International (MNN) — Have you ever heard of the “like attracts like” principle? It suggests that similar things are attracted to one another.
DOOR International’s Rob Myers says the principle applies to Deaf ministry. He explains that Deaf missionaries are more effective at reaching Deaf communities for Christ because “Deaf people connect with other Deaf people in ways that hearing people just can’t.”
In its 2-by-2 program, DOOR trains and equips pairs of Deaf Gospel workers to reach Deaf communities. More about that here.
“Typically, one [worker is] more focused and more skilled in the area of evangelism and sharing the Gospel, and one more skilled in teaching [and] in discipling,” Myers explains.
After completing their training, workers are sent to Deaf communities that have no churches or Gospel access. Using their complementary skills, these Deaf believers seek to introduce the community to Christ – often for the first time.
(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)
“They’re building relationships with other Deaf people, sharing the Gospel, beginning to disciple others, planting Deaf churches, and growing Deaf leaders,” Myers says.
“We always work through indigenous Deaf leaders, but when there aren’t indigenous Deaf leaders available, [DOOR will send] in Deaf missionaries from countries, hopefully nearby, to grow and disciple Deaf leaders within those communities.”
Language and cultural barriers keep Deaf communities disconnected from the truth of Christ. However, when Deaf believers explain the Gospel in sign language, many Deaf people begin to understand for the first time.
“Most Deaf communities around the world are unreached with the Gospel, even in countries where there are quite a number of hearing churches. Some people might think about giving written materials to help Deaf people at least read the Gospel, but we learn to read based on sound, and that’s not the experience that Deaf people have,” Myers says.
“Deaf people need the Gospel in their own heart language, which is signed language, and so that really is the focus of DOOR International’s ministry.”
Over the years, DOOR has supported 40 2-by-2 teams in 15 countries, which have planted over a thousand Deaf-led churches. By donating today, you can help DOOR equip Deaf leaders to reach their communities.
Header and story images courtesy of DOOR International.
