International (MNN) — An international Deaf Ministry Coalition is bridging communication and information gaps in the mission field and on the home front. “That primary group grew out of a conference called Finishing the Task back in 2019 when there was a real emphasis and a highlight on Deaf ministry,” DOOR International’s Rob Myers says.
“It became clear that there needed to be a platform for Deaf ministries to work together more broadly, as well as for Hearing organizations to get information about Deaf ministry.”
Deaf believers laid the initial plans for this coalition in January 2020. But then along came a pandemic, and priorities had to shift. Now, with systems restored and needs under control, Deaf leaders can put their plans into action.
“The hope is for the DMC to begin a website, as well as a Facebook page, to provide some best practices, basic information, and give people an opportunity to network together,” Myers says.
Explaining how the system would work, Myers says: “If one ministry organization is working in a particular country and they’d like to know about Deaf resources or Deaf people working [in the same] country, they can reach out, get that information, and connect to a local ministry.”
(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)
Regional vs. global approach?
Deaf ministry coalitions already exist on a regional basis in Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Europe-Eurasia, and the Americas. However, most of them focus only on sign language Bible translation.
“While these regional organizations are going to play a key role in Bible translation, the question is much broader than that,” Myers says.
The Deaf Ministry Coalition seeks to inform and connect believers across all areas of Deaf ministry: evangelism and discipleship, church planting, leadership development, youth ministry, etc. Plus, the DMC takes a global approach, whereas regional alliances serve a specific audience.
Pray the Deaf Ministry Coalition can streamline global efforts and make them more effective.
“Having this coalition [helps] ensure that good Deaf leadership is happening [in the field],” Myers says.
“It’s easy for Deaf ministry to begin with good intentions, but not necessarily with good approaches.”
Ask the Lord to give Deaf leaders wisdom and innovation. It can be intimidating to start something brand new.
“We have so many great Deaf leaders within DOOR and several other Deaf organizations coming together to see this Deaf Ministry Coalition happen,” Myers says.
In the header image, Deaf leaders discuss the Deaf Ministry Coalition. (Photo courtesy of Deaf Missions)
