Apparently I go into hibernation every winter, or so it appears from my web content. To be fair, the bed is much warmer than the chair and even the sun hides its face for a greater percentage of the day. My sincere intentions to improve are met by the voices that never sleep:
- but first, this prerequisite (and its prerequisite)
- oohh…Shiny!!
- you have some responsibilities in your backlog
- that’ll take longer than you have right now, just wait
- does it really matter?
- others are doing it better — let them
So – with intention renewed, here’s the update…
We did finish and release Dr. Wonder’s Workshop (the TV show) to several broadcasters as well as adding it to our God Loves Deaf Kids app.
The app continues to grow with new activities and new video content, such as the Deaf Awareness series we presented last Fall. Unfortunately, we had an urgent issue pop up in our latest platform update — understandable, but frustrating. Since it’s clearly an app focused on serving children, Apple and Google see it as a child-only app which should come under certain protective measures. These requirements don’t apply to (and aren’t supported by) the platform developed for church engagement and discipleship. In response, we’re hustling to beef up our long awaited Parent’s Resources section, while we also move forward in other things.
One of our steps forward is the God’s Word for Deaf Kids project. We began publishing memory verses in ASL for kids (simplified) last week. We have a small stockpile, and we’re desperate to get more created so we can keep a pace of weekly verses. See www.SilentBlessings.org/Memory for more details.
We remain stalled, even sliding downhill, on finances. It’s no surprise that the ripple effects of COVID include reduction in donations and a resulting inability to pay staff to keep the work going. It’s just the reality, but it’s also the cause of increased anxiety — because it means that Deaf children and their families, and churches, can’t get the quality, biblically accurate, and child-oriented resources they need to develop a foundation of faith in Jesus.
Worse, as we’ve seen recently, the big dollars and deep pockets are determined to introduce adult topics to small children. Their innocence is being threatened and, for Deaf children, their churches and families lack the resources to turn their eyes and hearts to Jesus. This is no time to give up the ship.
Personally, I’m still being sustained by God’s grace and provision. He’s proven over and again that He will supply my needs, and He’s still not saying much about how He will do that next. I’m still in the home I moved to in 2014. The family plans to rent the home out soon, and there are people seeking to rent in this community, but for now I’m still here as caretaker & security. Oh, and the cat has a new home, an answer to prayer.
I have another living arrangement available to me, when needed, and it’s also an hour away from the office. It includes the opportunity to improve my signing skills in a Deaf household, and it’s within the Indianapolis metro/suburb area instead of several towns away. Honestly, I’m still looking for something closer to the office where I can trade the commute for focused time at the ministry, and where I can pick up another part time job nearby.
This is where most rational people ask, “why not get a full time tech job and donate money instead of hours?” Well, because actively using my energy and skills in Deaf ministry is precisely why I left my tech job in 2009. I’ve had opportunities to consider reversing that decision, and I admit it’s occasionally tempting (like now). But it’s rather like asking David, “why face the giant?” or asking Esther, “why not keep your mouth shut and your head in place?” I chose this because I was chosen for this, no turning back.
So – how can you come alongside on the journey? The answers are still the same, right out of Ministry 101…
- Pray, because that’s the key that God has chosen for working in the hearts of people. Specifically now, our team needs encouragement.
- Learn about this people group – Deaf here and around the world, and especially Deaf children. Once their stories are real to you, you’ll be better informed in your prayers and better prepared to speak to others on their behalf.
- Speak, raise awareness of the need, advocate for those touching your realm of influence, and get the word out that we are working to bring Jesus to the most vulnerable and spiritually isolated people group (and we need help).
- Give, in any way you feel led — volunteer, network, lodging in NE Indianapolis, gift cards for food & fuel, or tax-deductible donations to Silent Blessings.
I’ll try to get another update out before next Spring. I know, I’ve said that before — but I always mean it, honest. Meanwhile, let me know how you’re doing. Messenger, Marco Polo, Zoom, paper mail, phone, text… and even a live visit if you give me a 1-hr warning so I can drive home or wash dishes. 🙂