Deaf Small Group

Small group continues to be the glue that holds our Deaf community together. Last night, as we discussed the scriptures, we paused to have conversation. We'd talk about what problems they are facing in life, and I shared about my upcoming trip to India. We're connecting on a personal level and it's no longer me "preaching" at them but us walking out spiritual life together. The holiday has really messed them up because they're gov't assistance checks are delayed. Merry's phone, light, and water are being cut off, and Willie wasn't able to come to church because he couldn't put money on his card. This is the FIRST time (it is really monumental) that he hasn't asked me if he could come to church to ask for donations. Instead he asked me if we could pray for him in small group. For the longest time he only wanted to come to church to beg for money. It was a weekly battle. Now I feel his spiritual needs are being met and he has other reasons to want to come to church. Merry asked if I could take her to DFACS and the Social Security office this week to try and straighten things out. I was reminded of when she and I first met and she depended on me for everything: to take her to the grocery store, Housing Authority meetings, DFACS, etc.  She has come a long way in her independence. Now these favors are the things friends do for one another on occasion or when they are in need. It's in the little things that I see progress or connection. Last night during worship Merry participated in singing/signing the songs. This small act is a display of her growing understanding of what is being sung and what scriptures are being read due to our discussions in small group. Each week there are signs of growth, maturity, and change. I am so blessed and honored that God allows me to witness it