The National Coordinator for the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), Pastor Alexander Nyame, has charged sign language interpreters to see their work as a divine calling and an active partnership in God’s redemptive mission.
He made this passionate call during the closing session of this year’s Sign Language Interpreters Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, from October 16 to 18, 2025.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Interpreting – Understanding the Missionary Nature of Sign Language Interpreting” and drawing inspiration from Exodus 4:13-17, Galatians 1:24, Pastor Nyame emphasised that “God doesn’t focus on our abilities but on our availability.” He explained that God, in His wisdom, prepares His workers in unique ways and calls them in His own time to fulfill His purpose.
“In the mission of God, there is always someone with a message, but that person may not always have the capacity to deliver it. That is why interpreters are needed — to translate God’s message into the language of the people,” he disclosed.
Referencing Acts 1:8, he noted that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to reach beyond their comfort zones to people of diverse languages and communication styles.
“The mission of God is for all creation, including people who cannot hear. God has prepared interpreters as partners in this mission,” he said.
Pastor Nyame likened interpreters to Aaron, the mouthpiece of Moses, saying, “God will put His message into your mouth through His messenger so you can deliver what He has called you to deliver.”
He further stressed that being a sign language interpreter is not an auxiliary role but a ministry and partnership with God, so they have a stake in whether people will be saved or not, stressing, “Your ministry is vital to the filling of God’s house, because there will always be people with disabilities who need to hear the gospel.”
According to him, the effectiveness of interpreters depends not only on their skill but also on their availability and spiritual alignment.
“The ultimate interpreter is the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that inspired the creation of sign language will help you refine your craft,” he said, adding, “Align yourself with God’s purpose and He will use your hands and your heart as gifts to His people.”
Encouraging interpreters to view themselves as missionaries, Pastor Nyame stated that their work is a form of cross-cultural and linguistic evangelism, saying, “Your interpretation translates Christ’s message into an accessible form. When you interpret with anointing, you will effect change in the lives of your recipients.”
He added: “Carry the mission of God beyond the walls of the church. You are sent by God with a message, and the message is as important as the messenger. Maintain a consistent life so that the message reaches its destination without interference.”
Concluding his message, Pastor Alexander Nyame assured sign language interpreters that “if God knows He can get virtues through you to people, He will get virtues to you.”
The conference ended with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, who were inspired to carry the gospel to the deaf community with passion, skill, and spiritual depth.
PENT NEWS
