Ministry With Blind Persons

I. DEFINITION
Blindness can be defined in two areas: One is total blindness, which indicates no vision at all; the other is legal blindness, which means poor vision. In some cases the legally blind individual has light perception, but very poor visual acuity. After training, legally blind people are able to go places on their own; however, reading is very difficult.

II. SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE BLIND 
It is necessary for those who are interested in working with the blind to accept them as persons who have feelings, personality and interests the same as everyone. The blind does not need an attitude of sympathy. They would say, "Please recognize that I have talent, potential and dignity as any other person. I can use my skills to contribute to my home, my job, my church, my community, and to my homeland."

There are six major areas of need that exist when sighted persons begin to relate to and minister with the blind. 

A.  ATTITUDE - The first need in blind ministries relates to the realization of attitudes. This includes both attitudes of the sighted toward the blind and vice versa. Only when the paternal attitude is put aside will a helpful relationship develop between the sighted and the blind. This parental feeling often leads to one of pity for the blind. These attitudes must be dealt with before a successful ministry can be performed. Some areas of need can be determined only after a personal relationship has been established with the blind person. A listening attitude is the basic way in which the needs of each blind person can be defined. 

B.  AWARENESS - Each blind person has individual personality. This varies from complete independence to total dependence. For example, mobility for the blind person is a critical need, but each person has their own preferred method for moving around. Preferences include a cane, a guide dog, or a person to lead. The totally blind person would need orientation in a new setting, but the legally blind person would be able to move about more freely. Many legally blind persons are very independent in their mobility. As you begin to work with blind persons, it is necessary to realize where the person is on the scale of dependence to independence.
 
C.  COMMUNICATION - There is a special need to be aware and to communicate with the blind. There is often the attitude that the blind should be protected and kept in their own corner - "touch not, feel not, and taste not." The following example illustrates this attitude:

"A couple attended a church and were ushered to a pew where no on else was sitting. There they sat during the worship service, in total isolation from others. No one attempted to welcome or to recognize their presence. Just before the service closed, the usher led them out of the way so they need not get caught in the rush." Simple courtesies could have been shown this couple. By speaking and extending a welcome, they would have felt accepted. Do not be afraid to approach the blind person. Take time to communicate.

D.  ORIENTATION - The need for orientation in new surroundings is a must for most blind persons. Again, each person must be allowed his own preference. Orientation can be defined as the process wherein a blind person becomes aware of the surroundings and their relation to them - finding where things are and how to get to them.

E.  MOBILITY - The need for mobility involves an area of life that sighted people take for granted. This would concern transportation to church, to the store, to special meetings and outings, and movement within buildings. These two basic areas would involve enlisting drivers, training persons to lead the blind and to properly help them enter a vehicle.

F.  THE NEED FOR CHRIST - The most important need of the blind is for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To be in physical darkness places special limitations on the individual. The blind miss the opportunity of receiving spiritual light about Christ because churches have forgotten the special needs of this group. To reach the blind for Christ, emphasis must be placed on identifying and helping blind individuals to be a part of the church fellowship.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

III. WHAT YOUR CHURCH CAN DO

The following actions may be taken by you or some group in your church to minister to the blind in your community:

A. ATTITUDE 
1. Accept the blind as persons 
2. Inform a group in the church about the needs of the blind. 
3. Contact organizations in the community to help locate the blind (government or private) 
4. Contact blind persons by way of other blind persons or through sighted friends. Ask the Lord to provide the opportunity to meet the blind in your church area.
 
B. AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION 
1. Don't be afraid to approach a blind person. 
2. Initiate the verbal contact with the individual 
3. Don't play guessing games with the blind; e.g. "Who am I?" Don't assume they recognize your voice. 
4. Be friendly and share your faith in a positive way. 

C. ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY 
1. Identify yourself. 
2. Find out the blind person's preference as to mobility 
3. Provide your arm (elbow) for the blind person as you lead them. 
4. Don't push or hold on to the blind person as you help them along. 
5. Let the blind person open doors, especially car doors. This prevents bumps on the head. 
6. When a blind person visits your church, direct them to the Sunday School class and to the auditorium. After three or four visits, it is possible that they will be able to make it alone. When assistance is needed, they will ask. If you feel the person needs help, always ask first. 

D. SPIRITUAL 
1. Get to know the blind person 
2. Present the gospel in a positive way. 
3. Don't be forceful. 
4. If the person does not respond and accept quickly, be patient. Continue to cultivate their friendship. 

E. FELLOWSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT 
1. The blind can participate in all church related activities. 
2. Some special material can be provided to help the blind participate in the church. E.G. Sunday School lessons in Braille or on tape; some hymns are provided in Braille. 
3. You may provide a monthly fellowship. The blind could be involved in planning this activity. 
4. After the talents of the blind are noted, encourage them to use the talent for the Lord; e.g. Bible teaching or singing. 
5. It is suggested that orientation be given to persons who will be working on projects or activities relating to the blind.

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