If you have not guessed it yet, I am referring to our visually impaired members, most of whom have been attending PLMC for more than 10 years. While it is true that they are comfortable worshipping in our church, I would like to encourage our sighted brothers and sisters to make them feel even more at home by befriending them. True, it can be difficult breaking into a group and very often, sighted people are at a loss as to what to say or do when they meet a visually impaired person. I do not have any special formula. Friendship takes time to build, and while it requires at least two persons, would like to encourage you, our sighted brothers and sisters, to make the first move since many visually impaired people are not able to see who is around them.

So, for a start, drop by, introduce yourself and say "hello". Offer assistance whenever you can, but do not feel rejected if your offer of help is declined. Visually impaired people will try to be as independent as possible but will not reject a kind offer when help is needed. So let us work at building friendships and if we persist, in due time, you will discover that visually impaired and sighted people do share many common interests and concerns. What these are, I leave it to you to find out.

Besides, you can also gather first hand information on matters relating to blindness as you may, in the course of your life, need to help or minister to someone who has vision problems.

“Love is ... when the blind can see and the deaf can hear ... the warmth from your heart."