 The Right Gift to Meet the Need: 10-10-10 Missionary Assists in Deaf Shalom Zone |
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by Carol Stevens |
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Carol Stevens, is a 10-10-10 missionary of the Baltimore Annual Conference and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. An American Sign Language Interpreter and therapist, she is assigned as Coordinator of the Deaf Shalom Zone of Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf in Baltimore, Maryland. “The most exciting aspect of my ministry is helping the volunteers, deaf and hearing to discern their gifts and matching them with opportunities to manifest the Spirit of Christ in the world,” says Ms. Stevens. “No matter how unusual the request, God is faithful to provide the person with the right gift to meet the need.” “When I was blessed to be able to respond to God’s call on my life through becoming a 10-10-10 missionary, I never dreamed of the many ways I would serve,” says Carol Stevens. Active in the deaf community as an American Sign Language interpreter and therapist, she now coordinates this faith-based program which endeavors to meet needs of the deaf community of metropolitan Baltimore. Sharing incidents of her ministry in action, she names many unusual ways that she has been called to serve. “An 80 year old deaf woman frantically signed to me, her fear of going blind if she did not have eye surgery–adding that she had no one to give her the drops required before the surgery. I stayed with her overnight administer the needed eye drops. “A 45-year-old reclusive mentally ill deaf man with almost no knowledge of sign language is abandoned when his over-protective father drops dead while shoveling snow. Unable to care for himself, the deaf man is taken to the emergency room by the police. Through the advocacy of the Deaf Shalom, the deaf man is discharged to home where he is to stay for three days until his father’s funeral takes place and he is placed in a group home. Bewildered and unable to care for himself, he is incapable of staying at home alone. I stay and support him through the trauma. “I have also served as leader of three mission teams to Kenya and Zimbabwe to do deaf ministry on a global level. It is most rewarding to be part of a church in mission with deaf people not only in the U.S. but throughout the world. Since our first trip in 1997 to our most recent trip in June of 2002, God has worked through our Deaf Teams to transform the lives of deaf people. “In Kenya two new deaf churches have formed. A deaf school where no one knew sign language now has a deaf teacher’s aide who brought language to the deaf children. Deaf children who four years ago knew no sign language now lead worship, sign, pray and work. “In Zimbabwe, there was no standardized sign language for deaf people in 2002. Nor was there an effective deaf community, or religious service in any denomination for deaf people other than interpreted Mass once a month in the capital city. Now there is a deaf community organization with training and work projects. There is a nationwide sports competition for deaf children and deaf adults which brings deaf people together and encourages communication and community. There is the being of desire for God and church. We ask prayerfully that God will touch the leaders of the church to recognize and value the unique gifts that deaf people bring to the church. I give thanks for the blessing of which I am a part as a 10-10-10 missionary in metropolitan Baltimore and throughout the world. We ask your prayers and support of deaf ministry and ministry to all people who are marginalized. If you or your church wish to bless our work with contributions you many send your gift to the 10-10-10 missionary program through Advance #194648-5; or to the National Committee on Ministries to People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and Deaf-Blind through Advance #982562-7. For more information about the Shalom Zone at Chrrist United Methodist Church of the Deaf, please see “Related Links” at the bottom of this page.
Date posted: Sep 26, 2002 |
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