Sign Me Up!

| May 18, 2011 | Comments (1)

I am excited to announce that a new sign language class and Deaf/ASL Bible Study group just had their first meeting this past Saturday, May 14th, at the Pellissippi Campus of Faith Promise Church.

The ASL sign language class is being held on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:30 pm and the Deaf Bible Study group will be meeting right after the sign language class from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, both in Room 222.
George Sierra, a regular attendee here at Faith Promise Church, and a Deaf ASL instructor, will be teaching the sign language class at the beginning level. George will also be leading the Deaf Bible Study group. George would like anyone who is interested in attending the sign language class to feel welcome to also attend the following group meeting as well.

George recently shared with me that one of his dreams is that the speaking community of Faith Promise Church and the greater Knoxville area would form friendships with the Deaf community. He says the people in his world are starved for relationships with hearing people. If you have not noticed, our Deaf community here at Faith Promise Church attend the 6:00 pm Saturday night service and sit up front on the right hand side of the worship center facing the stage. So let’s do our best Faith Promise, to help our Deaf friends get and feel connected to the whole body. If you are interested, sign up for the class, or at the very least, take some time before, or after, a Saturday night service to make some new friends with the people that sit up front on the right. Don’t worry if you can’t sign, there are interpreters serving in that area that would love to help you communicate with each other. If there is not an interpreter around, use a pen and paper. Remember, there is no interpreter needed for hugs or handshakes!

Also, George is planning to start an online Deaf/ ASL Bible Study Group soon. More details on that as soon as they become finalized.

Below is a recent letter we received about George from his Groups Coach:

Dear Brad and Rob,

I just wanted to thank you for your compassion and care for people. Yesterday, Rob helped George set up his first meeting for the ASL sign language class he is beginning at the church, and the Deaf/ASL/ small group Bible Study that meets afterward. Rob took the time previously to meet with George and an interpreter to help him understand more about the vision of FPC with Small Groups. Rob is also providing support in that he has also offered to help set up the Deaf online bible study group that George wants to start. Deaf people are the world’s 5th largest un-churched people group. I know these groups will be used by God to reach lost people and disciple new Christians.

Yesterday, with me as an interpreter, Brad responded immediately and compassionately to George’s spontaneous request for prayer after the service. George had listened to Pastor Chris’s message and realized he needed to share information regarding his current situation and allow another Christian to come alongside him in prayer to “help hold the ladder.” Brad responded in a tangible way to help meet a need he had previously known nothing about. Just like previously when another group from FPC had helped them move, George saw instant proof of God’s promise to provide, and a tangible demonstration of the love of his church family.

I am so blessed to be going to a church that loves others the way Christ would. Thank you so much for the love and compassion you constantly show to others, not because it is your job, but because you are fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for your life by being the hands and feet of Jesus. You are living the message preached by Pastor Chris this weekend, and heaven will be a fuller and more joyful place because of it. I am overwhelmed by the honor of being a member of such a church.

In the meantime, thank you for helping to guide and support George in the work God has planned for him. Thank you both for all you do. I know this was just one small snapshot of very full days and weeks, but I just wanted you to know that you are greatly loved by God, and appreciated by His people.

I am honored to be involved with George and his group. Thank you for this opportunity!

RF

Category: Groups - General

This post was written by Rob Patrick: View author profile.

Short url: http://fpchur.ch/iw

  • http://www.websiteworld.com Mike Biddle

    Wow cool, just yesterday I was thinking about learning some sign language when I was at Sam’s club and saw a mom and daughter signing to each other!