Summer Update 2009
May was a busy, but fruitful month for ministry. It began with the National Deaf Camp on the island of Bohol. Over 120 deaf gathered for a week of spiritual renewal. God used deaf pastors from around the nation to minister throughout the week. Mindy was privileged to lead one of the classes – encouraging the hearing involved in deaf ministry. Maddy and Caleb had a delightful week playing with hearing and deaf children and learning more sign language.
We had many deaf pass through Cebu on their way to and from deaf camp. Sterling was the official driver making many trips to the airport and boat terminals. Many deaf stayed in our home. What wonderful times of fellowship with our dear friends, especially the deaf group from Baguio. After camp we were privileged to host the National Assistant Director of the deaf ministry in the Philippines, Rev. Lani DeGuzman. Our times of sharing God’s vision for the deaf in the Philippines was God ordained.
Pastor Brenda is a deaf pastor in Manila with family in Cebu. During the May PGCAG General Council held here in Cebu, Brenda introduced us to a group of 15 deaf in Carbon. From that meeting we began a weekly Sunday afternoon service in Carbon. Thank you, Light for the Lost, for the Easy to Read Version of the Bible, we were able to give to those in attendance.
To add to the excitement, the Lord brought an enthusiastic and wonderful deaf woman to this church. Luz has been a Christian for many years and is assisting this church plant. She is sensitive to the needs of the group and has a heart to reach them. We praise God for the work He is doing in each heart and life.
We met with the teacher of the deaf in Lapu Lapu, where we volunteered last year. She is excited to have us teach again (school begins in June). We thank the Lord for the continued favor He shows us in this public school. Teacher Delores has given us permission to hold a weekly after school Bible Study in the deaf classroom. We have been sharing the gospel personally and through “values education”, but this will give us opportunity to really disciple the young people being saved in the class. Pray with us as we begin our first Bible Study on June 24th. Fifteen students were saved in March and we desire to see them grow and mature in Christ.
God is working in the deaf community and we are so blessed to be part of it. Please continue to pray for more to be saved and discipled for His great glory. We couldn’t be here without your faithful prayers and support. From the depths of our heart we say, “THANK YOU!” Your faithfulness is reaching many for Christ.
Are you interested in going a step beyond? We have been able to purchase only 120 Bibles, but we’re out of them now and hundreds more are needed. A box of 20 Bibles from WBT costs about $75. Would you consider donating a box or more? If interested in helping in this special way, please leave a comment…