Dear friends of Ark of Faith, I want to remind each of you that: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on [you], because the LORD has anointed [you] to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent [you] to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…:” (Isaiah 61:1, NIV)
This is exactly what the Lord has called each of us to do. Jesus challenged the Ark to proclaim the good news to the deaf in Muskogee Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Ark Deaf Signing classes began Feb. 12th thru April 2, 2019. Years ago, Monica White, from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri worked 3½ years with deaf and prison ministry at the Ark before going into full time ministry with the deaf. Angela Giyer also completed her college and Sign Language course with 1½ years at Ark. She also was led to minister full-time to people who are deaf.
I finally allowed God to mature me in this area and began teaching a beginners’ Sign Language Class at the Ark. Now, I am reflecting! These two young women were used of God to help me and to create in me the desire to communicate with the deaf. Over the years, this included teaching hearing people to communicate in Sign, one-on-one counseling, assisting deaf travelers on a cruise or at a hotel, etc. Growing this ministry cannot be done in a few months. Our call is to reach deaf people wherever the need is in daily life.
Recently, an anonymous donor gave $200 to purchase bibles for the deaf. Bibles for deaf people are specially written to present the word clearly to people who Sign. These bibles are more expensive. By sharing the costs and service, each of us can become a part.
Monica and Angela helped build the groundwork, I’ve personally been used to assist deaf while traveling, and the $200 donor was also a part of the Ark being able to assist deaf people. This is the way all Ark services grow. Prison ministry, Veterans’ ministries, meals, counseling, even coffeehouse all grew from using someone’s gift with the gifts of others.
What is your gift? How are you using it for the Lord in your community or worldwide? Remember you are never too old. I am 85, but, God used two young college students to create in me a desire I did not know I had.
These two young women came for prison ministry training and shared and exampled their deep desire to help the deaf in our community! It was contagious. So think! How do you “get started”—and where? In your church, my church, the Ark?
Finally, DEEP intercession may be needed “…in labor and travail… in fasting…” (2 Corinthians 11:27, ASV) Consultation, conversation, and committees ( I call that the 3 “C”s) won’t get it done. But God can encourage us – make a way where there seems to be to be no way. (Isaiah 43:19, Philippians 2:1)
If we come together, if “we” cooperate, laboring and praying together for deliverance…and return and give thanks to God (2 Corinthians 1:11, AMPC) we become free and can then help to free others!