Becky King is deaf. It is difficult for people who can hear to really understand what it is like to be completely deaf. Even reading is a challenge. English is a language of words; sign language is a language of pictures. For Becky, a Christian, it is difficult to read and understand the concepts of the Bible and theological words like “justification”, “righteousness” or “sanctification.” They are meaningful words, but are terrible to sign!

Sadly, that was not the only challenge in Becky’s life. She was once married to a man who could hear, and who did not share Becky’s Christian faith. One of the biggest challenges for a deaf/hearing marriage is that the hearing person must be willing to learn to use sign language to communicate with the deaf spouse. Not only did this marriage suffer because of communication issues, but their struggles were compounded because they were not one in Christ. Becky went through a lot of tough times as her marriage and life fell apart.

Becky King (left) studies with Deloris Erlandson, member of Our Savior Deaf, Madison.

During those tough times, God continued to work in Becky’s life. Some of her friends who are members of Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church in Madison witnessed to her and invited her to come to church with them. She attended a few times over the years. They kept on encouraging her until she finally joined the Deaf Bible Study group, using materials specifically designed for the deaf. These materials are prepared in sign language and simplified English called Deaf PAH. The 16 classes prepare God’s people to see Jesus and to serve Him as their Lord and Savior. Becky’s faith blossomed and grew as she studied God’s Word. She and her son joined the church and she became involved in life and community in the congregation.

But God was not finished with Becky. Her friends encouraged her to continue her studies in God’s Word and to become a Deaconess through the Deaf Institute of Theology (DIT) at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

“I had to take a few challenging exams prior to entering the DIT," Becky says. "I was accepted by them! I then started studying Bible materials and classes with Pastor Reinke. It’s amazing how much I have learned since September! I pray the Lord to give me the strength by sending the Holy Spirit in me and keep my flaming desire to learn and study it!”

Becky gets further help with her DIT studies from Pastor John Reinke, Our Savior Deaf, Madison.

Becky’s friends followed the example found in Mark 7, where some other friends brought another deaf person to see Jesus in the flesh. God is still leading deaf people today, like Becky, to see that same Jesus, witness to others about Him in their silence, sharing and teaching God’s Word to the 98% of deaf people who do not know Him. Most of these families have no connection with Jesus; they are lost and lonely. It is our hope and prayer that others who are deaf will be led to become the future leaders, teachers, deaconesses and pastors who are able to witness in silence.

The Lutheran Deaf Mission Society – South Wisconsin Branch is reaching out to equip more deaf people to serve Jesus through:

• Technology: www.ustream.tv/DeafPAH to train people around the area and across the country;
• Deaf-friendly materials: Deaf edition of Luther’s Small Catechism, over 50 deaf people in southern Wisconsin are involved in Deaf PAH training available at www.DeafJesus.org.
• Regional workshops equipping leaders in all areas of congregational life.

To learn more, contact the Lutheran Deaf Mission Society-South Wisconsin Branch, 608-752-0229 or e-mail JesusPah@yahoo.com.