Well, it's official! As of the end of December, Rob will be stepping out of his full-time teaching position at Bethel, and we will join DOOR International.
Many of you have followed us as we headed over to Kenya this summer for six weeks. (If you haven't please feel free to read some of our previous posts.) During that time, we became more deeply acquainted with the various parts of the ministry, as well as the need among the global Deaf community for translation of the Bible into the various 400+ sign languages. After some time of fasting and prayer, we felt God's hand leading us in the direction of joining DOOR. Rob will train to become a linguistic consultant, and that training will take place predominantly in Kenya over the next two or so years.
It's been quite a journey to take us from where we were ten years ago to this point. We came to Bethel College in 2004, with Rob fresh out of graduate school at the University of California at Berkeley with his Ph.D. in Math. We had very little contact with the Deaf community prior to that, and no knowledge of sign language. Since that time, we have had the opportunity to learn sign language, and more importantly, become connected to the lives of so many amazing people in the Deaf community. The Deaf need to hear that they are valued in God's eyes, and that they have gifts that can serve his kingdom. But in the words of Paul, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?" (Rom. 10:14-15a) (One interesting and sad note: This verse was often used to conclude that Deaf people cannot be saved, as they cannot hear. [Clearly, Paul's use of "hear" means something deeper than simply sound hitting the eardrum.] Ironically, God used this very same verse to call us into Deaf ministry!)
Thus, we feel God is sending us, and we appreciate your prayers and support as we prepare to go. We will likely be moving around April, and there is quite a bit to do between now and then. The work of Bible translation cannot go on without the support of the global Church. Many of you have a heart for Deaf ministry, but perhaps you either have no opportunity to learn sign language to the point where you could assist the Deaf community, or no opportunity to go. If that's the case, supporting us is a great way to impact God's kingdom among the Deaf. For more information or to donate, please click here. If you are interested in continuing to hear all that is happening, please contact us with your mailing address, phone number, and email address, so we can add you to our contact list. Please send your email to this address:
We would love to stay connected with you!
As we reflect on how God has brought us through this journey, we're reminded of Paul's words in Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
