Deaf and Blind

Do you know what's going on in this picture? You might be able to figure it out based on the title of this story. This 15-year-old girl is "signing" into the hand of a 64-year-old deaf and blind man named Tim. But wait, there's more.

Tim was on a return flight after visiting his sister. The problem was there was no one to communicate with him on the plane.

Frustrated with their inability to communicate with the man, the crew asked if there was anyone onboard who could sign. There was. A 15-year-old girl named Clara.

The interesting thing about Clara was . . . she wasn't supposed to be on the flight. Her travel plans were altered when her previous flight was cancelled. And the rest is an amazing story. Like something only God could come u with.

After watching the video it suddenly occurred to me that I was not only watching a beautiful story of compassion, mercy and grace. I was watching a training video for evangelism. Think about it. What went on here? Clara displayed the perfect way to speak to someone about Jesus.

• God brought them together.
• They took time to get to know each other.
• There's nothing like being able to connect with an individual.
• Clara had empathy towards the deaf and blind man.
• Clara asked him many questions.
• Clara, and many others, had an interest in the man's story.
• She could speak his language.
• Use our skills for the good of others.

When we speak to someone about our faith we can't just ram it down their throats. We have to learn how to speak THEIR language. As Paul said, "Become all things to all people". Learn about their life's struggles. We need to have compassion and empathy for the person we are talking to. They are not the enemy. They are simply blind and deaf.

Ask questions. Show that you care. Use the gifts that God has given you to pour into the lives of those around you. When people see our compassion for others, when they can sense the love we have for them, that is when their eyes begin to open and their ears begin to hear.

There are plenty of spiritually "deaf and blind" people in the world. Many of them profess to be Christians. Jesus heals the deaf and the blind. Only He has that power to do that. Our job is simply to introduce people to Him. Take the time. Spread the love. Share the Good News.

"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ - Matthew 13:15

Blind Deaf Man On Plane