• Highlights of the Past Year
    2004 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Those who use American Sign Language (ASL) received a special treat in September 2002. Starting that month, Watchtower study articles became available on video as a monthly edition. This provision is helping deaf people in ways that others might easily take for granted.

      Consider: Most Witnesses who are not deaf can quote a variety of scriptures from memory. This is because they hear or read exactly the same words each time. Deaf publishers, though, do not always enjoy such consistent renderings. Why not? Because the Bible is not available in ASL, and those handling parts at congregation meetings do not always sign Scripture texts in precisely the same way. But this began to change with the introduction of ASL video publications. And now, with Watchtower study articles also available on video, deaf audiences can enjoy a consistent rendering of Bible passages.

      Additionally, ASL congregations and groups no longer have to assign interpreters as readers for the Watchtower Study. In hearing congregations, an assigned reader might spend an extra hour or so preparing his Watchtower so that he can read well. But in a congregation of deaf publishers, those scheduled to sign an article would often spend many hours in preparation. Now, that valuable time can be used in other spiritual activities. How do the brothers and sisters feel about this new provision?

      A group of deaf publishers in the state of Rhode Island, U.S.A., wrote: “We were overcome with joy when it was announced that we would have The Watchtower on video. In fact, some of our publishers were moved to tears.” A Watchtower Study conductor in Florida said that now so many raise their hand to comment that he has “the pleasant experience of having too many hands to choose from!” He added that “improvement in the quality of the comments is also evident.” Another elder wrote: “The results have been outstanding! The comprehension of even deep concepts has been wonderful.” Yes, thanks to Jehovah’s rich blessing, a growing throng of deaf ones rejoice in the privilege of knowing and glorifying God.​—Rom. 10:10.