We flew back into Colorado Springs on April 19, and the theme of the next eight days for me was mainly JET LAG! Of course, my traveling partners, Linda and her sister, Danette, suffered too. For me I got little to no sleep for eight days -- but last night, April 27, I logged in 8-1/2 hours. God is good!!!
Linda flew back to Kokomo on Wednesday, April 23. I have had the privilege on a couple of days to seek quiet time with God while reading the Gospels at sunrise with an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak. It is hard to miss the grandeur and glory of the Lord!
Since I was struggling with Jet Lag, I stayed close to Colorado Springs for a couple of short hikes on Mount Herman, just a few miles to the north. I hiked there alone on Thursday and it was isolated. It gave me an overwhelming sense of God's greatness, but also my own vulnerability. The trailhead starts at elevation and is less than two miles to the top. Near the top the trail became less clear, so rather than getting lost in the mountains :-), I came back down, still marveling at God's wonders.
I took Friday, as planned, for a day of solitude with the Lord. I returned to Mount Herman on Saturday with Danette, who ably got me to the top. From the summit you could see Pikes Peak to the south, Mt Evans and Beirstadt to the north, and the vast plains to the east. It was incredible! Some other hikers were there who snapped our picture at the top.
After that short hike on Saturday, I spent more time with the Lord, crashed for some needed sleep that afternoon, and prepared for worship with the Christian Deaf Church on Sunday.
The Christian Deaf Church provides such an important ministry. Many deaf people grow up in environments where they have been misunderstood or mistreated by their families, or where they have been ridiculed by others. To experience the love of Jesus Christ and draw on his power for living in the Christian Deaf Church is a remarkable blessing from God! And when the Deaf Church meets, they meet to CELEBRATE JESUS!
The Christian Deaf Church provides such an important ministry. Many deaf people grow up in environments where they have been misunderstood or mistreated by their families, or where they have been ridiculed by others. To experience the love of Jesus Christ and draw on his power for living in the Christian Deaf Church is a remarkable blessing from God! And when the Deaf Church meets, they meet to CELEBRATE JESUS!
An important part of their worship is singing to the Lord. But how do you do that if you are deaf and can't hear the music? The deaf don't need music to sing. They do so with their hands as they sign their praises to God. But there are hearing people in the deaf church, too, so the song leader sings out loud for them to follow along.
Linda's brother Tim, who is deaf and who is the minister of the Christian Deaf Church, does a tremendous job in preaching. On back to back weeks in worship I have thought, "Man, this guy is good!" More importantly, he is sold out to Jesus Christ. Working a full time job as a mail carrier, he devotes every weekend to delivering God's word to the deaf.
And you can see that he makes good use of the projection system our youth group raised money for a few years ago!
Other important elements of worship in the Deaf Church, just like at JRCC, are communion and offering. Here you can see the men passing the elements, collecting the offering, and praying for God's blessings.
And you can see that he makes good use of the projection system our youth group raised money for a few years ago!
Other important elements of worship in the Deaf Church, just like at JRCC, are communion and offering. Here you can see the men passing the elements, collecting the offering, and praying for God's blessings.
It's fun to watch the people after church. They are simply in no hurry to leave. They seem to enjoy chatting with each other and drawing strength from their fellowship in Christ.
When our youth group took it's trip to Colorado Springs a few years ago, two of the boys we became acquainted with, James (L) and Frankie (R), are still active in the church. Most deaf people have a "sign name," a single sign that is used instead of having to take the time to fingerspell their name. James keeps using the sign for "crazy" as my sign name! You don't have to be hearing to be ornery :-)!!!!
One of the great things is how the Deaf Church is such a family affair for Linda's family. In the four pictures below, you can see Linda's mom, Dot, chatting with a young deaf boy; Danette listening intently to a lady talking, with Michael, Tim and Tami's son, standing with his back turned in the background; Tami, Tim's wife, involved in conversation with a group; and my niece Dani and her very cool son, Hayden.
One of my objectives was to get an intensive start on learning sign language. My brain is suffering "sign language overload," but I am making good progress. Earlier in the week Tami spent some dedicated time helping me learn some important Christian signs. Yesterday Tim put me through a 2-1/2 hour workout :-). We have a great time together, and he is very patient with how little I know. Below you can see him teaching me the signs to "Jesus loves you!"
I continue to hear great things about our Sunday services back home, and I sure miss you all. But God is showing and teaching me some remarkable things and I appreciate how all of you have partnered with me in the Clergy Renewal. Until next time, I send all of my love to you in Christ!
One of my objectives was to get an intensive start on learning sign language. My brain is suffering "sign language overload," but I am making good progress. Earlier in the week Tami spent some dedicated time helping me learn some important Christian signs. Yesterday Tim put me through a 2-1/2 hour workout :-). We have a great time together, and he is very patient with how little I know. Below you can see him teaching me the signs to "Jesus loves you!"
I continue to hear great things about our Sunday services back home, and I sure miss you all. But God is showing and teaching me some remarkable things and I appreciate how all of you have partnered with me in the Clergy Renewal. Until next time, I send all of my love to you in Christ!