For many people who are deafblind, connecting with God’s Word can feel challenging. Yet, with the help of technology and the willingness of sighted friends, the Bible becomes a shared experience that builds faith and friendship. This is Carleeta Manser’s story—a story of courage, faith and the transforming power of reading Scripture together—written with support from Dr Ken Long.
My journey with God’s Word
I love reading the Bible because the Word of God is deeply meaningful in my life. Through Scripture, I learn who God is and how to live by faith. His Word changes me—it shapes my thinking, comforts my heart and teaches me how to become more like Jesus. Every time I read, I feel encouraged and receive wisdom for the day ahead.
One of my favourite passages is Psalm 139, which reminds me that God knows me completely and formed me in my mother’s womb. When I reflect on verses like these, I think about who God is and what He’s doing in my life. Sometimes that reflection is painful because it shows me areas where I need to grow—but even then, God gently guides and encourages me on His path.
Reading with someone makes the Bible come alive
Doing Bible readings with someone else brings me great joy. In the past I have read the Bible on my own but being deafblind means that it can be a lonely experience.
Reading with Ken Long has helped me grow in many ways. He finds topics that truly interest me. Because I am deafblind, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to find resources that work for me, and I avoid studies that use video content. That’s why I really appreciate clear written readings that can be shared on the YouVersion app.
When Ken and I discuss the Scriptures, I understand more about God and see His amazing character more clearly. Talking about what we read together opens my eyes to new insights and strengthens my faith.
Technology that connects hearts
The YouVersion Bible App is a big part of my spiritual life. I use it every morning and evening for Bible readings and prayer. When reading with someone else, I can write comments on each day’s devotional and Bible texts and read their reflections in return. These exchanges help me feel connected, even across distance, and help me see Scripture from a new perspective.
I use a Focus 14 Braille display connected to my iPhone to access the app. It has been a game-changer, though it isn’t always smooth sailing—sometimes the connection drops out, or certain features don’t work perfectly. Still, I’ve learned to be patient and find ways around these challenges because the reward is worth it.
Finding comfort and strength in God’s Word
Reading Scripture gives me courage and comfort, especially when life feels hard. Romans 5:2 reminds me that we stand in God’s grace and can be full of joy as we hope in His glory. Ken brought to my attention 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. It talks about how God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. I’ve come to see comfort as a kind of stewardship: God comforts me so I can share that same comfort with others. This gives my deafblind life purpose that was missing before and encourages me that God has a plan for my life.
There are times when life feels heavy, but I find peace in God’s promises—like in Philippians 4:6,7. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I love the promise that His peace guards our hearts and minds. That peace is real for me.
Friendship, faith and patience
Reading with Ken every day has helped me grow not just in faith, but also in patience and friendship. We take turns writing comments, reflecting and encouraging one another. I appreciate that he listens to my thoughts, corrects me gently when I misunderstand something, and always includes me in the conversation. These shared readings remind me that I’m part of a community of faith.
My message to sighted friends
Working with people who are deafblind can be a deeply rewarding experience. I encourage sighted people to take the time to learn how to communicate and study the Bible together. It may require patience and adaptation, but the blessings are immense. When you share God’s Word with someone who is deafblind, both hearts are touched—and His love shines brighter through the journey you share.
Christian Vision and Hearing Services is an Adventist Media ministry that provides audio resources for people who are totally and partially blind, as well as for those who cannot read standard print due to disability.
