Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report

Transcription

1 Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report Volume 21 Issue 1 January, 2018 Ministry in Arkansas Wanda Watson and Kathy McCain are members of the Mountain View, Arkansas SDA Church. This is a small church in a town with less than 3,000 people. But it is very active and does outreach programs for the public. As a result, the church is growing. Wanda felt impressed by God to invite David and Francisca Trexler to support the Deaf ministry and visit the local Deaf. She talked with Kathy about it. Both agreed to invite the Trexlers. The Trexlers went to Mountain View, Arkansas from November 15 to 20. It was an important trip. After arriving at the Little Rock National Airport, they drove southwest to visit with Bill and Lavida Whitson. They are good friends of the Trexlers, going back In This Issue: 3 Deaf Awareness Sabbath 4 Unexpected Surprise 5 Live Streaming Services 6 DEAR Report 8 Thanksgiving Outreach 9 First SDA Deaf Men s Retreat 11 Catalog and Order Form Three Angels Deaf Ministries PO Box 1946 Greenbelt, MD adm@3adm.org Voice/VP: Fax: Francisca Trexler teaches Sabbath School at the Mountain View Church. Also pictured: Bonnie Fry, Bruce and Susan Buzzell, Wanda Watson, Winford Taylor, and Kathy McCain. to the Christian Deaf Center days in the 1980 s in Alpena, Arkansas. During the visit David performed a foot-washing service with Bill who has not attended church for a long time due to health and location. It was a very touching experience for Lavida and Bill. The Trexlers also went to see Kathy Hill, a lonely Deaf member in Heber Springs which is about an hour south of Mountain View. The visit was a blessing to her. On Friday, Wanda hosted a potluck dinner for those who came for a weekend of spiritual fellowship. This was a pleasant time. Visitors from other parts of Arkansas and Missouri joined the group for Sabbath. They were thrilled to meet some young Deaf people whom they know. It was a nice surprise for all of them. David was asked to preach to the hearing congregation with Esther Doss voice interpreting. The hearing loved having David speak to them and that the Deaf could truly worship with them. After worship service, they had fellowship all afternoon into the evening with a potluck meal at the church and an evening meal at Wanda s home. It was difficult for some to leave because they have been isolated for a long time. Another event is being planned at the same place for April 7, Photo by David Trexler

2 Page 2 Speaker s Dialogue: Don t Leave the Ship! Ellen G. White had a dream about a well-known pastor who left the church. In her vision she saw the pastor standing close to the edge of the ship during a storm. He said that he would leave the ship. He wanted to go into an unknown boat for safety. But the captain of the ship told him to stay on the ship because that unknown boat would sink. The pastor said No. He believed that the ship would not arrive at the harbor. But really, the unknown boat was not safe because it was worm-eaten. The captain pleaded with him saying that the boat would hit the rocks and sink. But, that pastor refused to listen to the captain and left the ship. This story had a very sad ending for the pastor who rejected the Adventist Church. The ship on the rough sea represented our church. But, God watched over His ship and brought it to the harbor safely. The unknown boat that the pastor got into sank. In other words, that pastor had a very sad life. He became a bitter man who fought against the church and the Spirit of Prophecy. He had serious human weaknesses. Ellen White tried to help him stay faithful to God. But he started to doubt her and the church. Later he became depressed and discouraged that Satan had led him away from the truth. Are you starting to doubt the Adventist church? The Bible? The Spirit of Prophecy? Are you discouraged because someone in church hurt you? Or because the church is struggling with some disagreements? Are you struggling with sin and temptations that seem to not go away? Are you disappointed that the pastor is not interested in you? Are you frustrated because some members and pastors are not following the Bible or live up to high standards? Do you feel that we are worshiping Ellen White? Do you struggle with how God destroyed some people for their sins in the Old Testament? If you are Deaf, are you disappointed that the church does not show support for your needs? Or maybe you are confused about the many recent discussions on the Godhead? Are YOU like that pastor who became discouraged and was tempted to leave the church? My answer to you is: Don t leave the ship! Yes, the ship is on some very rough sea waves. But this ship is going to make it! The captain is Jesus Christ. He is Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report guiding the ship (church). In the vision, He told the pastor not to leave but trust God. It is His church. Of course, the church is not perfect. This is because you and I are not perfect members. We are not perfect for we fight against the power of the sinful flesh in us. We also fight the power of darkness which attacks us all the time. Our strength and hope are in Jesus Christ who won the battle for us. We only need to trust Him who is guiding our church. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit who helps us overcome the power of sin in our lives. Trust in the Word of God, our love letter from God. Remember, many prophets in the Old Testament were lonely, rejected, and attacked by God s own people. They did not give up on the church of God (Israel). Why? Israel was the one that had the truth about God. Also Jesus was an Israelite! He did not say to leave Israel. He worked hard to change the lives of both Israelites and Gentiles who came to worship God. During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through each generation, the pure doctrines of heaven have been opening within its borders. Enfeebled [weak] and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God gives in a special sense His supreme love. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to show His power to transform hearts (Acts of the Apostles, 12, adapted). Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible time, but nevertheless it must happen. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. We must give up our self-righteousness and clothed in the Continued on page 3

3 Volume 21 Issue 1 Page 3 Deaf Awareness in Massachusetts The town of Lancaster, Massachusetts celebrated Accessibility Awareness for the entire month of October with events at various places in town. One of the events that occurred based on an agreement between the town officials and the College SDA Church was Accessibility Awareness Sabbath on October 21, 2017 at College SDA Church. The Sabbath program was organized by church member and town committee member, Carolyn Stump, included an invitation to the Deaf Everywhere Are Family (DEAF) group to explain more about their ministry and how to improve Deaf access to worship. A special offering was collected during worship service to support 3ADM. One program presentation made about Deaf Awareness was presented by Sheelah Kimbrough, a Deaf individual and Certified Deaf Interpreter. Sheelah, along with her husband Jason and Speaker Dialogue, Continued righteousness of Christ (2SM 380, adapted). On November 19, 1961 Michael Rockefeller, the youngest son of U.S. Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, disappeared in Pacific Ocean near New Guinea. Michael was on a scientific trip with three others in a 40 foot dugout canoe. The canoe capsized. Two guides told them to wait while they swam out to find help, but they never returned. Then Michael told the other scientist that he would go find the shore to find help. He left leaving the scientist at the capsized canoe. But, on the next day the scientist was rescued. Michael was never found. This story shows that leaving the ship is dangerous. Thinking you will find better help in another church or group is dangerous. Being alone without being with other members is dangerous too. Doing this has proven to be destructive to those who decided to leave the ship (church). You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming (Hebrews 10:24, 25, NCV). Don t leave the Ship! Jessica McGowan interprets for the College SDA Church pastor. Daughter Jade, made the trip up to Lancaster to take part of the Sabbath program. Both Sheelah and Jason interpreted for one of the Deaf-Blind members in attendance and later Jason led the afternoon Bible study. A table was set up with assorted brochures and information specifically related to Deaf ministry. This special Sabbath event was a great opportunity for connections to be made between the DEAF group and the hearing people who attended. One hearing member commented that he had learned quite a bit from the group that day while town official, Michael McCue, was thankful to learn new information about Deaf Culture. A special thank you to the town of Lancaster, College SDA Church, the Kimbrough family, and to all the other individuals who helped to make this Accessibility Day a success. Jessica McGowan Edited by Nohe Jarnes Jason Kimbrough interprets for a Deaf-Blind lady. Photo by David Trexler

4 Page 4 Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report Photo by Jim Hovey An Unexpected Surprise On our way home from visiting family & friends in the Midwest, we stopped to see the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. It is a unique place. The outside of the building is decorated with designs and murals using different colors of corn and other grains. The designs change each year. Right across the street from the Corn Palace, we saw the Valtiroty Shiloh s Tabernacle with a sign that says, Bible Land Walk-Thru. Of course, we were curious and went inside. It was like traveling in timemachine, visiting Old Testament times. There was a model of the Hebrew Tabernacle, Tables of the Law, Emblems of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a Nomadic Bedouin-like tent, Abraham s well, Presentation of the Great Controversy, etc. It was truly awesome. Anyone who goes through Mitchell, South Dakota should stop to visit. It also has a gift shop with T-shirts with spiritual words on them, books, and other things. As I was looking at books that were on a table, I began wondering about the owner s religion. Then I noticed a book written by Danny Shelton of 3ABN TV. I thought, Interesting that he would sell a book by a SDA author. And I noticed other books written by SDA authors. So I approached the owner and asked, Are you SDA? He replied firm Yes, I am! So I said, Me too! His eyes lighted up, he had a broad smile and we gave each other a high five. About the same time, Jim noticed a copy of the easy reading version of Margie Asks, Why Do People Jim, Bunny, and Ontinel take a photo with the book Margie Asks, Why, a book that 3ADM had printed. Jim and Bunny Hovey visited the Valtiroty Shiloh s Tabernacle in Mitchell, South Dakota. Have to Die? This book was David Trexler s long-time project, which 3ADM helped get printed by Review and Herald. The shop owner was thrilled to learn about this and asked Jim to sign his book. We ended up chatting with him for a while. Then he encouraged us to park our RV in the parking lot behind his shop. In the morning, we had a farewell prayer before getting back on the road. The guy who runs this shop is Ontinel C. Iancu. He is from Romania and so is his wife, but their three daughters were born in Israel. Now they live in California. He authored a book called Did You Not Know? Have You Not Heard? He witnesses to a few thousand people each year since he s across the street from a popular tourist attraction. We stopped at Mitchell because of the Corn Palace but ended up spending more time at Valtiroty Shiloh s Tabernacle and we were glad we did! Bunny Hovey Live-Stream Evangelistic Meetings! The Southern Deaf Fellowship will host the What If...? evangelistic series of meetings beginning on February 10. It will be streamed live over the Internet. The times are 6:30pm and 7:30pm on Saturday and Sunday evenings for four weekends. For more information contact Pastor Jordan at jwjordan@gccsda.com. Photo by Jim Hovey

5 Volume 21 Issue 1 Page 5 Response to Live Streaming Church Services Several Deaf people recently expressed deep appreciation to 3ADM for having a live-streamed worship service hosted by the DEAF group in Silver Spring, Maryland. They enjoy learning from different speakers such as David Trexler, Jason Kimbrough, and Margie English. They said the online services really uplifted their spiritual lives. Here are some comments from our viewers: I learned something new from the speaker. It is worth to have a live streaming church program. California I deeply appreciate of having live stream. I truly am spoiled by it. Arizona I enjoyed watching it. South Dakota It is worth it to have live streaming because when I was sick and was not able to go to church. I am glad that I am able to watch the speaker in live streaming. Washington I enjoyed watching the speaker live stream. I too learned new insights. Florida You, too, can watch live streaming by going Jason Kimbrough prepares to speak for worship services with the camera and technical gear set up to allow for live-streaming. to the 3ADM website on Sabbath mornings at: or you can use your Roku and use the Livestream channel and search for the Three Angels Deaf Ministries account. Photo by David Trexler Big Deaf Day in Seattle The Seattle Adventists Deaf had special weekend event on November 3-5, The Deaf Ministry at Volunteer Park Church in Seattle invited Alan Meis to come and speak to the Deaf visitors. Alan s presentations were called Nothing is Too Hard for God! More than 30 people were in attendance from different areas: northern WA, Canada, and Portland. If you would like to see Alan s presentations, you can search for Deaf Ministry located in Washington Conference on Facebook. In the video section, you will find Alan s videos. Nohelani Jarnes

6 Page 6 Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report DEAR 2017 difficult decision for her but the Lord has blessed her. Dates for the 2018 DEAR are October 25 to 28. Plan to come to our lovely place in the mountains with beautiful fall colors. David Trexler Thomas and Jade enjoy being outside during the DEAR Retreat and DYAC Camp Meeting Photo by Esther Doss Deaf Evangelistic Adventist Fellowship (DEAF) hosted the DEAR camp meeting at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, VA on November 2 to 4. The camp meeting has been at Camp Blue Ridge for many years. It is a favorite location and time of the year because of the fall colors in the mountains. Margie English, a member of DEAF, was the camp meeting speaker. She shared four presentations on Victory in the Great Controversy. About 40 people attended the camp meeting. DYAC had its meetings in another building but we fellowshipped together during free times and meals. On Sabbath, we were delighted to witness the baptisms of four persons. It did not rain when we started the baptism but rain started to fall at the end of the service. We were delighted to use a sauna pool for the baptism because the weather was cloudy and cold. The water was heated by a wood stove and was very warm. The four who were baptized were Christopher and Lisa Emery from Maryland and Ezra and Senovia Miller from Tennessee. Lisa Emery was a faithful Lutheran. She surprised us when she announced her decision to be baptized into our church earlier that day. It was a

7 Volume 21 Issue 1 Page 7 DYAC 2017 The Deaf Young Adults for Christ (DYAC) had their annual camp November 2-4 during the DEAR Camp Meeting at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, VA. This camp is for people between the ages eighteen and thirty-eight. Fourteen young adults came together for this event. They brought with them seven CODA children. Amanda Colgan, DYAC secretary said, We had four new people [this year] and three are currently having Bible studies with DYAC members. The theme was Renew: Mind. Body. Spirit. based on Romans 12:2. Sheelah Kimbrough gave a presentation on health and NEWSTART. Amanda Colgan gave a presentation on emotional intelligence, showing how emotions and behavior are strongly linked to our minds. Josiah Kelly led a group discussion on how we can grow spiritually. Lastly, DYAC members, directed by Jason Kimbrough, gave a wonderful performance on the life of Martin Luther on Sabbath evening to the regular DEAR camp attendees. DYAC recognizes the need for young adults to come together to learn, to gain experiences, to support each other and to develop lasting friendships. DYAC leaders are: Josiah Kelly, President; Farrah Gooding-Santiago, Vice-President; Songhoa Choi, Treasurer; Amanda Colgan, Secretary; Alan Meis, Advisor; and Sheelah Kimbrough, Advisor. If you would like to know more information about DYAC Camp 2018, the weekly Friday night online group Bible study, or general information contact DYAC at dyacdeaf@gmail.com. Note that the weekly Friday Bible study group is for people of any age. Amanda Colgan Take a Look at Our Website * Watch videos and live streaming * Learn about Deaf ministry * Read the Interpreter Connection newsletter * Find dates for special events * Order materials * Find a church with Deaf services * Donate Photo supplied by Ronda Alexander

8 Page 6 Several Deaf Groups Hold Thanksgiving Meals At least three Deaf groups had Thanksgiving meals to invite the Deaf community to. This has been a way to make friends and break down walls of prejudice and distrust. Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report Tennessee The Southern Deaf Fellowship also hosted their Thanksgiving Dinner on November Group photo at the DEAF Thanksgiving Dinner in Silver Spring, MD people from the Deaf community came for food and fellowship. Francisca Trexler performed a play after the dinner. Photo by David Trexler Maryland The DEAF at Silver Spring, MD hosted their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 12. It was the day before the Deaf Ministry Committee s yearly meeting at the North American Division. Some of the committee members joined in the fun and all enjoyed their time immensely. Delicious vegetarian dishes and desserts were plentiful for everyone. Washington The Deaf ministry in Washington held their third annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 19. The group was small this year, but they certainly had fun. They met at the Volunteer Park SDA Church in Seattle and played games, ate lots of delicious food and shared stories of thankfulness. Photo supplied by Nohelani Jarnes Photo supplied by Jeff Jordan Tim Connelly horsing around with the decorations at the Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington. Fifty people enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at the SDF Church.

9 Volume 21 Issue 1 Page 9 Pacific Northwest Deaf Bible Fellowship Men s Retreat Photo supplied by Nohelani Jarnes The first Pacific Northwest Deaf Bible Fellowship Men s Retreat was held December 15 to 17 in a beautiful area near Newberg, Oregon. It was the first time for Adventist Deaf Men have their own retreat. It was a success with 21 men from Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington. Pastor Alfred Griffith AMEN in Washington Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) is a group of Adventist medical doctors who serve God in ministry together. AMEN came to Tacoma, A few of the interpreters and Deaf who came to AMEN in Tacoma. was the feature speaker. He gave a series of three presentations: God Serves Men; Men Serve God; and Men Serve Others. During free time they played games and enjoyed other activities. Many shared that it was a spiritual event that really helped them to be a better person in Christ. Washington on November 10 and 12, 2017 to give free medical, dental, vision and chiropractic care. About 470 volunteers came from 4 states. 627 individuals were treated who might not be able to afford help. Seven Deaf patients came and four sign language interpreters volunteered. One volunteer interpreter from the community was impressed with AMEN and said, It s nice to see medical staff care about the community enough to donate their time back to help with the huge need. Nohelani stated, I was thankful to be part of an outreach that was a huge witness to our community and drew people in. Nohelani Jarnes

10 Page 6 Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report A Strange Accident I went to Sprouts Market to get things for my wife Janette s to cook with. After I shopped for a few things, I walked out of the store and looked both ways to walk across the crosswalk. Suddenly a big oversized truck came toward me. I felt a heavy pressure behind me, and I automatically lifted up my right hand toward truck s front end. I felt the hood when I turned my head. At the same time, my legs hurled up in the air for no reason. While I was in the air, I pushed my hand away from the truck and both my feet landed safely on ground. The driver and his wife who as in the passenger seat were shocked that it happened but I was not hurt at all. I calmly looked at them with forgiveness in my heart and walked away as if nothing had ever happened to me. At that moment, I thought of my daughters who had enough grief from losing their mom. Also, I was greatly glad that Janette was not to be a widow. Thank you, Lord! was all I could say to Him. Thank You for watching over us daily. I wish to share God s loving message to all of us. Donations In Memory of... Edith Hotchkiss by Karmen Buckey, Sara Johnston, Carole DeWoody Shawn M. Johnston by Sara Johnston Florence Neuin by Lorraine Schell In Honor of... Marvin Budd by Luis Leonor Tari Jenkins by Raymond Pulera Janette and Steve Bielik Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not Luke 12:40 (KJV). And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light Romans 13:11, 12 (KJV). After my shock from this unexpected event, my right leg felt sore. But I am still walking and my legs are bending as normal. Last night, while Janette and I chatted before retiring to bed, my human time was frozen and saw God s eternal time. He took His time and intervened for me. I felt my human time and His time made a crossroad, and I saw God s presence as eternal and yet unseen. Thank you, Lord, Thy will be done as we tell others of His love!! Steve Bielik Photo supplied by Steve Bielik 3ADM Board of Directors Bruce Buzzell, Chairperson Paul Kelly, Vice-Chairperson Chuck McGehee, Treasurer Alfred Griffith, Secretary George Belser Marvin Budd Margie English 3ADM Staff David M. Trexler Speaker/Director Francisca Trexler Assistant Director Esther Doss Public Relations/Development Three Angels Deaf Ministries Report is a bimonthly publication of Three Angels Deaf Ministries. Contributors to the ministry receive this report for two years from the date of their most recent gift. Three Angels Deaf Ministries, a nonprofit ministry, shares the saving truths of Jesus Christ with the Deaf through easy reading literature, the Internet, public evangelism, outreach training, and more. For operation, we depend on the gifts and prayers of caring Christians who believe in our mission.

11 3ADM Catalog -- All prices include USA shipping AMAZING BIBLE TRUTHS SERIES (7 DVDs) $ Bible topics in ASL by Francisca Trexler. (no voice) THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST VIDEO SERIES A set of 13 DVDs with 26 programs in ASL by $ Pastor David Trexler. Includes study notes. (with voice) SIGNS OF GOD S LOVE DVDs Presentations by Esther Doss as she explores different places in the outdoors. (with voice) #1 - Salvation and God s love $ 8.00 #2 - What happens when you die? $ 8.00 #3 - God s law of love #4 - The Sabbath $ 8.00 $ 8.00 #5 - Jesus second coming $ 8.00 #6 - Heaven and choices #7 - The eight laws of health $ 8.00 $ 8.00 #8 - The beginning and end of evil $ 8.00 #9 - Creationism and Young Age of the Earth $ 8.00 LAST DAY EVENTS DVD with David Trexler $ 8.00 What will happen in the future? (with voice) SIGNS OF GOD S LOVE and LAST DAY EVENTS DVDs Orders of 20 or more - each DVD $ 6.00 Orders of 100 or more - each DVD $ 4.00 BIBLE ADVENTURES DVD $ Bible stories for children in sign language (no voice) OUR WORLD A THEATER IN GOD S UNIVERSE (DVD) The battle between God and Satan Hard Case $ Paper Sleeve $ 8.00 THE SEVENTH DAY (5 DVDs) $ The history of the Sabbath. (CLOSED CAPTIONED) KEEPERS OF THE FLAME SERIES (2 DVDs) $ part series on the history of the Christian church, and the Adventist church. (ENGLISH SUBTITLES) THE FINAL EVENTS (DVD) What the Bible says about the last days by Doug Batchelor. (43 minutes - ENGLISH SUBTITLES) In Hard Case $ In Paper Sleeve $ 8.00 CAN YOU HEAR US? $ 2.00 A quick reference guide to Deaf Ministry. Orders of 20 to 49 - each booklet $ 1.50 Orders of 50 or more - each booklet $ 1.00 MARGIE ASKS WHY, EASY READING (Book) $ 8.00 The story about the battle between God and Satan. STEPS TO CHRIST, EASY READING (Book) $ 8.00 A book that leads us to a better relationship with Jesus. THE STORY OF REDEMPTION, EASY READING $ 8.00 Tells how sin began and how Jesus will save His people from sin & eternal death. EASY-READING BAPTISMAL STUDIES $ fundamental beliefs studies for baptismal candidates. SILENTLY GUIDED (Book) $ Mario Romero s remarkable life s journey. Product Name Quantity Price Subtotal Name Total Address Phone City State Zip Credit Card Number Expiration Date / CVV (on the back) ** Please print. Contact us for orders outside the USA for shipping costs. Please make your check payable to: Three Angels Deaf Ministries PO Box 1946 Greenbelt, MD 20768

12 Three Angels Deaf Ministries PO Box 1946 Greenbelt, MD Address Service Requested Inside This Issue: * An Unexpected Surprise * Thanksgiving Meals Bring Friends * First SDA Deaf Men s Retreat * A Strange Accident