By: Sigit Triyono
JAKARTA — The worship hall at GBI Sungai Yordan, Roxy Mas, Central Jakarta, felt different this morning. There was no thunderous roar of the congregation singing; only the sound of music and the lyrics of spiritual songs displayed on the LED screen. Three worship leaders moved with deep devotion, performing in sign language. Amidst that solemn silence, an extraordinary energy of joy radiated all the more powerfully.
Sunday, 28 June 2026, marked a heart-stirring new chapter for me. For the first time, I stood at an unusual pulpit: leading Sunday worship with the Deaf Community. A precious experience that transcended the boundaries of human verbal communication.
At exactly 09.00 WIB, the service began. There was a heart-touching scene on stage and amongst the congregation. A total of 39 congregants were present, filling the room. Interestingly, all those leading the service—from the worship leader, the intercessor, the offering collector, the reader of the creed, to the one delivering the blessing—were people who were deaf.
Behind their physical silence, there was a language of the heart that rang out loud and clear through heartfelt hand movements. Standing beside me, Mrs Ani deftly translated every phrase into sign language. Through Mrs Ani’s fingers and facial expressions, the message of God’s word flowed unhindered.
The theme chosen felt so relevant to the congregation’s daily struggles: ‘Stand Firm and Be Faithful’. Based on 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, stand firm, do not waver, and always be diligent in the Lord’s work! For you know that in fellowship with the Lord your labour is not in vain.” (LAI-TB2).
From this verse, we are all invited to reflect on three profound points:
(1) Stand Firm (Steady Feet): Viewing the world with steadfast faith, not easily toppled by life’s storms or stigma. (2) Do Not Waver/Remain Faithful (A Focused Heart): Keeping one’s heart fixed on the Creator, even amidst worldly limitations. (3) Always Be Active in God’s Work (Active Hands): Tangible proof that physical limitations are no reason to stop making a difference and serving others.
For the Deaf Community, this third point is not merely a theory. Their hand movements that day were tangible evidence of ‘hands in motion’ to glorify God. And their efforts were not in vain. God’s blessings are always with them.
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye. When the service ended at 11.00 WIB, the atmosphere relaxed during a social gathering and group photos. Broad smiles, hearty laughter and warm waves filled the room. There were no barriers, no sense of being a minority; there was only positive energy and overflowing enthusiasm.
Today’s service served as both a gentle wake-up call and a great source of inspiration for all who heard it: that gratitude and service do not require physical perfection. True worship springs from a heart that is willing to submit and be faithful.
“Praise the Lord,” I am grateful for the finest sermon I have received today, which came from the steadfastness of the Deaf congregation.
