As a missionary at the MTC in Provo back in 1982, the sign language Elders and foreign language Elders shared the same housing unit. One night we gathered to practice our foreign language skills by sharing our personal testimonies. One ASL Elder signed his testimony, the room was silent, no words were verbally spoken, I had no clue what his message was... and yet, the Spirit bore a burning witness of the truths that were communicated in a language unknown to many of us. This “silent” testimony was one of the first manifestations I received from the Holy Ghost in my life.
On my mission in Guatemala 11 years ago, in one area, my companion and I had the blessing of teaching several hard of hearing people, and with the help of a family in the ward with a 8 yr old girl who wanted to share her testimony in her primary language- Guatemalan Sign Language, there were several baptisms- They weren't like this though.. the speakers spoke in Spanish or another indigenous language, and the 8 yr old sat next to the one who was being baptized and did all the talks, songs, prayers in sign language for that person to understand. Then she stood next to the font and signed the baptismal prayer while the person baptizing them said it out loud. And during the confirmation, she sat in a chair across from the person being confirmed and signed the confirmation, so that they never missed a moment. I learned a few things in Guatemalan Sign Language, but not enough to properly communicate something so precious.
I love sign language! It’s such a blessing for the deaf to have a way of communication. Wonderful story: a few years ago I was in the Salt Lake City temple doing baptisms for the dead and one brother was baptizing one of the youth in the font and he was deaf so he was using sign language to say the words in baptism. It was pretty cool! I’m so happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! 😊😃
I Believe with all my heart ❤ that I felt the spirit of the Holly Ghost with me while this young man was baptized. I love being a member of the only true Church on the face of the earth. I'm a Latter Day Saint of the Church of Jesus Chist.
😭❤️ As they got up to get in the water I started crying, it’s a baptism so… tears are happy ones. It was knowing just how amazing his life it going to be!! Then the signing with sooo many missionaries were in that mission along with others. It’s a beautiful bunch of brothers and sisters he has to support him, help him, teach and share with the Holy Ghost he’s going to get next…and simply just love him! Welcome to your new Church family! Someone give him a big mom hug for me! Thank you for sharing this! Be safe everyone! I love you!
Such a powerful and humbling gathering for those who witnessed the baptism of this young man....who through sign language was able to recieve this special ordinance and the gift of the holy ghost....the LORDS work continues to grow no matter what circumstances we have or face in our daily lives....the LORD will open up a door of opportunity to accommodate and officiate in ordinances to bring his children back home to him....so special and wonderful to see....GOD BLESS.
The Savior remembers all of us, is mindful of us, in all our unique, and varying backgrounds, situations, and circumstances, preparing a path and a way, for all of us, if we will just follow Him.
All men and women are invited to the Church and called to follow Jesus, regardless of disability or language. This video helps to demonstrate as much and it is beautiful.
Hi! This is Mickey. I just want to thank you bring reminder me great memory that I was baptized in 2007 and Endowment Temple in 2008 too amaze! I felt cried can't understand why I've got goosebump from Holy Ghost wow. That is very truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. The Elder did an awesome job with the signing. Everyone’s smiles and love for this individual was pure joy and made my day!
I remember seeing my first ASL baptism in Olathe, KS on my mission. We had a few members who were deaf in my area (Lenexa/Indian Creek Wards) and I loved learning to sign so I could converse a little with them. Thank goodness they were so patient as I struggled to communicate!
I love this! I used to work at a deaf school. And I haven’t really used sign since. And I was able to understand all of what was said. That’s makes me happy. And even more happy to have learned how ordinances are done for deaf community. I’m definitely sharing this with others. 😄
I'm learning ASL right now and even though I couldn't understand everything, I could still feel the Spirit. I think this really shows God's love for all of his children!!
So beautiful! I love this, I felt the Spirit so strong. I know God loves all of His children and He has provided a way for all of His children to come home to Him. ❤❤❤
Very powerful how the gospel helps us connected...It doesn't matter how and what situations we all are having or facing but the blessings of the gospel of for everyone...I am overcome with emotions as I watch this...I give thanks to God and pray for all these young brothers and sisters serving the Lord blessing lives as they moved on...I was once blessed just like that, and I gave up 24 months in doing the same thing...now am a missionary for life...
This is wonderful ! I know someone who is hearing impaired and we use sign language with our eldest brother. I just loved this! Thank you for posting such a wonderful baptism!
I love this so very much, Elders!!!! I am so grateful to you or whomever posted this!!!! Yes, I have never seen a baptism for a different person/brother or sister! I hadn’t even thought of it I don’t think… So grateful that this young man was baptized, and you always knew how to sign! I know one of my son’s friend was sent on a signing mission to Seoul, Korea I think it was!
Served in South Bay area nd we had a companionship who were assigned to the Fremont ASL branch that were within our mission boundaries. This companionship reported to someone in SL and their transfers were US wide. But they still interreacted with us and did the usual district/ zone activities, etc. great bunch of guys.
So beautiful! But could you subtitle it for us hearing folks, (at least the testimony? explanation? at the end), whose ASL skills are still pretty rudimentary?
Isn't it so very reassuring that the gospel and all its blessings is for everybody? Our Heavenly Father loves and cares for us all! No matter what language, what our circumstances, what state our physical being is in. And did you know that this signing is only a brief showing. This is asl american sign language There are other sign languages. Now if you can read this and hear what is going on, great joy but if you have challenges do not worry. With Jesus Christ All things are possible. Dont forget to pray.
