Contents Searching the Scripture
3 5-6
Visit to Heaven Part 2
God’s Word in your life
9 11
Go! Sign Cross Drama News around the world
15-16 21-22
Deaf ex-students’ experiences
Editor’s desk After about 15 years, this will be my last editorial article for the magazine. Due to the increasing demands of my secular, senior management job, I feel that it is time to step down as Editor of Go! Sign. However, I am pleased to hand my role over to Esther Maycock, who has done an excellent job working on the magazine with me in the past, and I will continue to give support and advice whenever it is needed. Now, about this magazine theme…it made me wonder why we should study the Bible. The simple answer is because God in His word tells us to. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (NIV). 2 Timothy 4:2 states, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction”. (NIV). Scripture is the tool God has given us and it is our duty to study it, know it, and apply it. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 concludes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of may God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NIV). We know many Deaf people, using Sign Language as their first language, would really prefer to have the Bible in Sign Language. Whether it is in written English or Sign Language, they can still study the Bible and discuss it in more depth with each other in their own language. Please pray for the BSL Bible Translation Project and Go! Sign’s continuing support for it. We know it will take many years to complete the translation. All I pray is that God in Heaven will pour out His blessing on this translation project so that it can be finished earlier! To summarise, studying the Bible allows us to be better people for God. It equips us with the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) so that we are prepared to share the Word more clearly with others, without any shame! Go! Study the Bible with a passion and enjoyment that will bless others!
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The Bible
Signing off for the last time. David Buxton (D)
GO! SIGN Christ in the Deaf Community Through
Growth, Renewal, Access, Churches and Evangelism Magazine Editorial Team: David & Bronwynne Buxton, Karina Downing, Karen Gutberlet, 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
Registered charity no. 1071830
GO! SIGN is the working name of Christian Deaf Link UK
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3 tips for getting the most from the Bible...? by Ernest Seager (D)
When we study the Bible it is not like studying other old books that mean nothing for us today, studying the Bible will change our lives. We need to study the whole Bible, not just the parts we like, as this will help us put things in the right order. Sometimes, as we read the Bible, an object, a verse or a chapter will hit you. The Holy Spirit is leading you to look at it more closely. Each time this has happened to with me I have seen new things. I will give three examples of different parts of the Bible that have stood out for me and each time my way of thinking was changed or I was helped in a future situation. The first example is an object and what happens to it. In this case the snake that Moses made. If you don’t know the story, read Numbers 21:4-9. Next time we read of the snake, it was being worshiped. 2 Kings 18:4 NIV 4b “He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan).” We all like holding on to the things that have been a blessing to us in the past, as the Israelites did, to help us remember God’s goodness. But there is a danger that they will become gods to us. This can even be the style of a meeting, in my younger days it was the ‘Hymn Sandwich’. This example helps me move from the old way I know to the new, and to prepare to change. The second example is finding the meaning of a word used, in this case the word “Baca”. Psalm 84:5–7 NIV “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
I needed to look up the word in a Bible Dictionary and I found that “Baca” means “weeping”. Christian life is likened to a journey starting when we are saved and ending in heaven but on the way there are times of weeping. They are times we pass through, not times to stay in. They are used to make us stronger Christians. This has helped me through the sad times of my life. The last example is to look at a chapter of the Bible, or part of one. In my case it was Hebrews 11, we know it as the chapter of the people of faith. I looked at each one of the names in turn and I saw that faith was not always linked to doing great things. The last person was afraid she was going be killed with all the other people in Jericho. She did nothing great but believed what God said. This is what they all did. When Joseph was dying, he did nothing but to tell the Israelites to take his bones out of Egypt. Look to God to do the things He said He would. One last thing is don’t get fixed on one translation, it is useful to have more than one so you can compare them, as this will help to you understand the meaning better. I know that some people find it difficult to understand some of the translations, if this is you, pick the ones you can understand.
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Searching By Christine Kerr (D)
Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Jesus told the Jews: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and these are they which testify of Me.“ (John 5:39) The Amplified Bible version makes it a bit clearer: “You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me.“ They were putting their faith in the Scriptures and not in the Lord Jesus through whom we are given eternal life.
1. Culture Ask ourselves: what was the culture of the time in which the Bible passage we are reading applies? Take, for example, the status of women in the times of Jesus and Paul. Under Jewish law, a woman was the possession of her husband or father, like just another material possession. She had no legal rights whatever. A man could divorce his wife for any cause but a wife had no rights in starting the divorce.
It is all too easy for us to concentrate on the Book of the Lord and completely miss out on knowing the Lord of the Book. To seek to understand the Bible but do not seek to know the Lord Jesus. Equally, it is very easy to apply 21st Century thinking to first (or earlier) century values, ideas, and culture. We must try to go back in our thinking to the time when a Scripture passage was written and to think also about who wrote it. The well-known Christian writer Charles Price told me last year that we need to look at Scripture from three points of view:
In Greek society the same was true. A respectable woman lived a life of seclusion. She never appeared on the streets alone, even to go to the market but her husband could go out as much as he chose and could enter into relationships outside of marriage and not be condemned for it. Under both Jewish and Greek laws and customs, all the privileges belonged to the husband and all the duties of the household and family to the wife. This can help us to understand why the disciples were so shocked when they found Jesus talking to the woman at the well (John 4:1-26). It was just not “the done thing.” They were also shocked because she was a Samaritan and the passage tells us that the “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (verse 9).
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the Scriptures 2. Language Our Bibles in English were originally written in Greek and Hebrew. Translation often means we lose something, even in ‘translating’ BSL into English. If we have studied Greek or Hebrew we have a better chance of understanding the original meaning but most of us have not had that chance. As a simple example, the word translated as “love” in English has four words in Greek, with different meanings. So, ask ourselves: “In which context is the word ‘love’ used?” 3. Bible It is one of the principles (rules) of Bible study that we should interpret Scripture by Scripture. That means, for example, that after the first appearance of a word in Scripture, that is the meaning of that word throughout the rest of Scripture. It also means that when we read a passage in the New Testament and we don’t understand it, we should try and find a passage in the Old Testament that will explain it.
Melchizedek was king of Salem (Jerusalem) and he met Abram returning from the battle with the five kings. Melchizedek gave Abram bread and wine, blessed him, and praised God. When we do further research in the letter to the Hebrews we realise that Melchizedek was also a type, or early picture, of Jesus Christ.
Try this: In the New Testament, in Hebrews 5:6 we read: “As He also says in another place?” ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Who was Melchizedek? And where is “another place?” Using the marginal references (in the middle of the page or at the foot of the page), we find the answer in the Old Testament, which gives us two “other places”: Psalm 110:4, and from there further back to Genesis 14:18-20. Here is the first reference in Scripture to Melchizedek.
But as I said at the beginning of this article, we can get bogged down in research on a subject, so it helps us to re-focus on the Lord of the Book by reading a passage that speaks only of the power and glory of the Lord. Try something like Isaiah 40:12-31, which gets us focusing on Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the ends of the earth, He who made the constellations Pleiades and Orion (Amos 5:8). Or try reading Psalms 145-150 together as one psalm. Jewish people sometimes call these psalms “The Great Hallel” (the “Great Praise”).
Search and study the Scriptures but do not forget to often look up to the Lord who authored them in the first place.
Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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Part Two
Visit to
Heaven
Miracle on Earth Mabel, Wednesday 18th June 2008 David was still in a coma. Doctors approached us about the possibility of removing him from the breathing support machine. There was no improvement in his condition and it was beyond the doctors’ abilities to save him. It would be useless for David to have a liver transplant, as there was absolutely no hope for recovery. Doctors explained as kindly as possible the expensive cost of keeping David alive on the breathing support machine. It would be a pointless financial burden for us. At about 5pm that day, doctors again suggested that the family consider removal of the life support systems from David. I stopped them. I wanted my children and relatives to have a chance to be with David while he was still alive, even though he was in a coma. David, No date I met my father, sister and relatives who were Christians – they looked younger and happy too. They encouraged me to walk the straight path of Jesus, be faithful to God and not to backslide. God spoke to me. He said we look old on earth but we will look young
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when we are in Heaven! He even showed me how young my wife, Mabel, would look when she is in Heaven one day. I was astonished.
Mabel, Wednesday 18th June 2008 Our children, relatives, friends and pastors came to pray for David. The decision to remove the life support systems twisted like a strangling cord round my heart. I cried continuously, frightened to make the life and death decision for David. My daughter, Christine, Senior Pastor Kenny Chee and Pastor Barnabas Phua discussed funeral arrangements for David for both her church and the World Revival Prayer Fellowship (WRPF) in preparation for his passing on. Kenny, Barnabas and a few members of WRPF gathered inside David’s ICU room to pray for the trust to let God to take over the
situation. Tubes from David’s mouth were smeared with blood – he had lost a lot of blood. It was time for me to make the final decision on the removal of all life support systems from him. My daughter, Christine, and son, Jeremy, agreed to let their father go and I consented. At around 11pm, doctors removed the oxygen mask. They expected David to pass on within 48 hours. My children and I stayed by his side praying and crying for him all night. David, No date While I was in Heaven, I could see my body in the hospital bed. My wife, son, daughter, mother, siblings and relatives, my daughter’s church pastor and her church friends, WRPF church Pastors Kenny Chee, Barnabas Phua and church friends were all praying for me. Jesus told me to go back to my family and take care of my liver. He asked me to control my hot temper and anger. He said the Bible is the truth. I must read it to keep close to Him.
When many came and saw him, thanksgiving and praises to God overflowed. I am very grateful to God for bringing David back to us safely. David, Thursday 19th June 2008 I am thankful to God for those 3 days of coma and the unbelievable and enriching experience of Heaven.
He gave me a last reminder about the Book of Life before sending me back. I said goodbye to Him and the angel led me to a small door. I walked to open it. The next thing I knew, I had woken up. I am still alive.
Mabel, Friday 20th June to Saturday 5th July 2008 Daily, David showed physical improvement. Doctors monitored his liver and high blood pressure condition. He was finally discharged on 5th July 2008, after 2½ weeks in hospital. When David shared his experience of heaven with us, we were amazed. Caroline Phua-Wong
was shaken to hear Brother Lai’s words for her. Her visits to him had been done in utmost secrecy and no one could have known about it. We give glory and praise to our real and Almighty God. We would like to thank everyone for all their prayers for him and all of us. Hallelujah! Extracted from World Revival Prayer Fellowship (interviewed and written by Caroline Phua, edited by Aileen Wee). Note: David and Mabel Chang are faithful deaf members of the Deaf Faith Fellowship, a ministry of the World Revival Prayer Fellowship. Experiences like 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.
Mabel, Wednesday 18th June 2008 When the morning came, three doctors checked on David and found his eyes open! His breathing was completely normal. The doctors were extremely puzzled and asked me how David had woken up alive and well. This was something they never expected. Christine and I immediately told them that our God healed him. It was unbelievable to the doctors. A complete check was made on David and they pronounced him well. He was transferred to ICA for more observation. Drips and the feeding tube were again attached to him. David could recognize all of us; his family, relatives and friends. Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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God’s Word in your life I want to share with you about the importance of God’s Word in your life.
“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” Ps. 119:20
by Liisa Wenger (D)
“Give me understanding according to your word.” Ps. 119:169
Longing for God’s Word. Longing to learn more deeply about God’s Word in your life. At all times. Whatever your circumstances. Difficult or not.
We can pray for understanding from the Lord. Give me deep understanding of God’s Word. We need new understanding from the Holy Spirit because He guides us into all Truth in the Bible. (John 14:26, 16:13) The Holy Spirit teaches, reminds, brings glory to everything that Jesus has said. “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart towards your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.” Ps. 119:33-37 Compare: Think “God’s Word” instead of “decrees”, “statutes”, “laws”. God’s Word helps and guides our ways to the right way. Without it we will walk in the wrong direction. Don’t listen to lots of different opinions from other people. It makes us easily confused. Reading God’s Word helps us separate false teachers/prophets and good teachers/prophets. Obey and follow God’s Word with all your heart. You will find delight in the Lord. Reading the Bible helps keep your eyes from worthless things. If we don’t read the Bible, our thoughts will be fixed on earthly matters and troubles. We spend many hours thinking or worrying about earthly things. Why not set our mind on things above? It gives us another perspective. (Colossians 3:2) The Bible gives us new comfort, new thoughts, new courage, new confidence.
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“I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” Ps. 119:48
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”. Colossians 3:16
Lifting hands to God’s Word. Take the Bible in your hand and begin to read it. Do you love your Bible? Love it. In the book of Proverbs there are many good Bible verses about loving, understanding and wisdom. Meditate and study God’s Word with a verse or with a chapter, with a theme, whatever you want to know.
Let God’s Work “dwell” in our hearts richly. He can use us and we can bring Bible verses to our mind when we pray, and when we need to give right words or words of comfort to other people.
“This has been my practice”. Ps. 119:56
We can pray to the Lord, “Open my eyes to see wonderful things in God’s Word”. Search and find treasure in Bible verses. Proverbs 2:4-5 “Search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.“
”Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law”. Ps. 119:18
It means habit, routine. Make it a habit to remember and read God’s Word. Make it a habit to reflect. What is your typical habit? Everybody has many different habits. Maybe you have a habit of drinking coffee/tea 2 times per day. How about reading some verses from the Bible at the same time as coffee drinking? Make it a habit to read God’s Word in your everyday life. Habit doesn’t mean under duress or for our salvation. Faith is completely the gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9).
Find the knowledge of God through reading the Bible. May God bless you all. Study, enjoy reading and love your Bible.
We read the Bible and “download“ it into our heart, so we are ready to speak to nonbelievers. As in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. We are like a flashlight with a battery. We are flashlights in the world of darkness. Our battery is God’s Word downloaded. If we don’t keep our battery charged up, our light will fade.
by Miki (www.artmiki.com)
”For it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips”. Proverbs 22:18
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News around UK
Laurence Banks preaching
Ruislip Baptist Church Deaf Groups Following months of preparation, discussions and lots of prayers, the first Ruislip Deaf Bible Study group and Deaf Club met on Saturday, 13th September 2008. Both groups were very well-attended with some 33 adults and 8 CODAs (children of deaf adults). Our first invited preacher for the bible study group was Matthew Adedeji (Fijian deaf missionary, UK social worker) who preached on “One Way” i.e. Christ, the only way. His message was very well received and we had a “quiet” time of prayers afterwards. We prayed with our eyes open, our lips moved with no voice and our hands did the talking with “British Sign Language”. Incredibly moving! The Deaf Club started with some introductions and Ann Easton, our pastoral co-ordinator, welcomed the deaf community on behalf of Ruislip Baptist Church (RBC). There were grateful thanks from the deaf community to RBC for giving them a place to meet and for fellowship. We were entertained with some mimes from Justin Evans, a Christian deaf actor. Matthew then “signed” on social services accessible to the deaf community. The evening went very well as the main hall was packed with curious onlookers and lots of active signers. In October, we experienced many blessings from God with more children coming in and enjoying their time with other children of similar background; this gave them an immediate bond. Naturally, they were miles ahead in their signing! We had a short, signed illustration on the “Parable of the Lost Sheep”. This was followed by prayer time when folks prayed for the sick and the current anxiety over the economic situation in the UK and globally. There was one very encouraging thing that happened. We were aware that our mime man, Justin, was very unwell.
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We had prayed for him during the week but we continued to do so at Bible study time. Once we signed “Amen”, guess who walked through the door? Justin! He was feeling so much better. Praise be to God! In November, our meeting groups were somewhat smaller in size but, nevertheless, it was evident that God’s hand was at work, providing the various help so needed to keep the groups going. We explored the question of “eternal life” with the help of our invited “speaker” Jeremy Yankee. There were two in the group who did not really understand the meaning of life and we spent some time explaining. During Deaf Club, we had a rather heated debate on “Should deaf education be mainstreamed” and many views were expressed for and against this. At various times, folks were getting really heated but all-in-all it was a very enriching and challenging exercise. Even the quietest of onlookers became engaged in this discussion. In December, we enlisted the help of Laurence Banks, of “Go! Sign” and he delivered the word of God. We had high expectations and we were not disappointed with Laurence’s sermon on “Why Christmas?” and the reason why God had to send his only Son, Jesus, into this world so we could all be saved. My friend, Cheryl Perkins, from Wealdstone Baptist Church, and I signed two carols much to the amusement of the deaf folks. Some 28 adults and 10 children attended. We then enjoyed a Christmas meal and some games. Above all, we give thanks to a God who is loving, faithful and just in all His ways. Michelle Murray (H) * Details of our Deaf Bible Study group an Deaf Club can be found at www.ruislipbaptistchurch.co.uk under “Church Life”, followed by “Groups in the Community”
Deaf and Hearing Christians Together Conference 2009 It was a sunny Friday in July and a group of 43 Deaf and hearing people descended on the small village of Cloughton at Cober Hill Conference Centre for the annual ‘Deaf and Hearing Christians Together Conference’. With the guest preacher, Bob McFarland and the visually interactive worship sessions led by Helen Dean and Isobel Appleby, the weekend was bound to be a success and indeed it was…three days of spirit filled delight. Then presentation of Saturday’s workshops, which was an awe inspiring delight with the creativity and passion of all those concerned as we praised and worshipped God. In our final session we explored together the links between Joseph’s life and the life of Jesus and the need for us to move from ‘bitterness’ to ‘betterness’, to put on our new cloaks of love, of righteousness and humility. This was summed up beautifully in a signed song;
Friday evening kicked off with the first worship session. Here we were invited to think of our own Spiritual Hopes and Dreams, write them on rainbow cloth, have them washed and blessed and then hung them outside to dry. Saturday was a mixture of creative, reflective and praise events. For the early birds there were prayers at 7.30am, which gave the opportunity to commit the day to God, followed by a superb full English breakfast. Bob lead the first Bible study on Joseph, focusing on the changes in Joseph’s life from slavery to freedom, from dark to light, taking off an old garment (from) and putting on a new one (to). If we put God first He will add to and increase the blessings in our lives. We have to go ‘from’ the old ‘to’ the new while going ‘through’. Then we got involved with Craft (creating a spiritual passport), Drama, (from slavery to freedom), Meditation (hopes and dreams) or Creative Signing of Songs (slavery and freedom). The afternoon gave everyone free time to walk in the beautiful gardens, play croquet, read, visit the sea or meditate in the interactive prayer room ‘The Thin Place’ following the life of Joseph from the pit to the prison and then to the throne room.
His wounds, my healing His blood, my peace His pain, my freedom His death, my life His death, my life His death, my life In the second session Bob explored with us Joseph’s dreams, his family relationships and how God uses suffering and trouble to build us up and restore us. The social evening was a mixture of dramatic dramas, thought provoking games and an invitation to the Holy Spirit to descend. He did – pouring out His love, grace and power across the room, filling up everyone inside…fabulous! We concluded with prayer and signed song – a time to symbolically break our own chains (black paper shackles) and where we were delighted to enter the ‘The Holiest of Holies’ in singing and signing. Sunday morning, and again an early prayer start for those able to pin open their eyelids. A time to thank God for His many blessings poured out overthe weekend.
And so, after a final meal together, we said our goodbyes until we meet in fellowship again, next year, our theme ‘The Path’ a journey of spiritual growth…(25th -27th June 2010). I can’t wait and I hope, neither can you. Alison Blane (H), Glenfield, Leicester Comments from Pat Collins (D) and Betty Bosman (D) “It was an amazing and blessed conference weekend! We learnt so much from so many different activities workshops – craft, worship, drama and vision in the Bible, and Bob’s preaching. It was a beautiful place where we could pray privately and also spend time with God. We both really enjoyed the whole weekend and also want to thank those people who worked hard preparing for the weekend. May God bless you all.” Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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rday m on Satu a h g in m ir me to B age from Drama ca od’s mess G rm o rf Sign Cross e p tury. The ber 2009 to e 21st cen th 10th Octo in s u ll over relating to ple from a o e p 0 0 1 the Bible, erby, ith ampton, D packed w rh s e a lv w o e u W , n ve gham Stoke nds: Birmin rmanton, o N th u o the Midla S m, ountry. Nottingha und the c ro a s Leicester, e c la p rganized. om other red and o tu c u tr s etc. and fr ll e o was very w ugh the tw ro th The night ly th o DVD g ran smo tching of a w e Everythin th o part ces and als r the next n a fo d rm re o a rf p e p p pre ll in e the grou otage to fi fo D V D clips. Whil d e s to watch ma, they u ere funny w s of the dra p li c e e of ost of th ined. Som a rt te n the gap; m e e e audienc Church and kept th ople from Riverside es came g pe age cours u g n the hearin la n . It was ig le doing s s provided a w r te re and peop rp same ssing the s a BSL inte le a b , o ’s d to o g G n alo ceiving w God’s e them re ant to sho rt o p im is great to se it how em to see people, as f th a r e D fo e d n th as ience a unity. wider aud tian Comm s ri h C f a work to a e eD rking in th God is wo for ng nity, i n u ve at e Commcan e r A g Deaf ople ut o the re pe nd ab e a h w erst (D) und s. u air s b e u J Z ed am e h h Wa ming r i B
Birmingham 11 GO! SIGN
It’s beenManE AWESOng! eveni xx God Bless ides (H) Sarah H ampton Wolverh
Winter 2009/10
Very vis u expres al, siv - great e fo all ages r !
Helen L Leice imb (D), ster
It was excellent mour, - a mixture of hu and moving sketches g in ok ov thought-pr scenes. (D) Waheed Zubair am gh Birmin
I always ha ve wanted to watch Sig n Cross Dra ma, and finally had the opport u to watch! Every part nity of the evening w as brilliant and Sign Cross Drama is a te talented a nd gifted p am of eople! Elizabeth Thomas-M orton (D) North ern Irelan d
Please continue with your support and prayers for God to bless the ministry of Sign Cross Drama, as they travel around the UK to share God’s message visually. Take the advice given above and find out when their next performance is and watch them, or get in touch with Sign Cross Drama and invite them to perform at your church across the UK! Jay Thomas-Morton (D)
Sign C ro in Che ss Drama c ame t lmsfor oa d Here a re all c on 14th No nother sho w ve o deaf p eople mments fro mber 2009 , who m ! b oth attend ed the hearing an d drama show! and oduced Well pr d with God e portray which did r, u o the hum t from c a r t e not d f the ance o Gospel. t r o p im he ge of t messa a (H) J.Rodd
Wonde rful, beautif ul made y acting, ou thin k twice. Gerald
ine Bro wn (D)
The e v be a p ening woul d e non-C rfect way f or h hear a ristians to bout J L.Ca esus. mpb ell ( H )
I really enjoyed the performance, I would like to come back again! Jillian (H), 14 years old
Great evening, extremely entertaining. Got the point across. M Buffet (H)
am ir ents. I m m for the ur o c m r i a e e t ro g th oss portin ign Cr o working fo ill I am re eful to the S t w t itmen es. The Lord t rat m g y m r o e i c v d nit righ ork an ommu t place, the ur hard w ng varied c h g g for o e ri n o i h t n m e d a v n Lord s to fi ight e ur minds lead u ay and the r s y no a w hing al td oubt i h d g i o r somet n e s e i h t m e , i r t e tim ues s. The every tive iss rd, mance otected us a r g o f e r n e p Lo pr he ise the tever t e Lord that th ng and wha lanning. Pra ro rp went w ed to ruin ou ll i r t da which so goo s i d r o L for the keep FAITH e, the tim ways. al ) in God ade (D
Chelmsford
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D e a f Yo u t h the best, safest place to put my trust is in Jesus Christ coz He is the same all the time. Earthly materials, people and lifestyles may change and will never satisfy us but only Jesus Christ can satisfy us – look at Him and be like Him – He is our rock and our role model.
Here are some of the favourite Bible verses that have meant a great deal to the DY4C team leaders. Brent Allen Joshua 1:9, because whenever and whatever is up ahead of you, you have to be strong and courageous because God is with us always and He is bigger than small issues in your life. You will have to face up to things you have never experienced before in your life. Psalm 1:3. This verse was revealed to me by God in a dream when I was just a two month-old Christian and I have kept it in my heart since then. This verse reminds me that I have to rely on God all the time, so everything will be successful, like a tree set next to a river. The tree will have plenty of green leaves and fruit and will never wither. Praise to God! Nora Allen Psalm 139, as it talks about how well God knows us and we cannot run away from Him, or hide from His face. It’s not that I am hiding from God at the moment, quite the opposite, but it just amazed me how big and wonderful God is, that although He knows how many hairs we’ve got on our heads and knows what we think and do, He still loves us the same.
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I’m sure we all have something to be ashamed of in our lives and we try to hide it from others, but God knows it all and He still accepts us just as we are! Wow! That just blows me away! Jay Thomas-Morton Philippians 4:4-9. Basically, this verse tells me that whatever I go though in this life – big or small – just simply give it ALL to Jesus and He will guard the peace in my heart and mind as long as I live for Him daily. Don’t Worry! He tells me to chill-out and enjoy life with Jesus daily. It is important to pray about everything! Hebrews 13:8. This verse teaches me who I should depend on and
Liz T-Morton Jeremiah 9:11, as it is a beautiful verse saying that God has great plans for us, which shows that He loves us so much. Therefore we should follow His plan, no matter how difficult, strange or challenging it may be, because it is a plan for good! Esther Maycock Joshua 1:9, as it has 5 principles for us to continue our life with Jesus every day, like when Joshua led Israel into the promised land; ‘Be strong’– We, Christians, need to stand strong, whatever comes to us, such as mental problems or emotional instability, and continue through the problems we have in our lives. ‘Be courageous’ – Courage is the ability to face down our fears and overcome them. Courage gives us the ability to stand firm when everybody around us is giving in. Courage is the determination to stay on course with God.
4 Christ by Elizabeth Thomas-Morton (D), DY4C Editor
DY4C Poll
Some of you contributed via e-mails and texts to a poll about Bible reading and study – and here are the results: 1. Which Bible do you prefer, English or BSL? Surprisingly the most popular response was English (16 people), BSL (11 people) and 12 people voting for both.
‘Do not be afraid’ – Fear can keep us from moving forward with God because when we are focused on fear, we can’t walk in faith with Him. Faith and fear don’t mix together. Aim to overcome fear through faith. When God calls us to act, don’t be afraid, because He’ll be with us as always! ‘Do not be discouraged’ Discouragement is not healthy for your heart, soul, mind and spirit because it will drain every positive thought and it will affect your courage; think POSITIVE! ‘You’re never alone’ – Look at Joshua – when Moses died, Joshua felt alone leading the Israelites but God never left him…Let’s follow God every day and you’ll never feel alone!
2. What helps you to read the Bible? The most popular response was – Church and fellowship and the importance of gaining encouragement, help and strength from others. DY4C and UCB (Word for Today) are a great motivation to read the Bible, as well as reading Christian books or a study course?
3. What do you find difficult about Bible study? The majority of responses were that it is difficult to find the time, as our lives are so busy, as well as the limitations of language and lack of motivation. This is where we need to get together and encourage each other!
4. Why do you study the Bible? Top of the list was, ‘so that we walk closer with God, as the Bible is his word’. Knowing the scriptures helps us know God’s perspective and helps us overcome the challenges of life.
The Bible has been called ‘God’s dynamite’ – in changing our lives – so don’t get bogged down but go for it and find out what God wants to teach and guide you. Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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News aroun McFarland’s ministry in Uganda and Kenya 19th Aug - 8th Sept 2009 a deaf teacher, who showed us the Bible School with 14 students in 2 classes, from 6 different countries – Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. It was a good opportunity for us to introduce one another and helped us to learn their languages so we could prepare to speak in their languages for the coming meetings over two weeks, with God’s help. We went to the lovely, newly established church, which can hold about 200 people. It was opened on 9th August by Neville Muir, the director of Deaf Ministries International. Two Sundays later, we were invited to minister there. I preached during two services in the morning, with a crowd of deaf people.
Bob and Gabi believe that we came to Uganda in God’s perfect time and we stayed there for nearly two weeks! We learned their culture. David Bulime was the Pastor of Immanuel Church of the Deaf, whom I met for the first time in Sweden 1996 where we attended the European Deaf Christian Conference. He asked me to come over to Uganda one day. Somehow we were not ready until last year when we went to Deaf Ministries International in Egypt and met Ugandan and Kenyan people. We spent time in fellowship with them and at the same time we felt that we would be going there as God provided for us. When we arrived in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, we met Jeremiah,
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From Monday to Friday we taught the students, plus the pastors and evangelists, from 10am to 4pm. I preached on Psalm 23 in 4 parts. They were interested in listening
to God’s word and also asked us loads of questions. On Wednesday morning we were able to minister healing to them and felt the presence of God. They had great experiences. One morning we both taught them about marriage guidance and then, in the afternoon, men and women were divided into groups, under our leadership. On Friday, we were invited to the wedding of a deaf couple. At the last minute, I gave the marriage message, with an interpreter, to a crowd in the big church. God touched them with His Word. We met a deaf MP there, he was a very intellectual man. On Saturday at 1 pm, we went to the Introduction Service of David Bulime’s brother, who was then officially married and will receive a blessing within 2-3 months. It was the first opportunity we had to meet his girlfriend’s family before they will marry. It was a different culture of marriage from that in the United Kingdom.
nd the w rld At the next Sunday morning service, Gabi preached at the first service and then Bob at the second. Over 20 people came forward to know Jesus as their Saviour or returned to Jesus after backsliding. We praised God for answering our prayers. We left Uganda on 31st August for Kenya and took two computers with us to give to other deaf pastors who know John Graham from Canada. He asked us to deliver them. They were happy to have them and to use them for their work in different areas. We met Josephat, the deaf pastor of the deaf church in Nairobi, his lovely wife Patricia and two children. They are an active family. We were glad to get to know them better than we had when we saw them in Egypt last year. He arranged a leader’s meeting on Thursday for the day. I taught them that they ought to be mature in their leadership. On Friday, Josephat took us to the Deaf Opportunity Out Reach Centre (DOOR). There we met a lot of deaf students and teachers who use their Kenya Sign Language to translate the Bible onto DVD so deaf people can understand it better. The Wycliffe Centre has contact with them. Some of them
knew Jan Zachariassen, a former teacher (you can read his testimony in the previous Go! Sign magazine – (April 2009). It really is a small world! We had a good talk with some teachers there. On Saturday, three of us went to Maasia and found a very different culture. I preached there to a lovely group and six of them responded to Jesus’ message. We prayed for them that they would follow God’s way.
We walked from the hotel to Josephat’s church, which took us half hour through a lovely big park, almost every day. On the final Sunday afternoon, before we were due to go home the next day, we walked and sat on a garden seat to view the park because it was a sunny day. A deaf student of DOOR turned up and caught our Sign Language. He recognised us and said, “Hello, remember me?” We did not know him but he explained that we were in his classroom at DOOR on the previous Friday. We had a time of fellowship. He is from Ethiopia but for some years he has stayed in Nairobi to spend his time with DOOR. Gabi asked him if he knew a refugee called Rezene Woldeyesus, who was born in Eritrea but was living in Birmingham now. Suddenly he said, “Yes, he was with me in the same school and was good friend of mine”. We told him that we know Rezene and laughed together. It was incredible and a small world once again! It is miraculous that God is everywhere. Ugandan and Kenyan people told us that we ought not to forget them and asked us to come again. We told them that we have two UKs and they said, “What?” First U stands for Uganda and K for Kenya! Other UK is United Kingdom. Is it not? Trust in the Lord, for He goes before us.
On Sunday we went to Josephat’s church in a seventh floor flat. I preached about the life of Zacchaeus who was willing to welcome Jesus into his house without delay. Once again we praised God that some people came forward to respond to Jesus’ command.
Our hearts are full of praise for what God has done for us. The Word which came to us is what Jesus’ said in Luke 17:21… “Because the kingdom of God is within you (and us).” Amen Bob and Gabi McFarland (D), Leicester Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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News around the Lithuania
I enjoyed meeting about 75 Deaf youth from around 15 countries and I learnt some International Sign Language. I was able to communicate with them and I got to know them and made new friends. A Deaf worship group from each different country performed their country’s sign song and we copied their sign songs. It was so wonderful and an African Deaf man did a brilliant worship dance. I enjoyed learning about the ten commandments, some teaching was really deep and some was new for me.
Last summer, young Deaf people, from all over Europe and beyond, met together in Lithuania for the 7th Europe Deaf Youth Christian Camp. Here are just three accounts of some of the things that took place there: I thoroughly enjoyed the Camp in Lithuania. It was really lovely to meet both new and old faces from thirteen different countries. The theme was ‘The Ten Commandments’. We covered each commandment in the in the morning sessions and there were free topics in the evening, covering subjects such as smoking, sex, Christian marriage and how to be saved in Jesus. There were a great variety of speakers from a number of different countries and it was great to receive God’s Word in International Sign Language! I was challenged by the worship lead, from the heart, by many Deaf people from other countries. I particularly enjoyed the presentation on the last day about the ‘European Deaf Christian Alliance’ (EDCA). There is a lot of valuable work being done under the EDCA, including the European Deaf Pastors & Leaders Weeks, the European Deaf Christian Youth Camp, European Deaf Christian Worship Days etc. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the EDCA, how it was set up and how it grew from strength to strength. It is so important that Deaf Christians from all over Europe continue to work together for His Glory and also to preserve International Sign Language. It is a beautiful tool for us to share God’s Word and most of all to spread the Good News all over the world! Janet Young (D)
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Each afternoon we did different activities, including swimming in a lake and pool, playing sports, fun games, sightseeing walks to look round, etc. On one of the days, we had a coach trip to visit a museum of Russian and German warfare. It was very interesting. In the evenings we had worship and dance and performed drama based on the ten commandments. We had a photograph competition and watched preachers signing about their ministries. The hotel was very nice, with a beautiful view. The food was lovely, although a little different, including the cold, pink soup I had on the first day! God gave many blessings to us in Lithuania. Matthew Bones (D)
world I had some idea what to expect because I went to the EDCY camp in Holland in 2007, which was full of blessings, but little did I know it would be even more so in Lithuania! God taught me so much over the week and confirmed a lot of things in my life, I could really sense God’s presence during the week. It was lovely to meet new faces and spend time with them, sharing what we learnt and what we sensed God was telling us. The one commandment that impacted me most of all was the first one, to love the Lord your God. If you truly love God then he blesses you beyond imagination.
Praise the Lord for this week. Keep praying for the young deaf people around the world that they will all come to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Amen. Sarah Gallagher (D) You can visit www.deaf-edca.com and see photographs of the Youth Camp.
Easter Weekend Conference 2009, France
For four days over the Easter weekend, a conference was organised by the French Deaf Christian organisation called “Ephphatha.” We invited David Buxton, a deaf pastor from England, his wife Bronwynne and their little son Joshua. The conference was held at a lovely Christian retreat house called “Pension Tabor”, in Mulbach-sur-Munster (part of the Vosges mountains), on the east side of France, near to the Swiss and German borders. Every morning, David taught us (30 deaf - mostly from France and several from Switzerland) about “Second Chance”, while the children were looked after in a different room and also did outdoor activities. David translated all of his powerpoint presentation into French! The pastor, David, looked at some famous people from the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Noah, Moses, Abraham, David ...). They were chosen by God, yet they fell into different sins and had to repent before God. David helped us to reflect on our Christian life every day. We have a choice to repent or not. If there is no repentance, we will see that there is no change. In obedience to repentance, we can be transformed. The goal is the “Second Chance”. David asked us if we are confident about going to Heaven. On the last day of our stay, we were encouraged to be good servants, doing good to others and looking forward to going to Heaven! As we returned home, everyone was filled with the hope of Jesus in their hearts. Eric and Cecile Egler (D), One of Deaf Christian leaders in France Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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Always be ready to explain
We have just finished the third of a four term course in Apologetics for Deaf people at the London School of Theology (LST). We get anywhere between 12 and 20 Deaf attending. We meet on Monday evening round a table a in good classroom facilities and use power point projection to guide our discussion. On the course we discuss how to answer difficult questions people may ask about Christian faith and beliefs. We have looked at questions like “hasn’t Science disproved the Bible?” We have discussed statements like “the Bible is full of contradictions” and “all religions are different paths to the same God.” We meet from 6.30 to 9.30pm, have coffee in the middle of the evening and spend roughly half our time in lecture format and half in small group discussions, each group giving feedback to the full class. However, one big difference to hearing courses with our lecture format is that Deaf students are free to ask questions at any time and we have plenty of time to repeat things that are not clear, as everyone in the class is either Deaf or knows sign language. We provide both SSE and BSL so that each student can choose which signer to follow.
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why you are a christian One of the things I am learning is to include more visual input in the classes. For a long time now educational theory has recognised that hearing people learn best in different ways: some prefer verbal, some like visual, some like discussion and some prefer practical methods. On the Deaf apologetics course I have included more diagrams and art as obviously learning is much more dependant on visual input. For example, when we looked at the way different sects challenge the Christian belief of “God as Three in One” we used pictures like these to challenge and develop our understanding. Similarly, when we discussed Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code which believes (falsely) that the Church changed Jesus from a man into God and covered up his supposed marriage to Mary Magdalene, we looked at this famous picture below of the last supper which I’m sure you will recognise. Interestingly: everyone is using their hands! What do you think? Is the person on Christ’s right with long hair really a woman? Could it be Mary?
Well, these are some of the subjects we’ve talked about. You can find more details of the course subjects at www.tabernacle-mission.com It is not too late to join up for next term starting in January. We will meet six times: Jan 11 & 18, Feb 15 & 22 and Mar 8 & 15 to discuss these subjects: January: How to respond when people say things like: “Churches are full of arrogant people” “Churches make people’s behaviour worse” “Churches are full of fundamentalists” (unhealthy extremists). February: Why does God allow suffering? March: How to respond when people criticise: “Christians don’t care about the problems of this world – such as hunger, war, oppression, inequality – they focus only on escaping this world by going to heaven” .
As long as we have a minimum of 12 students sign up for the full six-sessions, then we are welcoming any people to attend on a nightly basis. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity. I am seeing people being changed. Deaf people are growing in confidence. They realise it is okay to ask questions. I can see some are more ready to respond and not to just quietly accept criticism or say “I don’t know.” Reaching out to other Deaf people requires confidence, practice at how to reply and guidelines for what to say. The course offers the opportunity to develop evangelistic skills rather than simply saying “the Bible says so. ” We are learning together how to give a firm but polite answer to those who ask us why we believe in Christ. As 1 Peter 3:15 says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for your hope in Christ” That’s what the Apologetics for Deaf course is all about. That’s why we need to study the Bible: to be ready to share our faith. David Flynn (H)
Comments from the students
Deaf students with the Flynns This course has provided me with clear insight of how issues relating to many religions and science affect Christians in the 21st Century. It is very helpful to equip me to defend my faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you, David! Neil Robinson (D)
Fantastic course! Worthwhile going to this course, because David’s teachings helped me paint the whole picture of various issues relating to Christianity and prepared me for defending my faith when talking to people. A huge thanks to David. Helen Robinson (D)
A couples of weeks ago we finished our second term for Deaf Christian Apologetics course at Northwood, in North West of London. I found the course really beneficial for me because there are some verses in the Bible seemingly contradicting each other. It also helped me understand better how the Scripture was developed throughout the Early Church period. I think that the course was very helpful and useful for us in preparation to face challenging questions by unbelievers or doubtful people. Thank you, David, for superb lectures. John Delve (D)
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’ s t n e d u t s x Deaf E s e c n e i r e exp In 2000 I was a st udent at Redcliff e College, in Glou for a Diploma Ap cester. I studied fo plied in Higher Ed r two years ucation in Theolo gy. I studied this cour se because I was so desperate to le having returned arn more deeply from YWAM (You about God’s wor th With A Mission) in the United Stat d, D iscipline Training es of America in School in Pennsy 1999. At the end barriers had been lvania, of my Bible College broken down as training I found th I learned so muc at h more about Go There are many di d’s word than be fore. fferent ways of le arning about Go interpretations, m d’s word every da etaphors, transla y. There are diffe tions, fantastic st can help to trans rent ories (e.g. Revela form my life, my tio n) and cross refe attitudes/behavio are extremely diffi rences, which ur and understand cult for me to un ing of God’s wor derstand due to d. I find some area my deafness, as En s I have several Bibl glish is my second es in different ve Language. rsions so that I ca English or with be n enjoy reading tter descriptions God’s Word trans of the meaning. home after work lated into plain M y job is high leve I read the The Mes l and stressful so sa ge God’s word more or the Amplified when I am Version of the Bi easily. I find that ble so that I can re I can relax and le t God speak to m ad At the moment I e through the Bi ble. am reading Joyc e Meyer’s Bible as through the scrip it includes guidel ture, and helps m ines for today ex e to pray to God periences, reveal fo r his grace, mercy ed My favourite vers an d gu id an ce es relate to the “F in my daily life. EAR OF THE LORD four times. The Fe ”, which appears ar of the Lord ha in the Bible twen s several different about two differe ty m eanings but I wan nt meanings from t to tell you th e Bible (NIV ). The fe (Job 28:28) and th ar of the Lord is w e fear of the Lord isdom is the beginning many others vers of knowledge (P es I want to share ro v 1: 7) bu . There are t I feel that I can put my trust in H rejoice in the Lord im, the Fear of th because I can e Lord can overco me evil, “Praise th I am enjoying lear e Lord!” ning God’s word and understandin I am studying Bibl g what God is sa ical culture and ba ying to me. Also ckground as I wen Moses stood over t to Jordan in Mar the Mount Nebo. ch 2009, where I was studying M to Jordan as I wan oses’ life in the Bi ted to experienc ble before I went e what Moses wen t through. My holiday in Jord an had a real impa ct on my life in un Moses when he w derstanding wha ent live in the de t it was like for se rt in Jordan. I stay under the stars, in ed in a Bedouin te the desert and it nt overnight, was an awesome reflect on the life experience for m of Moses, who w e. I had time to ent through the w ilderness. The size of the de sert in Jordan was so much bigger read about it in th than I had though e Bible. I had no t as I had only idea about the co Moses so easily an un try and how God d how often they spoke to m ov not have many po ed toward to the Promised Land. Th ssessions to take w ey did ith them. I do not st I love God and w op studying God’ ill spend the rest s of W my life studying. ord with the poor as I have also shared I served in minist Famous Symbol of the Gospel ry in India, the Ph America. Of cour ilippines and the Moses’ snake and se I have also shar United States of ed the Bible vers with others who the Cross on Mount es at my home ch have spiritual ne urch in Gloucest eds or need enco Word has made Nebo, Jordan er uragement. My kn me more mature, owledge of God’ but I am still chan (Jeremiah 18:1-6 s ging, though Go (NIV )). My knowle d never changes dge of God will he lp me to get closer Liz Moon (D) to Him for rest of my life.
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y mind. y, to change m ar ss ce ne n he w n er than our ow e of studying is so much bigg od G ns great advantag ea ne m O so ch t him! This al logy generally) -1990s, the chur opinions abou ople e Bible (and theo t th n’ do u During the mid yo al d love other pe ic at bl lose its bi arning is th I can accept an to -le at ce ed th an . em st se di em th ed by with I attend en if I disagree out hearing the fed up with ev ab t , ry er go I tt or d w be an to ve ge ve lo ha cutting ed gave me I have come to ate by email dn’t feed me. It And best of all, her. I communic ac st te te ea gr d e sermons that di te th than before. aps I wan God even more for God’s Word. y students. Perh m f ith w ea D r fo h. y, such a hunger f, in dept serious stud d Bible for mysel disadvantage of ore we study an to dig into the ed en af a lot of reading f course, the m is de O e ly our er nd in th ou at ow of th gr pr is , d people Bible an e eaf D th lt e I was severe-tond m cu ta ffi so rs di d de an be un ve lved ew it would g onsibility we ha and writing invo by then and I kn , the more resp use s and find writin ith er ca fa ad be hers. re ot se ur ow ith sl w co l e ia rstanding people ar de se un ur r to do a resident co ou a I e se ar en to sh you choo the lectures. Th citing – helping difficult. But if I wouldn’t hear uch as the is can be very ex eology (s th th t es in Bu lin se ad ur de co e gree ith is one of without tim grow in their fa discovered a de . in Christian to ng te rs ni ca ar he ifi rt ot -le Ce ce an ge ery church by dist St Johns Colle u take st blessings! Ev that I could do ar yo te if he ea r to gr te e at ed th m t ne n’ ’t ! I didn ople who are Studies), it does unity needs pe t This was brilliant m bu y. m s ar co ud d st ye l e an ra th ve ho have me se a long time to do serve; people w e, visit to I anything! It took or r ed m te pp La ow . ui kn ee eq gr to God’s ld like ed my de d effort studying uk d (If you wou an c. te e in the end I gain .a ar st tm tim t d ot en an -n sp ee ns oh asters degr . Try it! http://www.stj studied for a M ‘About us’, click d for themselves College, s or ed W hn ad Jo he x St r bo fo g ue bl distance-tutorin in the In the udies’.) tutor modules w d (D) hns Extension St no Jo I . t ‘S am on gh Viven Whitfiel t, Nottin en am st Te ew N e th and y mind to Old Testament ying opened m e Bible in depth ud th St y ud ew and, st rs he to help ot rent points of vi od. ffe G di e rv nd se ta to rs de ed un uipp and be better eq ere d/Deaf. w ts en ud st y Some of m
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ek dm I wa t ou. If y ing yo eachin e pulle t me into th d spots off When H . t gave y l in everyth ook of the T erything tha o r h r n g a a c u t u o a f v r B ir s s e b d s e a g y e e h e w e t in c h I b .H be ll t suc wise itten in be sure to o m field eled a perience of t after, will be t is wr u a o the far me, then pe o x t h u y e t , B w l h is ! u f -8 er th nig d ua 1:7 he pain boiling wat e clean y and re. If you do h t a s cleane d d o a J it ’ . h g ic e en I into rythin on a n ten th me. Th up and put re you is writ essful in eve ed me etables and c la d he mo d, next p e t , e c p g c d e p H r u , v o s o e w ch on rs, ked and groun God’s I was d h other coo he custome ill in the study p e u t when it e o hich w o w y d t w g e d d , r r n e e o t e v t lo o r a a e The m e a tree ro plate, ty of w s and fruits to be s at e lik g plen e , ready he world! ve b r in s l a t g il iv a le d e e w ful in m een , rec ft , I ha r r o e g e s r e iv le r uccess m u c p s o u e o o c e d t h e t y b o s p r l s o m il t o the e acce ou to p you w mes fr ears of able y ver die and hree y ters giving m se video ion co n t t e a e r t h t s e u lu to re gh ble to t will n (This il reters interp Throu ul BSL s. I also was a d BSL interp g my tha ever you do Psalm 1:3). f e ege s u le Coll and ctin se, hat s an ture r e ib n c r w e r B v io le o t t e c a a d in an by ourit says! d study study for my exam te my ideas my fav any es me to se for me an r, m d a y e s ll a ic m r a n e r c o u o f p d r m e r o u cam a w G m o ve n is p gramm e to co him. H lt e reaso e it was in h e as h v w T lo I help m tructure and I n se us s I fe s es whe English is s beca , and becau ced, at time us Christ im a t w lt English u e c us s I fa good rd Jes ed diffi s beca e beginning for my the hardship raise the Lo and he held es I fac aring essay h t im t t p a e h I n, d y p Som throug d from God. t that happe d me nd pre e. I struggle y and histor a g in e le t g ag lpe elp study separa ould never his he course. t langu le and theolo s there to h T s . r e fi v y w lo a e e not m ad the Bib h His ed the ings God w nd the mor that H throug until I finish an do all th I re a ry but e a e n r le m e b im h ib li o c t t w n on eB he ult ngth.’ urse: ‘I le o could carry from t w som t diffic the co ives me stre d I books ercome tha stood. I kno read the Bib e t o s le g er to ov I comp use he by me to e more I und ourage you given Finally Christ, beca is e c r h t n u V. h I read, hich could e ys, ‘All script wing people throug ns 4:13, NC o a w s h a s s i 6 r e p s s :1 o r p f lt 3 i ve g, hy fau Phil Timot teachin ecting daily. 2 is useful for ves, for corr V ) nd .’ (NC heir li God a e right ng in t v li o r o t w what is aching how Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN 22 r te and fo
Studying the
in awe as she prayed, so expressive flowing from the heart straight up to God. Her prayers were full of praise, sincerity, honesty, openness and compassion for His world and the Deaf community. Prayer is central to the Christian life and I have learned much from my Deaf Christian friends.
We study various texts and each time the discussion comes alive. Everyone is encouraged to share their views, debate points, think of examples in their own lives to bring to the Bible study. There is an openness and respect within the group and all contributions are valued. There is always something I take home each session to reflect on. My experiences as a hearing person in the Deaf group are different from those in a hearing group; the visual examples, diagrams and life examples that link in to the themes studied really bring the Bible alive for me and through the rich way in which sign language adds so much. I find I am learning in a way that is matched perfectly to me and God speaks through his word in these sessions.
I started attending the Surrey Christian Sign Fellowship (SCSF) group where I met David and his
I thank the Lord for those he provides to teach others about the scriptures.
scriptures Trisha Heritage (H)
I have been truly blessed in many ways and God has provided a path to my learning and Christian growth through members of the Deaf Christian community. When I attended my first Deaf service several years back I was inspired by all I saw. The Bible came alive as if it had jumped out of the page and was there enacted in front of me when I watched my first Deaf led sermon by a man named David. I could picture the scene, characters, even thoughts and expressions in a way I had never done before. It was amazing. At the service a lady called Esther came forward to pray. I watched
wife Bronwynne again, whose hospitality and keenness to open their home for others to share God’s word put their faith into action. Esther was another of the group leaders. In that group I began to grow at a deeper level in studying the Bible and reflecting on applications to my life as well in my relationship with God through prayer. I loved the way the group worked and how it encouraged me, taught me new things and challenged me to think. I liked the Deaf way which is direct and love the use of visual images used to bring concepts to life. This was the first time I had been to a house group and it felt right for me. I was thankful to God that he had answered my prayer and provided a group of Deaf friends to learn with.
“All of you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body and in the church God has given a place first to the apostles, second to the prophets and third to the teachers…those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different kinds of languages.” 1 Corinthians 12 v 27-28 23 GO! SIGN
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Church in the 21st century
Photo by Jon Edmiston (H)
Go! Sign Leaders and Pastors Together
Eugene, ‘fat-cat” CEO
The Go Sign Leaders and Pastors Retreat Weekend attracted 32 people from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England and was led by Gill Behenna, Bob McFarland and Raymond Abernethy, who challenged us to think about the church in the 21st century and our role in leadership. As well as time to listen to God, share together and worship we were challenged to think about how we worked together for the Lord in God’s ‘company’. Raymond introduced us to three of his imaginary friends: Bob, a self employed businessman; Bert, a corporate executive from Dubai; and Eugene, a ‘fat cat’ businessman! As we looked at their roles and attitudes, their strengths and weaknesses, and where we could see ourselves and learn from them as we work for God in his business.
Bert, corporate CEO
Bob, self employed
“The weekend was excellent and very encouraging for us all as we listened to God’s Word. It helped me to polish up my attitude from being dull and reminded me that we should shine with God’s light as we minister. “We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord, and not by human hands.” Hebrews 8:1-2 (NLT)” John Barry (D)
“I found the conference inspiring; Raymond spoke of me and my efforts as being of the 20th century. He was describing where Go Sign is now and wanting us all to move forward into the 21st century. I say, “Amen” to that. I found the prayer times quite wonderful; especially on the Saturday night when we were all praying at the same time and there was an intensity in the prayers and the presence of God was very real. I found this all so very encouraging.” Bert Barritt (H) Gill reminded us of how we each have a special part to play in God’s purposes as we made ‘paper chains’ showing all the different people across the generations who have been links in shaping our lives. Reported by Esther Maycock (D) Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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The Bible –
follow the maker’s instructions
I am one of those people who never bother with instruction books when I buy something. I just work it out, sometimes I get it right, other times I have to read the instruction book to understand how it works. Two years ago, I was given a new mobile phone, “easy” I thought, “just like my old phone.” I had to read the instruction book (and ask someone to explain the instructions to me!!) just to be able to send a simple text message!! In my Dad’s house, there was a small room full of books. When I was young, I used to try and read them without success. They didn’t make any sense I needed someone to explain them to me!! First by teaching me how to read.
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It was the same with the Bible. Over the years my dad and many other people slowly explained the Bible and it become more and more alive to me.
The Bible is like God’s instruction book, we need his instructions to follow Him, he knows what is best for us, without his instructions we will make a mess!! Why did God write a library of books just for us? 1. The Bible is God’s gift to us The Bible tells us about God, who he is, what he is like etc. God knows we are all different and that we understand things in very different ways, so he has used different ways of telling the same story in the Bible to help us to know and understand Him better. 2. The Bible is God’s word for us. Christians throughout history have boldly declared that the Bible is God’s word and has authority over every area of our life.
The Bible was written by at least 40 different writers, over a period of at least 1600 years, some books are poetry, some history, some letters. The writers were all from very different backgrounds, Peter, a fisherman, Joshua, a military leader, Paul, a rabbi (Jewish teacher)…It was written in three different areas, Africa, Asia and Europe, and in three different languages, Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Most of the writers never even met each other. But the amazing thing is that all tell the same big story of God, that God created the world for us to enjoy but sin came in. God did not give up on us but, using stories, history, poetry etc., He helped us to understand His character, His hatred of sin and our need to be restored to friendship with Him on His terms, by faith through His wonderful grace and the death of Jesus on the cross, which was needed to bring us back to Him. Today God is bringing people from all over the world together in one family, we are now part of His story! One day God will end
this world and we (Christians) will enjoy God forever in a new heaven and earth, wow!! 3. The Bible guides us. Within the big story there are many little stories in the Bible that help us to follow Jesus’ way today, in our prayer life, work life, marriage, family life, how we relate to the environment etc. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives, it straightens us out and teaches us to do right, it is God’s way of preparing us, in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 4. The Bible sets us free and gives us hope. When we follow the maker’s instructions, it sets us free and we avoid the mistakes people fall into.
Let God’s word change you, yes some parts of the bible are hard to understand, yes maybe your English is not good, but ask God to help you and a friend to sign the stories in BSL to help you learn.
Get some help from a friend, church leader etc., to help you understand clearly what the Bible is saying. There are also many books to help us. I’ve been reading a book called “Incomparable, exploring the character of God” by Andrew Wilson. It has really helped me to understand God’s character better and has helped me relate to why God acted as He did in the stories in the Bible. The book is in short chapters, easy to read and a great encouragement for me to keep reading the Bible. Pray and believe that God will speak to YOU! Go for it! Don’t give up ! Mark Peel (D), Torquay
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. 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 73 The theme of the next issue of the magazine will be...
“Walking with God” Please could you write an article, your experience, testimony, story or any biblical point of view on why “Walking with God” 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 Editor (Esther Maycock) 21 Newton Wood Road Ashtead Surrey KT21 1NN Or email to her: crazyerm@hotmail.co.uk
Deadline by
26th March 2010 Winter 2009/10 GO! SIGN
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