Deaf Ministry
"The goal is not to have an interpreter, but to train deaf people to be good servants of Jesus Christ." ~Ted Camp / Silent Word Ministries
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 1% to 2% of the Deaf world wide have accepted Jesus as their Savior.
"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" Romans 10:14-15
Deaf Ministry/Outreach at Celebration is provided by Hands of Vision Ministry. Currently all weekend services (Saturday 6:30p and Sunday 9a and 11a) are interpreted at Celebration. Interpreters are available for other services and events at the request of the Deaf.
Some of our services are interpreted even in the absence of Deaf people. It is impossible to visually recognize the Deaf. Their looks, style of dress, intelligence, health, habits, etc. are the same (and as varied) as the hearing. Unless you actually see someone communication in sign language, you won’t know the difference. Consistent interpreting allows Deaf anonymity with the opportunity to come and go as freely as the hearing members of the congregation. Our signing team is committed to learn the language and interpreting Celebration’s services. If there is one Deaf person in the audience, we want them to join us in worshipping God and to understand God’s message of salvation and truth.
HOV also provide Interpreters for other Deaf congregations in the Tri-Cities area. Some of these churches are:
- Sullivan Baptist Church, Kingsport, TN
- Burem Missionary Baptist, Rogersville, TN
- East Rogersville Baptist Church, Rogersville, TN
- Hunter First Baptist, Elizabethton, TN
- First Presbyterian, Bristol, TN
- Northridge Community Church, Johnson City, TN
- River of Life Baptist Church, Piney Flats, TN
HOV also interprets each week at Greystone Healthcare Center in Blountville, TN.
HOV is a valuable resource to many Northeast TN churches. The ministry provides Interpreters when one is not available from within a congregation. HOV also provides relief Interpreters for established Deaf Ministries, teaches sign language classes, and helps establish and support a ministry until the congregation can handle the ministry needs themselves.
Interpreters of Hands of Vision work in many area wide religious services and events which are attended by the Deaf. Several of the interpreters in HOV have participated in performance sign language programs in many different denominational settings. To book HOV for a program contact them by email at handsofvision@gmail.com. They are available to assist any church in getting started in Deaf Ministry/Outreach.
At Celebration Church, anyone with a concern or interest for The Deaf is invited to share in our ministry and mission efforts. We are praying for God to bring about the people He chooses to help us move forward in this work. Although sometimes people don’t feel qualified, each person must walk in faith and watch God as He equips us for productivity. God doesn’t necessarily call the qualified or equipped, but He equips the “called.” The only ability He is looking for is one’s availability!
God has been doing some wonderful things with Hands of Vision of late and the Ministry is growing. Currently HOV is at the first level of Deaf Ministry which is an "Interpreted Ministry." We are now praying about and making plans to move to the next level of ministry, a "Teaching Ministry." NOW is an exciting time to become involved with HOV! You can take an active role in reaching out to the Deaf who are unchurched and who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
CLASS IS IN SESSION!
Currently we are holding two different types of classes on a regular basis for anyone who might be interested in sign language.
The first Saturday morning of each month Hands Of Vision members meet at Celebration Church for a time of devotion, learning. and fellowship.We also have used this time for different types of event, programs, activities, and classes that would be of interest for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of sign language and Deaf Ministry. If you would like to receive information about upcoming events and activities, please email handsofvision@gmail.com and request to be added to the mailing list.
Each Wednesday evening we also meet at Celebration to discuss ways to interpret the proposed worship songs for the upcoming weekend services. This is a great way to get other people's opinions and ideas about the process of interpreting and a wonderful way to improve your signing skills.
HOV continues to offer adult beginner ASL instruction. These are six week sessions. Currently a home class is being held in Bluff City on Mondays from 4:00p to 5:30p. It is our hope and prayer to offer classes for children and provide further education for students interested in the finer complexities of the language. If you are interested in joining the Hands of Vision deaf ministry please email handsofvision@gmail.com for more information.
Other Events and Ways to be Involved:
- Monthly Meeting (first Saturday morning of each month)
- Unity Celebration (Annual Sign Language Program)
- Signing Choir
- Wednesday (Signs for Worship class)
- Interpreting Team Member
- Relief Interpreting at Other Local Churches
- Drama Interpreting
- Performance Interpreting
- ASL/Sign Language Instructor
- Other Deaf Events such as Dollywood Deaf Days volunteer and much more ...
For more information contact Donna Good @ 423.538.4732.
