Did you know there as many deaf people in the world as there are total number of all people in the USA? “When Jesus saw the crowds, HE had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then HE said to HIS disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” Mt 9:36-38
After learning the letters of the alphabet 40 years ago that my deaf neighbor taught me, I hadn’t had much contact with the deaf world. I wasn’t “looking” for a new hobby or ministry since my life was pretty full when, as God would have it, I had the opportunity to learn American Sign Language when He put older deaf man into my path as each of us was caring for our mothers who were in the same nursing home. At the Nursing Home we signed (and I learned!), talking in-depth about the Bible. Sharing the Gospel with him, God mercifully saved him ten months before he unexpectedly died.
God used this difficult experience in my life to burden me with a desire to see many deaf people saved. I’ve since been blessed by being reconnected with the neighbor who introduced me to the deaf community 40 years ago! God has also provided me with many other opportunities to meet with, minister to, and fellowship with many deaf people including visiting deaf church services, attending silent dinners, observing a deaf children’s ministry, continuing ASL lessons with interpretors, visiting with elderly deaf, skyping and sending video messages with the deaf, becoming friends with deaf people, helping begin a deaf ministry at Palmetto Baptist Church in Powdersville, SC, studying ASL online, and meeting lots of Christians like myself who love deaf people.
Being deaf can be very isolating and presents many challenges in a hearing world but the biggest need for deaf people is to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15). Think on this startling fact.
I’d love to communicate with you about deaf ministry at SavedBySigns@gmail.com.
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