There is a great need to reach out to the lost souls of the Deaf Community as there are an estimated 278 million people with a moderate to profound hearing loss according to World Health Organization in 2005. In our church we seek to teach the Deaf in Sunday School the same studies the rest of the church is using but with a more visual and dramatic approach. Many Deaf do not understand the meaning of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior or the differences between heaven and hell. We encourage and welcome anyone to come see our Deaf Sunday School class to experience the drama of the Bible Studies through acting out the stories to gain deeper understanding. Esther teaches the Deaf Sunday School class and in her words, “I myself have learned a lot about the Bible. I like to share with everyone what I learned from God’s Word.”

How do we Reach the Deaf?

Our Deaf Ministry has regular events of Outreach to the community with a Bible story acted out and the Gospel shared at every event. Some of the events we have hosted are a swim party and the Easter Party. These events would be great opportunities for the hearing congregation to come support the Deaf even if you don’t know ASL (American Sign Language). I guarantee you will have a blast and be blessed at the same time.

How Can the Hearing Church Members Communicate with the Deaf?

We would love to encourage anyone to come and say “Hello, how are you?” Then give hugs and shake hands. The Deaf in our church would welcome you to write notes and look face to face at them. Raising your voice would not be helpful and could be seen as hurtful. The Deaf love to laugh and love people and would welcome you to come sit with them and show you genuinely care—our church motto is: Love God, Love People. They would love to be asked about their salvation story and where they grew up and went to school. Their heart language is ASL and most of them use that language. Some read lips but not very easily. They use text messages and Video Phone pretty much like Skype. They are just like the hearing except they can’t hear.

Testimony of Corey Brueggeman

The Deaf ministry goes far beyond knowing sign language and communicating with the Deaf. Ministries are a way to reach out and preach the Word of God. Upon joining the Deaf ministry, I myself believed it was simply going to their Sunday school class and helping the Deaf understand the Bible; however, this is not the case. It was not long before I realized the many ways in which our Deaf spread the word of God. The Deaf here at our church are on fire for the Lord. They are eager to plan for the Deaf events such as Easter and Christmas parties. They each have a list in mind of all of their Deaf friends who need to know the word or God. I was amazed to discover how many Deaf and hard-of-hearing didn't know about God or the gift of salvation. But, as amazing as our Deaf are, the most amazing part for me was realizing how much I don't know. Having grown up in church, I thought I had a lot of head knowledge such as knowing that Noah's ark was made of gopher wood or that there were more likely four or more wise men and not three; but, all of that suffered in comparison to what they taught me. No, being in Deaf Sunday School has not given me a longer list of "fun Bible fact." It gave me something of far greater value and that is a better understanding. Because the Deaf think in pictures, they must truly dig deeper to understand the context as to what is going on. They ask the little questions which actually turn out to be the big question—the questions that switch on the light bulb above our heads. What the Deaf have given me is a greater hunger for seeking God and His wisdom.

"You are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 (TEV)

Any pastor worth his salt, no pun intended, will contrast the difference between the two candidates who are running for the office of President of the United States. The differences between the two candidates this year will result in one of two America’s in the future and the differences between the two are so wide that one result will be catastrophic for our nation.

It will be your choice to decide...morally... the right choice that will be the best for the good of the country. Anything less is neither loving God with all your heart nor loving your neighbor as yourself.

I don’t have room to note all of the differences between the two candidates but I will note one that should not be ignored.

First, the impact of the next President of the United States on our judicial system cannot be overlooked. The next President could nominate as many as three or four justices to the Supreme Court as well as add dozens of judges to federal district courts and courts of appeals, where most of federal lawsuits are adjudicated.

With one presidential candidate there would be a replacement for the recent loss of Justice Scalia with a liberal, which would give the Court a 5-4 majority even without Justice Kennedy, and a 6-3 edge whenever he votes with that block.

That would really make a difference in the churches of our nation. For just one example, some churches in the state of Iowa have been instructed to make their bathrooms open to people on the basis of their “gender identity” if the churches are going to remain open to the public. If those rulings end up before a liberal Supreme Court, well, I think you know what would happen.

With the other candidate there has been the releasing of a list of judges that are to demonstrate what type of nominee would be put forth to serve on the Supreme Court. The list includes judges who would uphold the original meaning of the Constitution and would not create new laws from the bench.

The point is...we have already experienced judicial tyranny regarding abortion rights and same-sex marriage. It is important for the Christian to become informed and then vote for the best, flawed candidate, for all candidates are flawed, and the corresponding platform they have presented.

That’s exactly what the believer should do with every issue and then take the contrasts before the Word of God and prayerfully examine the Word to determine which candidate would be better for the country.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

Abortion will be impacted. Religious liberty hangs in the balance. Freedom of speech could be further restricted. Political dissent could be targeted by the government. We could see the IRS targeting particular political groups, as well as the prosecution of those who dare to disagree with man-made global warming theory.

A Christian should do everything they can to minister good to and for the nation. The vote that we are privileged to cast is a practical application of what it means to love God and love people.

Other issues such as taxes, jobs, the military, our borders, terrorism, the ISIS threat, Russia, China, Israel, energy, Executive orders, health care, unborn babies, racial tensions, the list goes on and on. The positions of the two candidates are almost diametrically opposed and the nation that results will be completely different.

We can only base our decisions on the most likely result. No one can ever know what the future conduct of any human being will be...only the Lord knows. Historically, most elected candidates will attempt to do what they said they would. It’s reasonable to think that both candidates will attempt to do what they have promised.

When you examine the running mates of the candidates it gives you an additional read on what kind of leadership they will attempt to provide.

We pray and ask the Lord to bless our nation and heal our land. Does the Lord work through us as the salt and the light of the world? Should we do good works and give praise to the Father, for His glory. Then perhaps we should vote, it’s a gift the Lord has provided to us to do good, then we will leave the result in His almighty hand.

The influence of Christianity has always made a difference in Korea; the North is very much different than the South. The “influence” or “lack of” Christianity will make a difference in America as well.