCHING VIDEO: SIGN LANGUAGE BIBLE VERSES

Bandung (DBK) The Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken a historic step in its efforts to improve equality, opportunity, and accessibility for people with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf. This was revealed by the Director General of Christian Community Guidance in a speech read by the director of Religious Affairs, Proverbs Yowei, when launching a Bible verse sign language video in Bandung on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Proverbs Yowei explained that this initiative is part of the priority program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which has been downgraded to the priority program of the Directorate General of Christian Guidance, which is a digital service that aims to serve all elements of society, including deaf friends. "As a first step, several popular Bible verse themes have been chosen, including Christmas, Easter, the Lord's prayer, and the fruits of the spirit," Yowei said. He hopes that in the future, more sign language videos of Bible verses will be made available to deaf friends so that they can live the word of God more comfortably according to their needs. "Thus, their Christian faith can grow and have a positive impact on others," he added. Yowei also revealed future plans to design other programs that will provide services to deaf friends and other people with disabilities. One of the programs that will be emphasized is the strengthening of the religious moderation program, which is expected to provide great benefits for brothers and sisters with disabilities. "In the run-up to Christmas on December 25, 2023, and the New Year on January 1, 2024, let us all together welcome this special gift. Receive this video of Bible verses in sign language as a Christmas gift from the Ministry of Religion," he concluded with enthusiasm. These measures will hopefully open doors for people with disabilities, particularly deaf friends, to feel closer to their religion and access God's word more easily, giving them equal opportunities to grow in their faith and improve their overall quality of life. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of us, as well as to deaf friends who now have a new tool to explore the religious meaning in their lives.