Behind the Mission
It’s hard to believe how much my life has transformed since the early 1990s. Growing up, going to church and learning about Jesus wasn’t easy because I was born Deaf.
Without an interpreter at church, I would sit on the bench as a little girl, my feet swinging, flipping through hymnals I couldn’t read, and staring at the beautiful stained-glass windows. I felt disconnected, longing to understand what the Pastor was sharing during the sermon but I couldn't hear a single sound.
After graduating High School, I bought my first home at 19 - a huge milestone that I will always cherish. Eager to furnish my home on a budget, I began visiting garage sales. That’s when I stumbled upon faith-based books for just a few cents. Something drew me to them. I bought them and began reading them. Little did I know, those quiet moments with a book in hand would be the start of my journey with Jesus.
Growing up and even into adulthood - I often felt isolated. At school during recess, high school prom, family gatherings, and work socials, I was the quiet observer, unable to fully participate with conversations. Many times, I felt overlooked or misunderstood. Some people assumed that being Deaf made me incapable or less worthy, and their looks or words often cut deeper than I could express.
Over the years and still buying books from garage sales and thrift stores, I’ve come to understand that we don’t need to be inside a church to meet Jesus - He meets us where we are. For me, it was at a garage sale. For you, it could be anywhere: a quiet moment at home, at a laundry mat, or even while reading my story.
My faith has grown so much since those early days in the 1990s. And, I continue to buy books from thrift stores and garage sales. Today, I am a Director of a Deaf Youth Ministry in West Michigan, helping teens learn about Christ - something I lacked growing up. It brings me so much joy to guide these young people and give them the tools and encouragement they grow in their journey.
I believe that everyone deserves to know how valuable and worthy, they are in God's eyes. No matter your past, your challenges, your mistakes, or what others may think or have said about you, God sees you as His beloved creation. Even right now, right where you are!
