The Jehovah’s Witness Experience

Abstract

The Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination works in more than 230 countries and endeavors to teach the Bible in the local languages. Currently their Bible-based literature is available in more than 500 languages, including 58 or more sign languages. In South Africa the Jehovah’s Witnesses are active in the Deaf community, using South African Sign Language (SASL) to conduct one-to-one Bible discussions, local congregation meetings, and larger gatherings. This voluntary work is done without charge, and no collection plates are passed at meetings. Sign language publications on DVD may be obtained through the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All these Bible-based publications are distributed at no charge, although contributions toward the denomination’s worldwide work are accepted. Meetings are being held entirely in SASL. As of December 2009, all teaching was signed directly by the speaker in the nine congregations located in Bloemfontein, Johannesburg (Brixton), Cape Town, Durban, George, West Rand (Randfontein), Soweto, East Rand (Kempton Park), and Tshwane. In addition, 15 or more groups across the country provide meetings with interpreted instruction, with the goal of providing all instruction in SASL. There are also active groups in Swaziland, Namibia, and Botswana—countries neighboring South Africa. These groups are growing rapidly and consist of both Deaf and hearing members. Currently, about 300 Deaf and a similar number of hearing members regularly conduct Bible discussions with interested people who are Deaf.