Thanks to each of you who support us through your prayers, encouragement and financial support. We hope you are encouraged by our April 2011 newsletter. May God bless you, and please remember to pray for us and those we work with.
What if fireman couldn't talk?
Most can't, when it comes to communicating with the Deaf. Imagine an emergency situation with injuries or fire or other upsetting event, and those responding to assist & rescue can't communicate clearly with the victim?
One of our newest students is a fireman (who also brings his wife and 3 children to class - all hearing). We always pleased when hearing Christians show self motivation and dedication to learn sign language, but what surprised us most was when Jose asked us to teach the fire department of his large town. After meeting with his commander, we've scheduled a class at their station, especially for the firemen.
We thank God for this development, even though this isn't one of our main goals in ministry. We look forward to building relationships with more community leaders, sharing the Gospel with them, and helping them to serve the Deaf more effectively. Please pray for these firemen and we'll let you know what God does in their hearts!
Previously around Easter, we explained about a nearby town that was very strongly Catholic and went "all out" for Easter. They decorate the streets with huge murals made of colored sawdust and hold parades with religious icons and scenes of Jesus last days. Last fall we received invitations to start a class in this town - Comayagua. We meet weekly in a church which is pastored by a Deaf man. About 12 years ago he went Deaf due to a brain tumor.
The odd thing is that he won't attend class or learn sign language. I've explained he has an amazing opportunity but so far he doesn't seem to agree! Telling him how the stroke I had in 2000 changed the direction of my life did bring tears to his eyes, so maybe God is working in his heart in this area?
He has been very well educated, knows the Bible well, has pastored for decades, and could be a great help to the Deaf IF he would learn their (and his) language. Thank God his daughter attends faithfully and he allows us to hold classes in his church.
Another praise to God is that this class is where we met Jose & his family (the fireman in the article above). God often works in ways we don't understand, so we press on and trust He knows the best way.
Please pray the class continues to make progress, and that God will continue to open doors to reach into their community.
This class has some great college age stuents and a couple of faithful families, as well as kids that study between classes!
Good Word Ministries relies on our Lord to provide for our support, books, Bibles, and all the teaching supplies that we hand out to the Deaf and children with disabilities in Honduras on a daily bases.
If God leads you to participate of this ministry financially, we thank you to for your support. You can mail a check to the TX address below or CLICK HERE for a link to our web site support page.
God Bless you and God bless the children of Honduras,
PO BOX 452
Weatherford, TX 76086
mjrudd1@msn.com
Apdo 152
Siguatepeque, Comayagua
Comayagua, Honduras
www.goodwordministry.org