When I joined the Deaf Community Service at ACK Cathedral, it was quiet, though there were activities underway. At first, I thought I had entered the wrong place.

The worship team took the stage, leading hymns accompanied only by drumbeats and sign language. The congregation of around 100, mostly young people, danced and sang along using sign language.

Dominic Ruto explains that the drums are essential to the service because many Deaf individuals experience the music through vibrations.

Dominic Ruto during the interview on September 15, 2024.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

“We feel the vibrations of the drumbeats, and that’s the rhythm we dance to. We sing in sign language,” Ruto shares.

As Simon Njoroge, another Deaf member, took the podium to deliver the day’s message, the congregation waved their arms in excitement to welcome him.

During prayers, they tapped the edge of a folded fist into an open palm, a sign for "Amen."

The interpreter struggled to keep pace, translating the sermon word for word.

Unlike other churches, during prayers, everyone’s eyes remain open except for the prayer leader. The congregation follows along in sign language, occasionally signing "amen."

Ruto mentions that while many churches have begun to include Deaf members in services, there is still more to be done to help them come out of isolation.

"Many churches have a Deaf section where we can also learn about the word of God, but the church needs to do more outreach to encourage others to join," he says.

He points out that the level of inclusion has improved, with more people with disabilities being allowed to be part of the service.

“If someone in your church interprets the pastor’s sermon for Deaf people, that’s great, but it may not be all a Deaf person needs to grow spiritually. We also have the capacity to minister to others,” he explains.

Ruto notes that many Deaf individuals have never seen a Deaf leader, which is why it’s essential for Deaf people to reach out to others with the Gospel.

"When Deaf believers see another Deaf person in leadership, they can imagine themselves in that role, thinking, ‘If God can use that Deaf leader, God could use me too,’" he concludes.

Deaf community lead church service at Nakuru ACK Cathedral

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Muthoni Wanjiku