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.

I still have the church bulletin from July 24. The message that day really spoke to my heart. The theme was “Faith in Action” and the message featured Andrew—one of Jesus’ disciples. Remember? I’m not sure what impressed me so much about Andrew. Maybe it was the fact that he was a “go getter” who immediately shared the good news he had discovered with his brother. Maybe it was the fact that even though busy, he dropped everything to follow Christ. Maybe the connection was that Andrew took note of a child and brought him to Jesus—allowing that kid to be part of something BIG. One thing for sure—Andrew was the kind of guy who made a DIFFERENCE! That difference started with his family and created a ripple effect that would impact the world. I want to be like Andrew! I want an active faith. I want to be part of a movement that IMPACTS. Do you have that passion?

If you are passionate about being used of God to transform lives and impact the Wentzville community for Christ, the Good News Club® ministry is for you! Our church has launched its first after-school Good News Club at Heritage Intermediate School! It meets on Tuesday afternoons in the school’s multi-purpose room.

In 2001, the doors were opened to take the Bible into public schools. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Club v. Milford Central School that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. Since then, thousands of after-school Good News Clubs were born! Mat Staver, the Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel said, “The Good News Club gives the local church the way to carry the Gospel into the public school, then involve the kids and their families in your church.” That’s the goal of this outreach ministry!

God can use teens, retirees, homeschool families and others who would be willing to be available on Tuesday afternoons to lead the Good News Club. Child Evangelism Fellowship® has training available that will help prepare you for this action-packed outreach opportunity that includes a Bible lesson, memory verse, songs, games, snacks and more. Unsaved children will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be invited to receive Him as Savior. Saved children will be challenged to grow in their faith.

Here are some specific ways you can help:

• Pray! Pray for the teaching team to be faithful and true. Pray that God will bring the children of His choosing to the Good News Club at Heritage Intermediate.
• Join the team! There’s a screening process required for each participant who has contact with children. If you are not already background checked by our church, Child Evangelism Fellowship will cover the cost of your background check. When approved, you will receive a nametag that identifies you as a screened volunteer. If you need instructions for the screening process, feel free to e-mail me at .
• Bring kids to Good News Club! Public school facilities for after-school activities held in the Wentzville school district do not open until 4:00 PM—well after school has dismissed. That means that children who want to attend Good News Club will need to leave school property and then return for the club. You can help by bringing children to the club location.
• Spread the word! Every child needs parental permission to attend Good News Club. Permission slips are available at the church office. They are also in the offices of Heritage Intermediate and Heritage Elementary. I’d be glad to e-mail you a document you can print and share! Children from any school/homeschool are welcome to attend!

Everyone who wants to make a difference can have a part in the Good News Club ministry! Let’s reach our “Jerusalem” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Let’s be part of a movement that impacts! Let’s ask God to help us reach the children and families of the fastest growing city in Missouri for Christ.

Want to learn more about the Good News Club ministry? Go to www.cefonline.com/goodnewsclub for more information!