Put to the Test by a Deaf Boy

This morning, BJ went to one of the church Bible clubs.  There were about 100 children at the Bible club,and among them, they found a seven-year-old deaf boy.  Evidently, this boy whose name is Raymond has been coming to the Bible club faithfully, but no one knew he was deaf until today.  BJ signed with him for a while and then asked him if he would take him to see his parents.  The little boy did not really want to leave the Bible club because he knew they give out candy for children who pay attention during the lesson.  He wanted some candy!  They gave him some early and finally convinced him to take BJ to see his parents.

When they got to his house which was only a short walk away, Raymond's parents were not home.  Raymond, however, went into his house and began bringing things out to show BJ.  He asked BJ what the different things were.  "What is this?  And what is this?"

Later, when BJ told me the story, I wondered if the deaf boy was trying to learn the signs for those things.  BJ smiled and told me no, that this little boy is sharp.  He already knew the signs for those things.  He was simply testing BJ to find out if this white man really knew his language!  

Some people think the Deaf are not smart simply because they cannot hear and because they do not speak the way we do.  On the contrary, many Deaf are extremely smart, and this little boy is one of them.  He was probably trying to find out if he could really trust BJ.

They walked back to the Bible club together.  BJ interpreted the Bible lesson for Raymond, but Raymond barely looked at BJ!  He knew he had to pay attention to the preacher to get that candy!  BJ says, "How do you compete with candy with a seven-year-old!"  They will have to let him know that paying attention to the interpreter is fine too! 

Later, as BJ and the others were about to leave, Raymond took off running for home too.  He ran about 20 paces, then whirled around, and waved goodbye to BJ.  I think he figured out he could trust that white man!

God is opening many doors for us to meet the Deaf here in Nakuru.  It takes time to form relationships and to build their trust, but it is a beginning, a very exciting beginning for us!  Please keep praying for the work here.