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Working with God
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Editor’s desk We were overwhelmed by the response to our request for articles for this issue of the magazine and are very grateful to everyone who took the time to write in. Unfortunately, due to lack of space, we have been unable to include all the contributions we received and some of those we have included have had to be shortened. We apologise to anyone who is disappointed by the editorial decisions taken and encourage you to continue to send your articles for future issues.
Visit to Heaven
Go! Sign News
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11 DY4C Torbay Camping EDCC in Germany
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21-22 Testimonies Face to Face interview
About the magazine theme, we sometimes wonder what is “God’s work?” How does it fit in when we feel we are struggling? What is our work? It is important for us to truly understand what “God’s work” really means, and his plan for us to do it in our lives. To understand God’s work we must first understand His love. We often feel as if God is watching us and waiting for us to overcome our difficulties alone. This is untrue. God does not wait for us in our distress, nor does he expect anything of us. God’s plan is simple, He desires that we ask for what we need and He will give it (John 14:14). When we ask Him, God replies with His power. He seeks to relieve our distress and never leaves us when we are suffering. However, God will not perform the work for us, nor does He use His power to try to make us perfect. His desire is to wean us from dependence upon ourselves and to rely on Him. We cannot reach perfection in this life (John 6:63). Yes, God uses our difficult circumstances to show us the riches of His glory and love for us. God builds our confidence to truly trust Him and rely on His ability to meet our needs in life. That is when we will know what our Father God wants us to do as His business! Go! Learn and do what your Father God is calling you to do as His work – no matter how small or big! David Buxton (D)
23-24 GO! SIGN Christ in the Deaf Community Through Growth, Renewal, Access, Churches and Evangelism
ign Go! S
Magazine Editorial Team: David & Bronwynne Buxton, Karina Downing, Karen Gutberlet, Maggie Lo, Esther Maycock, Chrissan Moldrich and Elizabeth Thomas-Morton Trustees: Franco Beschizza, Jo Pestell, Marlene Rayner MBE and Revd. Bob Shrine Council: Raymond Abernethy, Laurie Banks, Gill Behenna, John Delve, Bob & Gabi McFarland and Marlene Rayner MBE
Christ in the Deaf Community
GO! SIGN is the working name of Christian Deaf Link UK Registered charity no. 1071830
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we visited Copacabana beach and the Christ Redeemer statue.
Miriam‘s Amazing
Experience
Exciting? Scary? Satisfying? Frustrating? Humbling? Challenging? Rewarding? Just some of the words that describe my 2 month mission in Brazil & Bolivia in the summer of 2008. Not everything went smoothly, but when I finally came home I struggled to hold back the tears after having a most amazing experience. Before I did the Deaf Discipleship Course at London School of Theology I was not interested in mission at all! During this course, and especially when I went with the DDS group to Bolivia in 2004, my desire and interest in mission started to grow. I felt that God wanted me to serve him again in mission, but I just needed to be patient for the right time. The time came in 2008 when I had two separate invitations to go to Brazil and Bolivia!
a few opportunities to visit the homes of some of the deaf children, which was a very humbling experience – some of those homes would not be allowed in the UK! We also made short visits to Deaf Christian groups in Rio & Sao Paolo. While we were there
The 5 weeks I spent in Sucre, Bolivia, were very different! I stayed with Carolyn Price, a single lady, who leads a deaf ministry. Carolyn needed a lot of encouragement because she was feeling low and discouraged because so many Deaf people had stopped coming to church. I realised she didn’t need advice, she needed support and encouragement and we spent a lot of time together in prayer. I did manage to have time with some of the Deaf community in Sucre and was able to befriend them on some of our social outings together. I also had the challenge of doing some bible teaching sessions in Bolivian sign language and giving my testimony on several occasions. The teachers were on strike most of the time I was in Sucre – so I could only visit the deaf school once. On my way home I stopped off in Santa Cruz (northern Bolivia) to spend a few days with a couple, who lead the Newfrontiers (hearing) church plant there. They are doing an amazing work with ex drug addicts, prostitutes etc and want to integrate them into church life. My time in Bolivia was very precious and the country still holds a special place in my heart and I want to return some day – who knows what the future holds! Miriam Hodkinson (D), Woking
I traveled to Brazil with a group of young (apart from me!) Deaf Christians. My 4 weeks in Brazil were spent mostly in a YWAM house for Deaf children in Belo Horizonte. We did loads of different activities with the Deaf children – bible stories, games, drama, helping with school homework, camping and walking. We visited the Deaf schools in BH and did drama shows for the children. We had August 2009 GO! SIGN
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Working with
God
by Christine Kerr (D), Belfast
Imagine if God owned a factory. The name on the factory wall, for all the world to see, would be something like the one above. God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit would be working together. They would be a limited company (Co. Ltd. means “limited company”), the only one of its kind in the whole universe but their power tools (gifts of the Spirit and whatever else we need) would be unlimited and always available. Fanciful? You think maybe I’m having a funny dream? Not at all! It’s all in the Bible, but of course not as a factory that we would be used to seeing on Earth. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day and I, too, am working” (John 5:17 NIV). Until a few years ago, I did not fully realise what this verse really meant. But once I did, I began to see that Jesus and His working with His Father was unique, special, and a wonderful example for all of us to follow. Let’s have a look at what this was – and still is:
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1. Jesus did only those things that His father told Him to do. In John 5:1-19 we have the story of the healing of only one man at the Pool of Bethesda. I used to think this was not fair on all those other sick people gathered there v.3 says there were “a great number of disabled people... the blind, the lame, the paralysed.” Why would Jesus heal only one person and ignore the others? Surely He should have healed them too? But Jesus always worked in very close co-operation with His Father, totally dependent upon and submissive to Him, as it says in v.19, and it is clear He was told to heal only the one His Father told Him to. Why? We don’t know. It’s just recorded as fact in the Bible. But consider the alternatives: if He had gone ahead and healed everyone, He would have been disobeying His Father, maybe interfered with His Father’s plans for these people and, of course, He would have tired Himself out (remember, He was human too).
You’re no use to God if you are tired, disobedient, and want to do things your own way. But if you do only what God has told you to do, you will receive all the strength and wisdom you need for that particular task in hand. If you then go and try to do something else, it will be under your own power, not His, and you will fail. More important, He didn’t tell you to do it. 2. Jesus said only those things the Father told Him to say. It is not only in your actions that you have to be obedient to God, it is also in your words. I think I would be right to say that nearly all of us have said things in our lives which we wish we had never ever said. We also have times when we wish we had said something. Jesus said, “...I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me...” (John 8:28 NIV), also (John 14:10 NIV). Have you ever felt you should tell someone about how Jesus loves
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them and wants them to be saved, but you have not said anything because you were too shy or too afraid of what that person might think of you, or you didn’t feel you were the right person to speak? A short time after that you hear they have died without hearing about the need for salvation. I’ve been in that situation more than once and even after all these years I still feel bad about it, that I missed my opportunity. We should take the warnings of Ezekiel 3:18-21 to heart. (This passage is best read in The Message version.) Of course, we need to learn that while there is a time to speak, there is also a time when we need to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7b NIV). Jesus said a lot during His earthly ministry, but there was one time when He said nothing at all, and that was at His trial (Matthew 26:63), fulfilling the prophecy in (Isaiah 53:7). God’s purpose was
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being worked out, and He needed to keep quiet and let it go on. 3. Sometimes Jesus did strange things. Some of the stuff He did seems weird. When He needed to pay His tax, He sent Peter to catch a fish and find a coin in its mouth with which to pay the tax (Matthew 17:27). When the wine ran out at a wedding, Jesus simply changed ordinary water into the best wine (John 2:1–12). When He needed to catch up with the disciples out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, He walked on the water towards them (Matthew 14:22–23). Be prepared for anything when you work with God - and be prepared to obey, no matter how strange it may seem. Follow Mary’s advice: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). 4. Size does not matter, Sometimes Jesus did the big crowd-pleasing stuff, like raising the dead; at other times He did little things like speaking only a
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word of healing at a distance, as He did for the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:7, 10). You should not be concerned about the size of the task because as long as God has told you to do it, it’s OK. It might be something as simple as bringing a fellow Christian worker his winter coat, which he has left behind somewhere (2 Timothy 4:13) TM, or as big as preaching to a crowd of foreigners gathered in the street (Acts 2:14). What matters is that you do it. 5. The works Jesus did glorified God and blessed people. Whether it was by Jesus’ actions or His words, God was glorified. This should be the major aim of everything we do and say, as it was for Jesus. All that He did glorified His Father, and showed people what God is like. On the night before His crucifixion Jesus prayed and said to His Father, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). The Gospel writer John testified that he and others saw God’s glory through the life and work of Jesus (John 1:14). To us Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Have you got your hard hat? Your unlimited power tools? Your orders from God? Ready? Then let’s go and work with God and for God!
Ready to go and work with God and for God? August 2009 GO! SIGN
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Heaven
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Miracle on Earth Mabel, Sunday 15th June 2008 My husband, David & I went for breakfast before our church service. David began feeling unwell so we decided that he should go home to rest while I went on to church. That day, I had a bad headache so I went home for a nap after church. David was not in and messaged that he was in Changi General Hospital (CGH). At 7pm, David returned from the hospital. However, he still felt very uncomfortable so we hurried back to the hospital where the doctor decided to ward David for further observation. Mabel, Monday 16th June 2008 I went to CGH the next morning to find David shaking in a fit. He said he could not see and then suddenly he lost consciousness. The doctors attending to him decided to transfer David to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) where they had more experience in dealing with liver problems similar to that which they had diagnosed David to suffer from. David, Monday 16th June 2008 I was at CGH when I must have passed out. One moment I was in
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hospital, the next, everything around me became a blur. Then I suddenly became detached from my body. A bright, big doorway was before me and I walked through. On the other side of the entrance, an angel met and led me to be judged by God. He explained about the Book of Life, saying that those who backslide and denied Him would be condemned to the Hell. Those who accepted Jesus as their Saviour, are faithful, and fear God, reading the Bible and worshiping Him will go to Heaven. Their names are found in the Book of Life and will be accepted and welcomed by God himself, into Heaven. Then I met Jesus! I could not see His face as it was dazzlingly and shining but I knew it was Him.
Mabel, Monday 16th June 2008 David was at SGH’s ICU (Intensive Care Unit). He was in a coma and in a critical condition. Many tubes were plugged into him. The breathing support machine sucked air into his body and in the background, the heart-monitoring machine beeped, ticking the time he had left on earth. Doctors explained that his liver had failed and toxin had spread to all of his body. They told us to prepare for the worse. David, according to the doctor, was brain-dead. My whole family, mother-in-law and relatives all were weeping. Many people prayed earnestly for David. David, Nil date Heaven is amazingly beautiful. It is bright and shining, singing and worship music filled the atmosphere. Angels are everywhere. So are many happy people who had accepted Jesus. There is no need to have any food and there is no sickness. Our spirits feed on the word of God. The words “Holy, holy, holy” seemed to resound in my head. The angel beside me told me that Hell is
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normal people. Brother Lai looked younger and very different from when he was alive.
different from Heaven. It is a place of suffering where backsliders and those who deny Jesus who are judged, are sent. Brother Lai explained that God would clean our unclean and sinful hearts, leaving cleansed hearts in us if we confess. It is simple to confess our sins to God as He forgives us easily and readily.
drastically different. It is a heavy, dark and burdened place. None can see through the blinding darkness of hell. Mabel, Tuesday 17th June 2008 David was in a coma and did not wake up. His condition did not improve but became increasingly worse.
Brother Lai asked for a favour from me. Could I tell Caroline Phua-Wong that he is happy in Heaven? He said that Caroline used to visit, care for and clean him for a very long time when he was sick in a nursing home. I realized amazingly that we talked without using sign language! In Heaven, we do not need the sign language for we could all talk like
Former Senior Pastor P. Johnny looked wonderful. He was happy and very much younger in Heaven. His face was filled with glory and shone. I was again aware that I could talk to him normally. Note: David and Mabel Chang are faithful deaf members of the Deaf Faith Fellowship, a ministry of World Revival Prayer Fellowship. Experiences like what David had are not equal in authority to the Bible, and like prophecies, are not to be despised, but to be discerned. Take what is good.
Part Two (Next Issue) – Find Out What Happened at the End?
David, Nil date I met four people/groups of people face to face in Heaven I could see their faces only: 1) Bro. Lai – a deaf brother from Deaf Faith Fellowship 2) Former Senior Pastor P. Johnny from World Revival Prayer Fellowship 3) My father and sister 4) My relatives. Brother Lai told me more about Heaven. He said Heaven is a beautiful place. In the back, I could see a cross. Those who accept Jesus would be at Heaven. Hell is terribly
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God’s Business
or Man’s business
We read the story of Jesus who was twelve years old and stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you
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treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men (Luke 2: 41 – 52). It says in the NKJV – Jesus said to them,” Why did you seek? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand what he said.
(Luke 2: 49 and 50). Later, as an adult, Jesus would declare, “I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me” (John 5:30). For some years God has given me a lot of meditations about “Business” in the Bible, which strengthened me to carry on! How important it is for me to seek God’s Business. His business is not temporary and it makes me excited to seek the Trinity – God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, not three but one! We can have fellowship with them all – our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3) and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:14). Sometimes
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God shows his people very clearly with His word, guidance, visions and dreams. But others do not understand what people are sharing with them. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, who is speaking to us all. The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29). Human rights are not wrong but we must rely on God’s rights! He is a jealous God and longs for us to be doing His Business. In Acts we read about the life of Peter, that he was bold enough to tell other people about the salvation of the World. Many people were converted by his message. Again we read that Peter went up on the roof and saw a vision about a sheet with all kinds of four-footed animals that he wouldn’t eat because they were impure or unclean. He was still thinking about the vision and the Spirit said to him that three men were looking for him and he should get up and go downstairs without hesitating. He realized later that God would bless Gentiles too.
God’s Word says “Surrender yourself to the Lord” (Psalm 37:7). We hear the story of the war when soldiers are lost because they were surrender to their enemies. But Christians are not lost when they surrender to God. Are we willing to wave our white flag to God’s business?
SURRENDER = LOST IN MAN’S SIGHT SURRENDER = VICTORY IN GOD’S SIGHT
I, myself, do not understand why God calls me to serve hearing people, for I thought that I would be serving deaf people during my life but it is not so. We all know that Jesus building his church means deaf and hearing people. Through business we see the way God sees. That’s why we read (Proverbs 3:3 and 5) which says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” It is not my human right but God’s divine right. He is still working in my life, for I love him. His presence and strength gives me joy. Praise God. Which do you choose to do God’s business or your own business? Gabi and I want to encourage you to do God’s Business Bob McFarland (D), Leicester August 2009 GO! SIGN
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Paster, Rod Chapham (D). Australia
Go! Sign
Conference Rod & Elaina of Australia were the guest speakers at the Go! Sign Conference. The main theme was 'Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?' (Luke 2:49). The AV Bible has a similar translation of Jesus' saying, 'Didn't you know I had to be about my Father's business?' Rod spoke of God's power and the relationship between the Father and Son in ministry. Elaina gave an excellent illustration on the servanthood of Christ reflecting the Father's business. This was a very different perception from that of the 1st Century Jews who attempted to create a new free Israel nation by military revolution, trying to free themselves from the paganising control of the Romans. Every Christian, who wears Christ's righteousness (e.g. is saved), is called to serve others (Elaina used a towel as her illustration) and must accept that the sword is designated for the enemy only (e.g. the Devil). She emphasised that every Christian should use their ‘serving’ towel and the sword appropriately, for building
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up the Father's business. For instance we should not misuse our sword against fellow Christians, which can damage relationships, but rather it should be used against the Devil and his army. Don’t let your business be selfish... which can spoil God's creation, create injustice and exploit suffering and oppression. Jesus came to challenge the Jews as well as us today to commit ourselves to do the Father’s business with him - bringing blessings and peace. This is a helpful picture of the Father's business! Laurie Banks (D), London "I’m so glad that I went to the Go! Sign conference. I had been having a hard time over the few months before the conference, however during the whole weekend I was touched by the words that Rod and Elaina brought, the fellowship and the personal time with Him." Naomi Broughton (D), Middleborough
"Didn't you know I had to be about my Father's business?" Luke 2:49
“The Go! Sign Conference was fantastic! Such a great atmosphere and really challenging teaching. God challenged me a great deal and reminded me that we don't achieve anything by striving or struggling but by trusting in the power of His Spirit (Zechariah 4v6). Thanks so much to all those who were involved in organising it! Can't wait for the next one!” Naomi Jarrett (H), Sheffield
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Working for Go! Sign
I came to know God since I was 5 years old. One day at school I saw staff setting up the film projector that caused me to become more interested in Photography and Cinematography since then! In those old days, home movies and photography were very expensive, nothing cheap at all but now more affordable.
Media team
improved thus bringing down the cost and also a better design.
Since I left school in 1966 and wanted work in photography, yet in those old days Youth Employment Officer won’t let me, due to my own deafness. No deaf people were allowed to work in photography/cinematography in those old days. But thankful things have been changed positively for many deaf people to work today
One evening in 1979, I shared my vision in my mainstream church about doing a video production for Deaf Christians to share the Good News but church members mocked at me but I don’t care what they MediaBecause Team the Bible tells us thought. that Proverb 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Later, the Lord called me to go back to my old church where I used to attend Sunday School (at that time, they seemed to ignore me because of my deafness). In 1999, my vision has been fulfilled. Since then, I am still doing my Father’s work – brought specialist technology, computers, videos and digital projectors developing my own professional production.
One day my first video machine in 1982 was expensive as well in those days. I wanted to buy new video camera but it was so big and heavy! I decided to wait until the technology
In 2000, Kenneth Nuttall from Hands Together saw my equipment and my work in video production and he asked me to join Hands Together team to produce better video and
My father was trying to manage affording and doing home film processing and printing. That was how I learnt a lot and became a success in developing and printing.
My name is Karina Downing, I am married to Peter and we have two children, Joshua (7) and Abigail (6).
Admin Assistant
My family and I moved to Southend 2 years ago having lived in Dagenham for 10 years. I first heard about Go! Sign when I started attending Belle Vue Baptist Church, where Karen Gutberlet is a member. Belle Vue has been very supportive of our work, adopting Go! Sign as a permanent member of the group of charities it supports financially every year, and it was through the minister that I heard that Go! Sign was looking for someone to provide admin support for Karen in the office. I had been looking for work that would use my admin and accountancy skills for
DVD until Hands Together ceased in September 2007 but they asked me to transfer to work with Go! Sign! At that time, I retired from my employment to take up caring for my mother. Now voluntarily working for Go! Sign Media Team for almost 2 years now! Not only Go! Sign Media Team but I am still doing my Father’s work to help my church called St Thomas’ Church Crookes, Sheffield, doing photography/ Videography! Even I am doing Video (in signing) for someone who speaks in audio in St Thomas’ Crookes’ website called Podcast, to help deaf people to watch Sign Language while hearing person speaks. Amazing – now I am doing my Father’s work – both deaf and hearing people!! Do not let anyone stop your vision from heaven to do your Father’s work! Peter Ford (D), Sheffied
some time and so this was a real answer to prayer. I applied for the post of Admin Assistant and the rest, as they say, is history! I have now been working for Go! Sign for six months and last month I was finally able to attend a deaf awareness course, led by Laraine Callow. In September I hope to start a BSL level 1 course and learn to sign with the support of my new deaf friends and colleagues here at Go! Sign. I am thoroughly enjoying my work and look forward to the blessings God has in store for Go! Sign as we seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ within the Deaf community. Karina Downing (H), Southend August 2009 GO! SIGN
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D e a f Yo u t h 4 Many congratulations and blessings to Brent & Nora Allen (DY4C), on the arrival of their gorgeous and cute son, Tobias! ☺ Born on 16th May, at 11.26pm, weighing 7lb, 12oz!
DY4C Camping Our weekend away camping in Torbay was brilliant, we enjoyed ourselves so much. As it was cold, lots of people chickened out of camping and slept in the building over the weekend, including myself! Ha!! God was with us over the weekend and really touched our hearts. Two guest speakers, Maureen Colhoun and Debbie Harvey shared God’s word over the weekend, focusing on the theme of “Purity”. We had fab activities such as climbing, caving and shooting, plus plenty of games!! Here are photos and people’s comments about the weekend!
This has been one of the best weekends ever, definitely! Camping weekend but it was cold so some slept inside!! I slept outside all weekend, cold but good fun!! The weekend was filled with fellowship, prayers, brilliant worship with loud music, which I loved, and plenty of games and fun! Two fantastic speakers, who really touched me and many others too. “It has been really good to be here over the weekend, wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, lots of new faces and friends here, it’s like one big family!” Helen Limb, Leicester (D)
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“Before this weekend, I didn’t know what to expect really, something exciting. It has been like, wow, God has touched my life, really emotional/ moving weekend, He is definitely here with us this weekend, it’s been fantastic.” Paul Leonard, Birmingham (D) “Torbay was an amazing experience. I felt relaxed, safe and in the presence of God. I enjoyed meeting new people, playing sports and games and I really was blessed to see God move amongst people. Weather was great for the weekend! Praise the Lord ☺ “\ Paul Stewart, Belfast (D)
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4 Christ by Elizabeth Thomas-Morton (D), DY4C Editor
A future for the Deaf Women Ministry... Elizabeth my sister asked me to share how God has guided me to do His work. God has placed Deaf Women Ministry in my heart. God continued to confirm it at Deaf Youth For Christ (DY4C) weekend at Chelmsford in November 2007. We were enjoying the fellowship and listening to God’s Word and we were ready to leave the church building to go and watch Fireworks at a park nearby. Everyone were putting things away and putting their coats on. I thought that gives me plenty of time to go to the toilet. While I was in the toilet, I said a quick prayer. When I went out, there was no one left in the church hall! The front door was locked! But I had such a great sense of peace. I went in the main hall and God spoke to my heart that there will be a room filled with Deaf women. I cried tears of joy. The following morning, Naomi Broughton and I chatted about the need of Deaf Women Christian Conference to address many issues that we women face. At the church that morning, the worship and sermon linked to our conversation earlier on in the morning. Naomi being bold said “We should go forward for prayer” and we did. Two ladies prayed for us and gave us a picture from God “As the seed is planted into the ground in fertile soil, it’s roots are small that will grow into a pretty flower that will show the beginning of a strong and growing establishment for Deaf Women. As the roots gain strength, the flower will become a tree! The trunk strong and the roots solid.” They also said keep on praying and God will open doors and contacts.
After the church, I talked to a Deaf Lady from London. She told me that there is a Deaf Women Group in London. The ladies get together four times a year for breakfast. They take turns sharing God’s Word and cooking and preparing breakfast. They invite local ladies who are not Christians. They meet at 9.30am and go home at 11.30am. I didn’t tell anyone what God spoke to my heart when I was locked the day before. It is amazing how God linked those things together over the weekend. I went home and did some thinking. It is my prayer that Deaf women from different regions of UK will set up their own ‘Deaf Women Group’ under their local church. With that strong foundation – in the long term, under Go Sign!, we could organise ‘Annual Deaf Women Conference’ and all local Deaf Women Groups from different regions in UK could get together as one big family to listen God’s word and fellowship together once a year. There is so much that we women could learn together about God’s Love and Grace, Beauty that comes from God, How to respect and take care of our temple (body), What does the Bible say about Healthy Eating and much more! Naomi shared a verse ‘This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seem slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed’ (Habakkuk 2 v 3) I realised it is important to be patient and use the time to lay strong foundations. Later on in year 2008, I saw a leaflet about ‘Women Study Fellowship’ part time course every Monday
morning at Belfast Bible College and it caught my eye. The course sounds so inspiring! One afternoon at work, I was on my own in the room and you could see the front of the City Hall from the window where I was working. I saw a workman working on the roof on his own. I felt sorry for him then two other workers appeared and joined him. They three worked together as a team. I thought ‘Oh that is lovely and much better.’ God spoke to my heart. ‘You cannot do it on your own either, you need a team.’ That is where Michelle Faulkner and Rosemary Barnett came in the picture. I shared what God spoke to my heart and we three applied and were offered a place on Women Study Fellowship course. Just before we started the course, someone at our church shared a picture with us from God. It is a picture of a flower basket. The three support chains holding a basket are us three. And the hook holding the three support chains is God! As seeds are being planted in the basket, during the three years, they will grow into beautiful flowers. It was such an encouragement and confirmation that God want us three to study together for three years. We are enjoying the course and we just completed the first year and we are looking forwards the next two years. It is the beginning! Please do pray that God will continue to guide Deaf women all over UK that are part of this vision for His glory! Janet Young (D), Belfast
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News around UK about their experiences and how the Lord has led them into so many different countries. They shared from the Bible on how we need to depend on God, and be led by Him, and Him alone, as this has been their own experience as they have travelled on their mission trips.
See Hear Conference The 35th See Hear conference was held in Pitlochry, Scotland at the beginning of May. The annual event brings together Christians (hearing and deaf) from Scotland, England and Northern Ireland for a time of praise and worship and teaching and preaching. Thirtyfive people came to the weekend, and the speakers were Raymond and Rita Abernethy. This is the 2nd time they have ministered at the See Hear conference and they brought a wealth of teaching to us. Raymond and Rita are part time Pastors in Northern Ireland and travel throughout the world reaching out to deaf communities in Far East and other countries. It was wonderful to hear
As a hearing person I always enjoy attending the See Hear weekend for several reasons. I enjoy the worship in BSL – yes, I love to sing to the Lord, but I find using BSL in worship engages my spirit, soul and body. It really helps me to focus on the words I’m singing, why I’m singing them, what they express and to whom I’m singing them. I also enjoy the sense of unity between hearing and deaf. Everyone is welcome and we come together with one purpose – to glorify God. People are accepted as they are – just as the Lord accepts us – whether, deaf, hearing or hard of hearing; Everyone’s needs are cared for – just as the Bible tells us to care for one another. Everyone does their part to help, and assist – each using their different talents – whether leading worship, teaching, voicing-over, electronic note taking or BSL interpreting – to make the weekend a special experience for all those who come. I would encourage anyone to come and enjoy this special time of fellowship and refreshing. Book it now for next year! Beverly Willis (H), Bothwell
Talking Hands Fellowship On Friday the 29th May 2009, twenty eight adults and thirteen children departed London for Annan Court in East Sussex. Talking Hands Fellowship held the Deaf Weekend there and we stayed at the hotel owned by Kensington Temple. One of the THF Leaders led the morning session. The main topic was in the book of John 10 v 10. We were encouraged to remember Living God who has a plan for each of us and the Devil is our greatest enemy whose job is to take away anything from us what God gives us. Also we need to reject the thought of our dafness limiting our ability to achieve the goals like setting up your own business and passing your exam. The children has thoroughly enjoyed themselves in activities such as outdoor swimming pool and bouncy castle. Some went for country walks or simply relax and enjoy the fellowship. It was a beautiful and sunny day. On Sunday morning, another Leader preached on Luke 18 v 18 to 43 with entertaining drama show. His sermon was fantastic and challenging. Everyone get involved to share views on the subject like..’Eye of the
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needle and …left everything to follow you… The atmosphere was very dynamic! Praise God seven Deaf people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord Saviour! It is wonderful. They were surrounded by some of THF Leaders to pray for them for God’s blessing. We returned home in the afternoon after a hearty meal. It was an unforgettable moment. Roger and Michele Cox (D), London
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have got so much to learn in order to grow in Jesus Christ before taking many of His steps!
Hey friends. What an awesome example of God's working in Birmingham! The Word Of Hands (Christian fellowship for Deaf People) launch was held on Sunday 21st June 2009, the same day as Father's Day. We felt that was a special day, celebrating our eternal Father's day! 91 people attended this celebration service: people came from London, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Derby, Leicester, South Normanton, Sheffield and, of course, our city of Birmingham. We began the service with our host Laurence Banks cutting the red ribbon as a symbol of our new beginning with Word Of Hands. Our pastor at Riverside House, Harry Hewit, and Laurence Banks prayed over our team of eight leaders to receive God's blessing for the new beginning and to do God's work. We added two new assistant leaders recently, Rezene Woldeyesus and Simon Ahmadian, and we are on fire to see God working in Birmingham. God spoke to us on three different occasions, telling us that Word Of Hands is a lighthouse for the Deaf Community, and everybody from the city, the country and world will recognise our Church because it is a lighthouse build on a strong foundation. We felt really encouraged by that message from Jesus.
Laurence Banks gave God's word about "Discipline" and "Transparency", which was the perfect message for us, as the team of leaders, home group and Word Of Hands, to understand how to be successful in God's work! When the service ended, we cut two cakes as symbols of cutting the wedding cake to show that Word Of Hands is "married to Jesus". Afterwards, we had a buffet and everybody stayed for fellowship and to meet old and new faces. The way Word Of Hands runs so smoothly and is all in God's hands is unbelievable and leaves us speechless! We have been dreaming of this vision for three and a half years, thankfully it finally happened before our eyes and we are very excited to see how and what God will do for us in Birmingham! Our service will take place every two months for the first year, until June 2010, and we are eager to see the service running monthly in 2010. We want to enjoy this new experience and need to do it at God's pace, not our pace, as we
We have so much to be thankful for: Jesus' promise to us, Riverside House giving us MASSIVE SUPPORT and working together in unity as one strong bridge, the awesome, young and strong team of leaders, the home group working together and encouraging one another since January 2006, families and friends giving us support and praying for us and the rest of you who have been praying for us too. Also thank you to David and Denise Flynn for giving the Church Training Weekend for our leaders, preparing them to be ready before Word Of Hands began and thanks to Rodney and Elaina Chapman and Robert and Katerina Foulkes for coming to our home group and sharing God's word to be STRONG! Thank you everybody! We are One Body with Jesus as Our Head and we all can be successful because we all love Jesus. Love each other as yourself to build up God's Kingdom on this earth, until we see Jesus face to face! Amen. If you want to get in touch for further information about the Word Of Hands services, email us at jaym@riverside-church.org.uk / birmingham_sign4christ@ hotmail.com. Here is a Bible verse to encourage everybody who belongs to Jesus Christ as One Body: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." God Bless You Always. Jay Thomas-Morton Jay Thomas-Morton (D)
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European Deaf Christian Conference The 2nd European Deaf Christian Conference (formerly the International Deaf Christian Conference) took place at Starnberger See, near Munich in Germany, from 12-21 June 2009. It was attended by over 200 deaf people and about 10 interpreters (some of them using international sign languages) from 26 different countries. In addition there were several day visitors who came along to the conference centre. The theme of the conference was “Walk with God”, based on Micah 6v8, and the Deaf speakers were: Bob McFarland from the UK, Jan Zachariassen from Denmark, Ruslan Valilev from St Petersburg, Holgar Miebach from Germany, Holgar’s brother Rainer, David Roldan from Spain and Riho Kurg from Estonia. Holgar Miechach, who is a strong believer in Creation, gave talks on the ‘Wonder of Creation’, preaching about creation/evolution and the Flood. He gave a few examples of animals that challenge the theory of evolution. We had different evening meetings – dramas, missionary reports, evangelism, Bible Translations, testimonies and European workers' meetings. A special show of drama,
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poetry and song was held. The German and Italian presentations were fantastic and the Spanish group performed a drama on the story of creation and redemption, which they acted powerfully. The Irish and English groups performed a drama on the life of the famous Irish footballer George Best. Justin Evans from London acted a simple mime on his own. He blew up a black balloon (not real) and made it bigger. He tried to burst it with a pin but it did not go bang. A razor blade, knife, pistol, machine gun, tanks, even an atomic bomb could not burst the black balloon! In the end he decided to put red lipstick round his mouth and said to it ‘I love you’. It went bang! Everyone loved it, it was so funny. On Sunday evening we had missionary reports from outside Europe: Ghana, South Korea, Singapore, Congo and Bolivia. The conference organisers asked Sammy Young from Belfast, Allister Gauld from Aberdeen and John Delve to give a report of their mission to Bolivia last year. Outside of the conference there was time to visit a number of places,
including a full day tour to Castle Neuschwanstein, near the border of Austria (a fairytale castle which has been copied for Disneyland) and a half day tour to the city of Munich, with a German Deaf guide. Most of the week, the afternoons were spent leisurely (swimming, walking, running, relaxing) by the lake shore and some of the people went on a cruise on Starnberg lake. Our German friends did a fantastic job and worked very hard to ensure the conference went smoothly, may God bless them. On the final day the organisation of the EDCC was passed over to Russia. The 2013 conference will take place in St Petersburg.
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Here are some comments from people attending the conference: “I remember in the early 1970’s that we in the London DCF held a Day of Prayer on the first Saturday of the year. We used to pray for deaf people in different countries who had never heard the gospel, for example people in Communist countries behind the “Iron Curtain” and also in Southern Europe, but God has opened the door! We heard a report at the conference about Romania where 324 deaf people have now become Christians and there are now 3 full-time pastors. We also heard another positive report about the growth of deaf churches in Russia. And some groups from Spain and Italy were now with us too! I am delighted to say that God has answered our prayers for these countries, well beyond what we imagined or even had faith for. How amazing; with God the impossible is made possible, Praise the Lord!” John Delve (D), London
“The most challenging of God's Words was when Bob McFarland stated that he had counted that there were over 1,200 steps to walk for 10 minutes from the Conference Room to the Dining Room in the Seeburg Castle, a walk which we had to do everyday. In true form it made me think that we need to follow Jesus at all time, especially when there are thousands of difficult steps ahead. It is not easy to follow, but we will get there in the end because He never leaves us. Praise the Lord!” Peter Nicholson (D). Sheffield
Schloss
“We walked to conference and mealtimes 3 times a day for 10 min, but we enjoyed walking in fellowship with God along the beautiful lake as it fitted with the theme of the EDCC was chosen - ‘Walk with God.’ The fellowship with each other was so blessed and bought us closer in the Love of Jesus Christ. It challenged us all to walk in close relationship with God daily.” Gabi McFarland (D), Leicester
Seeburg
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News aroun d We are also recording Gospel messages in Sign Language to reach out to deaf people who are under the slavery of their parents, not allowing them to go to church. Also, God willing, we want a Crusade named “Blessing Festival 2010” for deaf people. We are expecting about 400,000 participants from every state of India and from the different countries of the World. Do pray for INDIA.
India In the year 2000, I was lost from the Father in heaven into the world. Though my earthly father was a Pastor, I was next to Paul in the list of sinners. I hail from a very wealthy family. My grandfather was a wealthy businessman. My father was his only son with 5 sisters. As my father was deaf, my grandfather gave all the wealth to me at the time of his death. I lost all the money into unwanted business and drinking. When I reached my lowest point on 15th April 2003, I realized that my father’s house was better than any thing in this world, so I decided to return to my father’s house. He hugged me and welcomed me as a son and blessed me with so many promises. I began to stick close to him and rely on his promises and started to receive them. Also, deep down in my heart arose a desire to give my life to Jesus to DO THE FATHER’S WORK. As a result, now, we have 28 churches in 7 states of India by His grace. Our vision is to see that every deaf person in India hears the good news about Jesus Christ. We started a Bible school for the deaf in 2006 named “India Deaf Bible School” where already 8 people have 17GO! SIGN 17
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graduated and have been posted to different states of India, where it is very hard for the gospel to reach. The work is all going on well. Also we have another 6 students preparing to go to the other states of India by October 2009.
There is no greater work in this world than doing the Work of the Father. This is because, if we are blessed in any way, it is only because of Him. And we must always be thankful to Him for it. We convey our thankful hearts to him by spending our whole life in service for Him, giving at least a part of our lives or a part of our earnings for the work of the kingdom, according to the measure of our heart’s desire to thank him. I would like to conclude my words, using a quote from a Mighty servant of God; “There is only one life and that will soon pass away, but what you do for Christ alone will last.” Do something you can for God, that the next generations may benefit from it. God Bless you. Pr. Jerrymon Abraham Director. IDCF
For the next group of students of our Bible School, we want the Lord to invite international students for missionary training, to reach out to the different parts of Asia and to the ends of the world. We would also be glad to go to any part of the world where God invites us to sow the seeds of the Gospel. We join the Apostle Paul to say that we want to preach Christ in places where He has never been preached… (Romans 15:20) We are also doing projects for the deaf, like translating the Holy Bible and English Grammar into Sign Language in DVD format.
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n d the w rld Chad The Christian Mission for the Deaf in N’djamena Chad Republic was founded on 5th October 1995 by Pastor Yves Beosso (D), who was trained by the late Dr. Andrew Foster, a deaf black American Missionary, founder of the Christian Mission for the deaf African. The Mission's ministry is to serve God through education, evangelising, disciplining the deaf and providing a forum for them to have fellowship together. The ministry has existed for 14 years. God has blessed the ministry through the provision, in 2005, of a property comprising three mud buildings of 9 rooms and one block building of three rooms, where the ministry now operates its activities. Vocational training and primary schools were founded in 2000 and 2002. The centre now has about 38 deaf pupils and students and 12 members of staff, of which 10 are deaf and two hearing, helping with teaching and office work.
receive training, besides which the economic problem, poverty, poor communication and political trouble going on in the country, make it very difficult for parents of the deaf to willingly send their children to school. The ministry organise an annual Bible camp to gather deaf people of all ages, from all over the country, to teach them God’s word. This year it was the 13th camp, held at Lai (south of Chad) where it
Last year, 8 deaf pupils successfully completed their primary school education and have been enrolled into Andrew Foster College to further their education. Those that have poor grades are encouraged to learn trades at the vocational training school in order to get skills in carpentry, wooden furniture work and tailoring so that they can be self reliant after graduation. The annual Easter Bible camp is a useful tool for reaching deaf nationals with the gospel. In Chad, 60% of the deaf population is known to be illiterate. The Government does not have an educational structure for the deaf to
Brothers, sisters and friends, the work of God which the late Dr. Andrew Foster did was really a challenge. He obeyed God and did His work faithfully, his work among the deaf still lives on and we are fruits of his vineyard. God has given us his vineyard, so that we should continue to labour. Wherever you may be doing His work, do it not for show but cheerfully and humbly and He who sees in secret will reward you in due course. Col 3:23. Many things need to be done for the deaf in Chad. You can be involved in this cause by: Praying, Giving and Going The Lord bless you.
attracted 193 deaf participants. God is doing a great work through this ministry in the life of the deaf. More disciples are added to the ministry each year.
Yves Beosso (D) Christian Mission For the Deaf Church
The ministry needs your prayer for the provision of a 12-seater van to facilitate the outreach work and other things such as computers, Bibles and the erection of a long lasting building on the permanent site, to have enough space for educational and evangelistic activities. August 2009 GO! SIGN
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News aroun d
Deaf Evangelist's Deaf Mission to the Far East Countries In April 2009, my deaf friend from Ontario (Canada) and I flew to Hong Kong and stayed overnight and then flew to China. My friend had been so helpful to me by volunteering as the camera operator while I interacted and preached with the people during the mission trip. We received a warm welcome. What a difference in the culture, food, and weather! Our hostess was a CODA (child of Deaf adults) and she learned ASL quickly and became very helpful in facilitating clearer communication between the Chinese Deaf people and us. She was very helpful teaching us about Chinese culture, rules of behaviour, etc. We met Deaf Chinese workers and found out they used the space near
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their workplace as their church in order to keep it under cover as the Communist rulers do not tolerate Christianity. We showed them The Lost Hinge II and they enjoyed it very much. A few people came up to receive prayers and the laying of hands. One man who was disabled but not Deaf got healed from pain he had suffered for many years. Isn’t it wonderful that God answered his prayers? Then we drove 4 hours to another church where I did a sermon and 7 people came forward to accept Jesus. The church performed water baptisms and my friend felt compelled to be baptized along with the others. I then asked the hostess/CODA if
anyone had experienced torture in the name of Jesus. She pointed at herself ‘Me’ and told me what happened. “I ran a church at my home which is a farm. It started out with 25 people but, when the news spread, more and more people kept coming until it was up to 200. Unfortunately one person who came and watched the sermons was a Communist and informed the police about me. The police came to my home and arrested me. They saw I was a bit small so they escorted me to their vehicle without hurting me. During the drive to the station, I got scared because I had in my pocket a list of members with their addresses, etc! I thought about throwing it out the window but then realized they could pick it up and figure them out. So, quietly without the police noticing anything, I chewed and swallowed each page until they were all gone. They put me in a cell for a few hours, waiting and wondering. I cried. Not because they hurt me. Not because they scared me or threatened me. Not because of what my parents would say when they found out. But because the police took away my Bible! That broke my heart!” After they took her out of the cell, the police processed her for pictures and fingerprints. They warned her if she did it again, it would be more serious next time. She agreed not to do it again but when she returned home she kept on running the church. Looking at her, you would think she’s a small person but she is as bold as a lion! We stayed in China for one week then flew to Vietnam. It’s still under Communist rule but seems to be more relaxed than in China. Top right photo: Unknown face for security reason
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n d the w rld Metropolitan Tabernacle in Tennessee, USA Metropolitan Tabernacle is a Spiritfilled, non-denominational church, characterized by dynamic worship and ministry for all ages...reaching people from all walks of life. This family is a caring, cutting-edge Christian community. We are not afraid to do ministry "outside the box!" We are a diverse and dynamic ministry that places strong emphasis on equipping and empowering people to walk in their destiny. This is carried out through relevant Biblical teaching, small groups, in-touch ministries, and outreach projects that offer healing and hope. Dr. Steve and Reita Ball, Founders and Pastors, invite you to experience Metro Tab. Join us on Sunday mornings 10:30 EST and Thursday evenings 7:00 EST or live via the internet at: www.metrotab.net. Metro Tab reaches out through the ministry of small groups. The group,
Say It With Sign, began as a simple request from members who asked me to teach them to sign a song. They knew I could sign because they would watch me signing songs in church as I can’t carry a tune in a bucket! Shortly after these requests, Metro Tab launched the ministry of small groups. Say It With Sign was born and we began to recruit students. We advertised the class free of charge using community calendars, public service announcements and flyers. Our first class had 70 people who came mostly from the community!
the class includes how to approach or get the attention of a deaf person, facial expressions, basic communication signs, dominant hand, numbers, ABCs, classifiers, days of the week, and signing area. The students are immersed in sign when we use our skills to do sentence building, reading sign and other communication techniques. To be even more involved in the community, the group Say it With Sign established Deaf Chat at a local Starbucks; the group has grown to about 30 individuals in regular attendance. Starbucks is most gracious in letting us take over their restaurant for two hours a month. Say It With Sign has also been involved in the following community events, reaching out and helping people:
With the launch of this class we started to offer interpreted services and getting involved in the deaf community. We began right in our own church where I started interpreting songs and sermons every Sunday. The curriculum for August 2009 GO! SIGN
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Testimonies
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Doing my
Father’s work
I would like to share my testimony of ‘Doing My Father’s Work’. About five years ago, my pastor at Kingfisher Church in Gloucester gave a series of sermons on ‘Doing God’s Work’ and ‘Getting Out of the Boat’. I felt inspired to ask God to show me what he wanted me to do and I told Him I would be obedient to that. After praying I felt excited but a bit nervous too – what if He wanted me to do something really scary – or nothing at all! God did speak to me. He told me to learn sign language! This seemed pretty weird as I had not met a deaf person in my life! I said “No way – this can’t be right”, and ignored it. God told me again to go and learn sign language – again I ignored it. Eventually I felt I had to do as I was told – after all, I had asked Him to tell me what He wanted me to do – so I started a level one BSL course. Unfortunately, after just two months, I had to withdraw, as my work involved travelling and I was missing too many lessons. Over the next couple of years I never lost the sense that it was still what the Lord wanted me to do and that the opportunity would come. Two years ago my work situation changed and I stopped travelling
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around the world and guess what? God said “Go and learn sign language”. Again I said “No I am too busy.” Eventually He made sure I got the message. One evening I was on my way home from church and had to wait at the level crossing. I turned off my engine and glanced to the left. There was a huge billboard, which said, “Learn to sign – enrol on a BSL language course now!” I said “OK, I’ll do it!” I completed level one, then went straight on to level two. I have now finished the course and passed the exams.
make introductions, ask if they require refreshments and to be able to show them to their seats. I believe that if we show a willingness to do all we can to welcome the deaf community into our church and enable them to enjoy all that we can offer them, then God will bring the people along.
We don’t have any deaf people in our church so I prayed to God again and asked “What do you want me to do now?” Nothing came back.
Dave Parry (H), Gloucester
Two weeks ago I gave my testimony at church and asked for prayer. As a result of that, God said “Training”. I thought, “NO! I can’t do level three. For one thing, I can’t afford it and also, I don’t have the time.” A few days later a lady in church came up to me and told me she believed God wants me to train other people in the church in basic BSL. At the moment I am writing a basic BSL training course, aimed at the serving people at our church, to enable them to welcome deaf people,
So thank you Lord for giving me a wonderful gift and I pray you will show me how to use it to grow your Kingdom.
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Signs of Salvation (SOS) was set up in 2000. Gill Behenna supported us by putting the very first advert in the Signs of God newsletter in 2000. SOS has been running now for nine years and so much has happened since it was set up. We have had a lot of successful events over the nine years. For example, in 2008, Penny Beschizza and I were on Premier radio, doing the first ever interview with live voice over about access in the church. Last December, I finally qualified as an interpreter (MRSLI) – thank you to all my deaf friends and colleges who never gave up on my calling and heart for deaf people. In 2006, I was runner up for an award for work with deaf people in the community. I am now married to an associate pastor. I would like to promote the need to have more members in the SOS team. We have ten members but in order for the vision for SOS to be fulfilled, we need to recruit more members to meet the needs of deaf people attending conferences, seminars and concerts.
My journey – doing my Father’s business, but not yet completed! In 1992 I became a Christian. At that time my daughter was six years old. I am the youngest of three children and my family was pleased but not sure why I had taken this path. I loved attending church but really did not know what God had in store for me. In 1993 I attended a Church service in Wales that changed my whole life, I saw an interpreter for the very first time. At first I could not understand why this woman had her back to the pastor and was waving her hands around but after a few seconds my eyes drifted over to who was sitting in front of her. It was an elderly deaf
man. There were over three hundred people and one deaf man. That was when I said in my heart to God “Can I do that?" Immediately He said “Yes” and instantly I had a vision, I saw myself traveling. I was overwhelmed with such a passion to provide access in the church for deaf people. A few months later I left my job and I enrolled on my very first BSL course. That was when my journey started. I began to get involved with many deaf Christian organisations, collecting as much information and understanding of deaf culture as I could.
We have worked in partnership with interpreters from Kensington Temple, based in London, and have provided signers for Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) which has over 1,000 members. SOS has also interpreted at a live recording of the Gospel Now DVD in Central London. The links are growing ever more and the need is great. We need more signers/interpreters to meet that need. SOS are looking for Christian signers who are NRCDP, MRSLI registered interpreters and signers who have BSL Level 1,2,3 who wish to obtain Trainee Interpreter NRCDP registration. We also welcome people who have a heart for deaf people, with no signing skills but who must be willing to attend BSL classes. Contact me for more information via my email janet376@btinternet.com By Janet Harrison (H), London August 2009 GO! SIGN
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Face to Face Interview
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Can you tell us a little bit about your family... where were you brought up? My family are Christians and there are 7 siblings, 5 of which are deaf and 2 hearing. (See photo above). We were born in the Faroe Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Scotland. We lived in a small village called Norðragøta (Northern Street). There was a population of only 250 people but today there are more than 600. My father sailed on a fish trawler, he was a chef. My mother was home looking after the children. I had to travel to Denmark to attend the deaf school and lived there for 3 years, travelling back and forth only in summer and winter. When I was
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10 years old, a deaf school was founded in the principal Faroese town of Thorshavn. So I moved back and lived there for 6 years. I could go home on the weekends to my parents. When I was finished with school, I lived with my parents until I was 24 years old. Can you tell us a little bit about your church in Denmark? My Deaf Church is here in Copenhagen, where about 10-15 people come together every Sunday. There are two other deaf churches in Jutland, which are on two of our islands. I travel for worship and teaching. I also have two groups who come to Bible school, where I teach from the Bible. I use the pattern of DOOR
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International, taught in 3 stages. Step 1 consists of 32 evangelical biblical narratives, Step 2 involves 77 disciple biblical narratives and Step 3 is faithful community biblical narratives. The first group started in 2006 and the second group in 2007. They are not yet finished. How and where did you became Christian and find Jesus? I have known Jesus from when I was little because my parents prayed with us before we went to sleep. My oldest brother, Zacharias, told me about Jesus and many stories from the Bible. I went to church all my life. When I was 10 years old, I wanted to own a Bible, my parents sold the Bibles my village and gave me one. I was so proud and read it every day. When I was 15 years old, there was a spiritual awakening in our church "Ebenezer" in T贸rshavn, many were converted and came forward and were baptized. 60 people received the Lord Jesus Christ and were baptized and I was one of them.
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when I was 21 years old. Now I travel around and visit Norway, Sweden and Iceland. When I was at the International Conference in Norway, I told Mr Barrit from England we are as a light in the deaf world, where I was born, there I would be. In the Faroe Islands there were only a few deaf Christians. However, many deaf Danes came to the Faroe Islands and they were the hardest people I had met and I had to be so patient with their bad behaviour and told them the gospel of Jesus. Since then, the Danish Deaf came back to me, they cried for help, asking me to come and help them to explain the gospel to others. Things developed and we moved to Denmark in 1996. I still serve them today but between 2001 and 2005, I went to Hungary to DOOR International Deaf Christian Leadership Training Centre, first as a student for a year, then as a teacher.
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What is your favourite Bible verse and why? My favourite book is Romans. Romans 8:37-39 are my favourite Bible verses because they make me feel happy in my soul that everything is guaranteed by Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. Nobody can take my faith from me. Who is your role model and why? My brother, his name is Marnie and he is a deaf role model for others because he founded the deaf association and showed that the deaf can organise themselves. He has got a house for the deaf in Vejle in Denmark. Another deaf role model, in spiritual matters, is Martin Larsson of Sweden, who he has done a great service among the deaf, which affected me greatly. Jan Tausen-Zacharissen (D), Denmark
I went home and a Bible verse, Mark 16:16, spoke strongly to my heart. I asked Zacharias about it and he explained to me clearly that you cannot get into heaven when you have sins recorded on a list, like a book roll. When I am dead God will give me the book roll about my sins. I was aware that I had done things wrong in my life. Zacharias explained about Jesus, that God loved the world and sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins. I got on my knees and asked for forgiveness and Jesus came into my heart and life. I was baptized a week later. How did you know that God called you to serve deaf people? When I was baptized and changed clothes and went into the assembly, I knew inside that the Lord was calling me to service among the deaf in Denmark. The mission command in Matt. 28 and Mark 16 was clear to me but it was so difficult to get started at the young age of 15 years because there were so few deaf people in the Faroe Islands. However, my service grew each year and I went for the first time as a missionary to Denmark August 2009 GO! SIGN
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BSL Bible Translation
‘BSL Bible’ gained charity status in 2008 and is managed by seven Trustees, four Deaf and three hearing who all are committed to the aim of translating the Christian Bible into British Sign Language (BSL) for the benefit of the Deaf Community in Britain.
In December 2008, they appointed a part time employee as Strategic Development Officer to promote the work of the Project. So I have been busy doing ‘My Father’s Work’ for the last seven months. I was brought up by parents who are devout Christians and who believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, written by people who were moved by the Holy Spirit so that everyone could learn about how and why Jesus, the Son of God, came to the world to reconcile us to God the Creator. When I was first diagnosed deaf, my parents’ reaction was that it did not matter as long as I learnt to read the Bible for myself one way or another and to make up my own mind about what life is about, so I was educated for that purpose. I now want the Deaf Community to be able to access the Bible for themselves in their heart language i.e. BSL, so that they can understand Christian concepts and values or perhaps study the Bible for other reasons, for example to see how much it influenced Shakespeare, law making in the past and the national cultural psyche, or simply to see how the written word can translate into a beautiful visual language of the eye. Having said that, it took me a long time to decide whether to approach
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the translation team and offer my skills as I did not want to be involved in anything that had indoctrination, politics and denomination influences. It was only after a very long talk with one of the team, that went on late, that I was persuaded to have a go at translating. After a few sessions, and having enjoyed the privilege of listening to other biblical scholars expound on the meaning of the text and being monitored at university level, I felt that I wanted to become more involved in the work of the project and so when the job of Strategic Development Officer came up I applied for it. Part of my job is to organise Focus groups so that any Deaf person can come along and view draft clips and give feedback on the translation work done so far, so that we can evaluate progress made. I have visited Plymouth, London and Nottingham and have dates to visit Balham, London (15th September 2009) and Exeter (19th September 2009) and hope to be able to have Focus Groups in the North East and North West soon.
The Project has enough funding to continue translating the Gospel of Mark until the end of 2009 but urgently needs more funding to carry on in 2010 so that we can launch the final BSL version in 2011 to coincide with the national celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the English Bible.
If you are able to donate to the work of the Project, you can download a form from our website www.bslbible.org.uk or send a cheque made payable to ‘British Sign Language Bible Translation Project’ to the Project Treasurer at Flat 1, Thorne House, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M14 6DW. Thanks. Anyone who wants more information about the Project can send an email to info@bslbible.org.uk Top pictured: Interpreters from different parts of Europe at the Eurasia Conference, Wycliffe. Bottom pictured back row (l-r): Bob (supporter), Sally (Translator) and John (Translator). Front row (l-r): Naomi (interpreter), Gill (Trustee), Carolyn (Trustee) and Gabi (supporter).
Book
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Review
This book is a study of a Christian theology without words, focussing on theology in the Deaf Community. Deaf people's first and preferred method of communication is not English or any other spoken language, but British Sign Language - a language that cannot be written down. Deaf people of faith attend church on a regular basis, profess faith in God and have developed unique approaches to doing theology. While most Western theology is word-centred and is either expressed through or dependent on written texts, theology in the Deaf Community is largely non-written. This book presents and examines some of that theology from the Deaf Community and argues that written texts are not necessary for creative theological debate, a deep spirituality or for ideas about God to develop. Contents Introduction: 'In the beginning was the Word'; Part I The Deaf Community and Their Language: A sense of deaf identity; Talking with your hands: issues in British Sign Language. Part II In Search of Deaf Theology: Developing appropriate research methods; Deafening and doing theology; 'Anyone who has ears, Let them hear…' …but what about deaf people? Part III Theology Without Words: Theology without words: ecclesiology and liturgy; Deaf in the image of the deaf God; Conclusion: 'so many other things'; Bibliography; Index.
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GO! SIGN is published three times a year.
The aim of GO! SIGN is to support and enable Deaf Christians through Christian Network, Outreach, Equipping, Teaching and Evangelism. Any person or organisation wishing to photocopy or reproduce GO! SIGN articles, may do so provided they acknowledge GO! SIGN’s copyright and do not edit text.
About the Author Wayne Morris is a Senior Lecturer in Theology at the University of Chester. He was previously National Coordinator of Church Action on Disability and has worked alongside Deaf people in the churches and in education in the UK for 10 years. He is co-author (with Roy McCloughry) of Making a World of Difference: Christian Reflections on Disability (2002) Review The theology of disability needs thinkers who are careful and rigorous, yet thoughtful and creative. Wayne Morris is all of these things. In this challenging and provocative book Morris not only opens our eyes to new perspectives on a practical theology of deafness, he also provides deep methodological and practical insights into how the field of disability can and should be researched and precisely why it might be important that this is done well. This is an important book. John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, King's College, University of Aberdeen, UK ISBN: 978-0-7546-6227-3 Price: around £16 to £17
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Roman 8:28
The views expressed in GO! SIGN should not necessarily be taken as GO! SIGN policy.
Whilst every care is taken to provide accurate information, neither GO! SIGN Ministry Team, Trustees, the Editor nor the contributors accept any liability for any error or omission. A subscription to GO! SIGN costs £11.50 per year for an individual or £20 for an organisation.
Next Issue 72 The theme of the next issue of the magazine will be...
“Study the Scripture” Please could you write an article, your experience, testimony, story or any biblical point of view on why "Study the Scripture" is still important in the eyes of God, in your Christian life and/or in the life of church ministry or felllowship. If you have something to share, please write to: GO! SIGN Magazine, 4 Norris Close, Livingstone Park, Surrey KT21 1NN
Deadline by
31st October 2009
August 2009 GO! SIGN
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