Jairo's Eyes His Way of Serving God -AS TOLD BY HIS BROTHER SAMUEL RUIZ-LEON ARROYO

EYES FOCUSED ON THE THINGS OF GOD

In 2011, a new way to communicate opened up for Jairo-an eye-controlled computer. This device tracks the movements of his iris so that he can activate icons on the screen. Blinking or staring at an icon is like clicking a mouse on a computer. A board consisting of programs was created to help Jairo communicate.  When he blinks at one of them, the built-in software converts a written message into an electronic voice. 

As Jairo's understanding of the Bible increased, so did his desire to help others spiritually. During our weekly family Bible study, he often looks back an forth between me and his computer.  This is his way of reminding me that I should write down comments that he can offer during question-and-answer sessions at the meetings of our Christian congregation. 

At the meeting, he patiently navigates through the screen to click on the appropriate icon, and then his electronic voice is heard by everyone.  He smiles broadly every time he encourages the members of the congregation in this way. Alex, one of Jairo's young friends, observes,  "It always impresses me when I hear Jairo's comments on a Bible subject.

Jairo also uses his eyes to tell others about his beliefs. One way he does this is by clicking a pictogram that portrays a garden where animals and people of all races live in peaceful conditions.  When he activates this, his computer voice proclaims, "The hope of the Bible is that the Bible is that the earth will be a paradise where there will be no more sickness and death, Revelation 21:4." If the listener shows interest, another click causes his computer to say,  "Would you like to study the Bible with me?" Surprisingly, our grandfather accepted this invitation. It is thrilling to see Jairo, assisted by a fellow Witness, slowing teaching Grandpa the Bible!  Happily, Grandpa got baptized at the regional convention in Madrid in August 2014. 

Jairo's devotion to God does not go unnoticed  by the teachers at his school. Rosario, one of his speech therapists, once confessed:  "If I ever thought about joining a religion, I would become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I have seen how Jairo's faith has given him a real purpose in life, despite his difficult situation." 

Jairo's eyes always light up when I read him the Bible's promise:  "The lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy." (Isaiah 35:6)   Although he does get discouraged at times, he is generally in good spirits.  This is possible only because his life revolves around God and around his Christian friends.  His cheerful outlook and strong faith are a testimony that serving Jehovah makes a challenging life worth living. 

Next time: How Was Roman Citizenship an Advantage for the Apostle Paul? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015