The birth of a Deaf ministry

The Lord is doing such great things in our Deaf ministry. Basically Merry has started treating Trinity like home and inviting people over. It blows me away to see her comfort and pride at church. She just started inviting her friends. Last week I almost cried as she explained communion to our deaf visitor. Seeing the two of them exchange the peace in their language is amazing. She also brought a pillow case with dishes to give to Willie for his new apt. Here's a lady who at once had her hands out grabbing at anything anyone would give and now she's giving out of the very little she has. Last week Marilyn (who moved to Alabama this week and probably won't be back) was staying with Merry because she didn't have a place to stay. Merry told Marilyn that if she was staying with her she had to come to church. Marilyn told me she's addicted to drugs and knows she needs to change but doesn't know where to start. She was so engaged during the sermon, nodding her head and even crying. On the way home she said "I feel different. I felt comfort there at your church. The people were so friendly. I know now what I need is Jesus. I'm going to look for a church in Al when I move." This week Amy met us at 5 points. She asked me on the way home if she could come back again and bring her boyfriend and another mutual friend, Jerry. Apparently there are a lot of deaf people who hang out at 5 Points. I think, at some point, Daniel and I will go with Merry in an effort to be present in their environment and meet people. There are 2 others in Merry's complex that she's invited but they aren't open to church yet. Still praying. Chris Jones has decided he's willing to help me with transportation. I also have 2 other people that said they could help occasionally. I think I need to consider more seriously offering a basic sign language class along with the basics if Deaf culture so we can begin to bridge the communication barrier as well as help our church better understand how to engage with those who are deaf. (Things like body language being how they experience tone of voice)

Things I'm praying for now:
• Continued provision in the area of transportation.
• I'm waiting and praying for the day Merry decides to serve in some capacity.
• That the Lord would rise up or bring to our church others gifted in the area of sign language interpreting.
• Daniel asked me if I can't have a Deaf church or a separate Deaf service (lead by a Deaf pastor) what my hope would be for our church. I replied "A Deaf small group". So I've begun to pray towards it. It'll happen one day. I believe it.