WHY HAVE A DEAF MINISTRY?

Condensed from DM01 – Pamphlet Available: SilentWord.org/Store

Some churches do not have a deaf ministry because it is…

DIFFICULT – Someone must learn Sign Language and the culture of deaf people. It is comparable to learning a foreign language. It is difficult! DISCOURAGING – Much work is involved and at times there are few results. It is a unique ministry to an overlooked people. It can be discouraging! DEMANDING – Deaf people need someone to become their ears and voice to the hearing world. This demands much time and love to represent the two worlds of deaf and hearing. DISAPPOINTING – There will be times that no one will understand your burden for the deaf ministry. Even pastors have asked, “Is a Deaf ministry really worth it?” My reply: “Don’t ask me. Ask the Deaf. Ask those in Heaven. Ask those in Hell. Ask the Lord.”

Ten Reasons to Have a Deaf Ministry

1. Because God’s Love Is for Everyone. “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16). The “world” also includes deaf people. Deaf people also need to know the Gospel. The deaf need to know about God’s love.
   
2. Because the Great Commission Includes All People. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matt. 28:19). The command to the church is to go to all nations. All nations includes all people regardless of race, language, or culture. This would include deaf people. Deaf people are in most cities and countries.
   
3. Because Deaf People Can Bring Glory to God. “And God hath chosen the weak things… that no flesh should glory in his presence… let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:27-31). When deaf people sing, pray, and serve the Lord, it touches the hearts of others to see what God can do. The deaf will bring glory to God.
   
4. Because Deaf People Must Know Someone Cares for Them. “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psa. 142:4). The deaf world is a silent, lonely world. Deaf people need to know that God loves them. They need to know that God’s people also love them. Deaf people have souls, families and needs. Deaf people need friends and God’s love.
   
5. Because When You Reach One, You Reach Many. You will be reaching some people to whom no one else has ever taken the gospel. “How can I (understand), except some man should guide (or interpret for) me?” (Acts 8:31). Usually when you reach one deaf person, you will also reach at least five other people associated with them. You can reach their families and friends for Christ.
   
6. Because Deaf People Need to be Discipled. “Go…and teach all nations.” Teach deaf people to reach deaf people. Deaf people should be taught to reach other deaf people. Who can best reach the deaf? Naturally, another deaf person.
   
7. Because Deaf People Have Souls. “For all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Because they have lost their hearing, they do not need to lose their souls.
   
8. Because the Lord Had Time for a Deaf Person. “And they bring unto him one that was deaf” (Mark 7:32). The Lord took time from His busy life to help one deaf man. If Jesus helped one deaf person, so should His church, and so should you.
   
9. Because God Calls Some to Go to the Deaf. Not everyone is called to minister to the Deaf, but God does call some. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Cor.12:18). Someone must learn Sign Language and “GO” into the deaf world the same as a missionary.
   
10. Because It Is Delightful. The Deaf ministry may be very difficult, discouraging, demanding and disappointing but it is also very delightful. The greatest need of the deaf is not to hear, but to be saved. In Heaven they will hear forever.
    
    These are ten reasons to have a Deaf ministry!
    Can you give me one reason not to have a Deaf ministry!

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