The Deaf Are Hearing God’s Voice
The Ethiopian Call – Asking for Understanding of the Bible
The deaf community asked us during our latest visit to Haiti: “Who can teach us more about the Bible?” Our hearts jumped for joy as we understood the spiritual hunger within their hearts and that we could answer a resounding “CIDM will teach you” to their sincere question. At that moment we knew the Holy Spirit was expanding the ministry of CIDM to include the deaf community. There was no question in our minds. Delpha, our Field Director leaned to me and said, this is just like “The Ethiopian Call” in Acts. God gave Delpha that word and later we read the passage:
“An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”… So, he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch of great authority…who had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud. The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.” When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading? ” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So, he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus… As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So, he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:26-38
With tears, God confirmed to not only us but to our Haitian staff that God was calling us to include the deaf in every CIDM activity. By being included, they would be able to learn who Jesus is and to come to faith in Him. They’d also be blessed by knowing Jesus on a personal level, becoming a true disciple and learn the truths from God’s Word giving them the tools to HEAR God’s voice personally speaking to them and to grow in their christian walk.
Are There Extra Costs to Include the Deaf Community?
Yes. We have hired an American Sign Language (ASL) translator as needed to translate as Carlo our Bible teacher conducts the weekly New Believers Class. We pay the ASL translator $20 for each 1 ½ hour meeting. Initially, $20 a week sounds quite reasonable, but just that alone adds up to $80 per month. We have multiple weekly activities at the CIDM facilities for the Haitian youth including the deaf, so the $20 per activity quickly adds up to $200 – $300 per month. We are solely supported upon Americans’ contributions to meet the expenses for every part of CIDM ministry in Haiti.
We agree with the late pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa who used to always say “When God Guides, He Provides”. We’ve seen God do that throughout the 10 years of CIDM and know He will continue to do so. Won’t you help enable the Deaf to Hear God’s Voice by giving a Recurring Gift or a One-time Gift?
Let’s rejoice as over 200 deaf in Jacmel now have the opportunity to hear God’s voice as God uses CIDM to teach them about Him and His Word.