Reaching the Deaf for Christ in El Salvador

Bible Class

2011-06-16T09:26:00.001-07:00

As in any culture, there is a problem here with Gossip. So we combined the Married Couples class as well as the Bible Class to teach on this subject. We taught using various skits showing how you can be bound into the slavery of sin (gossip being one of the things that tangles us), but how we can be set free from it as well. We also taught how to confront those who are in sin. Everyone enjoyed it, now we're praying that they begin to apply it to their lives.

TBLESSA TEAM

2011-06-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

Here the TBLESSA team is trying to establish the spreadsheet for the Organization of our team, developing who will be in charge of what area, who will be a part of that area, etc.

Thanks Howard for showing us how to do this.

Visit from Howard

2011-06-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

Since we are no longer meeting in my house we are setting up a new location in Iglesia Bautista Miramonte. Here, we are fixing the backdrop to begin video taping as well as taking more pictures for the Sign Language Book.

We had a gentleman, Howard, who is currently working in Colombia with their Sign Language Team. He came and gave a wonderful workshop on Organization of the team.

We've already begun putting the information we learned into practice. We also took him to the School for the Deaf here in San Salvador, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

He also did a lot of observing while he was here and gave us some useful tips that we can incorporate in our work. We're praying that he'll be able to come back and work with us again some day.

New Arrivals

2011-06-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Look what's come to El Salvador, Walmart and Sears! The prices aren't the same, but they do have more things for me to choose from. :-D

Wycliffe Bible Translators Video of TBLESSA

2011-05-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last year Wycliffe Bible Translators came and visited TBLESSA and took videos of our work. The have posted it on their web page. Check it out, it turned out wonderfully. You can get a sense of the need for this project.

http://www.wycliffe.org/deaf.aspx

New Apt.

2011-05-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is the view from my balcony fo the San Salvador Volcano

This is the beautiful flowers that I get to look at as I walk with Canela in my apartment complex.

This is Canela with her new haircut!

The pool, which I haven't even used yet. I've been tempted, but haven't had the time. First unpack and get organized, caught up on work, then I'll enjoy it.

My bedroom

Exercise room

Office

Living Room

Dining room

Kitchen

It wasn't easy finding a place, packing, having a garage sale and moving all within 2 weeks, but God gave me two wonderful ladies that came to help me out. I couldn't have done it without them.

Passed the baton

2011-04-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

We celebrated birthdays; Claudia and Christian both had birthdays this past week (they're holding the cake).

Please pray for the translition from working in my house to working in the church. As always there will be glitches, but pray that we'll all be flexible in the new atmosphere.

The other changes that I made since I came back from vacation is that I've turned over the responsibility of leadership to the Deaf. It's exciting because one of my goals here was to train the Deaf to be leaders. So Grisel and José Eduardo are the leaders of TBLESSA and Edwin and Adela are the leaders of the Bible class. This will be a huge transition for them as they learn to take over as leader instead of just as helpers. But I have confidence in them that they'll do a wonderful job. I will still work along side of them to help in any way. But little by little I want them to completely take over.

Prayer request:

1. Flexibility in the transition from my house to the church.

2. For the new leaders: Grisel, José Eduardo, Edwin and Adela.

3. For the new interpreters that have joined the team and the other who's considering joining.

New Spaces

2011-04-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoons will be divided between the Sign Language Project and the Bible Translation. here Eleana (interpreter) is helping the team with some of the difficult concepts in the Genesis story we're working on for translation. Saturday morning will be divided between the Sign Language Project and Bible Translation, but the afternoon is solely dedicated to Bible Translation. Sabrina (in the pink) is observing to see if she'd like to join the TBLESSA team or the Bible class on Sundays. She's a new interpreter. We were offered this space for Saturday morning and afteroon, however, there's been a scheduling problem and we can only use this area in the morning. In the afternoon there is another class here.

Until then we will be using the office space for our meetings. After 2 months the other class will be finished and we'll be able to go back to the other area. Either way we're grateful for the church offering us the space.

We have three new interpreters that have joined the TBLESSA team; Eleana who will work on Friday afternoons, Walter and Erika who will work on Saturday afternoons. This is an answer to my prayers because it was a lot of responsibility for me being the only hearing (who's Spanish is limited) to have others to join in this ministry.

March 2011

2011-04-06T13:57:00.001-07:00

There have been some changes with TBLESSA. We are no longer meeting in my house, but the church has offered us some places where we can meet and work. This will be a process in getting established but it's going to be better for the team as well as for myself. One area is the Library of the church. There are three cubicles and we share one with others in the church. So I bring my laptop and set up at the desk to work. The other area is the long tables we have on Friday mornings. Three team members work on Friday mornings (Edwin, Adela and I) and Grisel joins us in the afternoon. We devote the morning to work on the Sign Language project.

February

2011-03-02T09:38:00.001-08:00

We finally finished a huge project. The Teachers Sign Language Book, the Student Workbook and DVD set is also finished.

I made copies of the DVD's, 75 in all.

Edwin put the labels on and Adela put the student workbooks together.

Praise the Lord this project is finished, now to continue onto more books that need to be completed.

Training for TBLESSA

2011-01-31T14:13:00.001-08:00

Last weekend our team was involved in a Evangelism Workshop and it´s main focus was for the Deaf (love it), not hearing folks. They received the training and the broke up into pairs to practice.

Medical Team

2011-01-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite teams that come to El Salvador. Unfortunately I could only work with them one day. Next year I plan to clear my schedule so I can go with them each day. It´s incredible what they do and the amount of people they see each day.

While the doctors are with the adults, the other group takes the children for singing, dancing and piñatas. Over 500 people accepted Christ in the 4 days they were in the small towns of El Salvador.

This is my friend Beth from the team. She stayed with me one year and I really enjoyed it. I wish I could host someone again, but not being able to drive at night makes it impossible. I did enjoy her the year I could do it.

Wycliffe Bible Translators

2011-01-31T14:02:00.001-08:00

Wycliffe Bible Translators had a meeting in El Salvador and so TBLESSA was asked to do the devotion and present our project. I´m so proud of the group, they did a wonderful job. I on the other hand, was having trouble interpreting into English, my own language. It was the simple words that tripped me up, like the book of Mark. Four different languages in my old brain is just too much. Overall I think it went well.

Sunday School

2011-01-31T13:52:00.001-08:00

Praise the Lord, Edwin is back teaching Sunday school. He has made a decision to serve the Lord and I truly see a heart change. Grisel is happy for the help. Now they each teach two Sunday´s a month, although there´s a lot of team teaching going on as well.

Working with the Deaf you need to include pictures, dramas and explanations and Grisel and Edwin are doing an excellent job.

With the Deaf teaching Deaf, the clase is growing. Most of the time we are borrowing chairs from the other classrooms to seat them all. God is doing amazing work.

This past Sunday a new Deaf (black shirt) arrived to the class and after "seeing" God´s Word accepted Christ. The other, Violeta in the plaid shirt re-committed her life to God.

TBLESSA

2011-01-31T13:42:00.000-08:00

We continue with our Bible Translation. The team has put the first part of the translation into their grammar and Grisel is signing the story to see if they are in agreement with the grammar and the signs. This is the first process and then we put it on video.

José Eduardo is working on the cutting and editing for our Sign Language Video. This is apart from the Bible Translation. There hasn´t been anything in print since 1996. We then ask some of the Deaf from the community to come in and make sure the Spanish and the signs are correct.

He is the Reason for the Season

2010-12-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

He is the Reason for the Season!

I actually began seeing Christmas items coming out at the beginning of November. Thier Christmas trees are 2 and 3 stories high. There are nativity sets all over El Salvador and it´s wonderful to see, knowing that in some places in the states they are being outlawed. My prayers for each of you is that you remember why we celebrate Christmas, it´s not the presents but the greatest present of all, Jesus Christ. Make Him the reason you celebrate this year.

Presentation to Manos Mágicas

2010-12-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

We were able to meet with the Manos Mágicas to share our DEMO with the woman who started this ministry for the Deaf. After our visit we went out for Chinese and discussed how we theough it went and what changes need to be made to our presentation.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

Sunday we had an appointment to share our DEMO DVD to the leaders at the Tabernacle Church here in San Salvador. Please pray for those God calles to join Him in His ministry were receptive to what God is doing with TBLESSA.

Visit to Ahuachapán

2010-08-24T14:36:00.001-07:00

Ahuachapán is close to the Guatemalan boarder. It´s an hour and half from San Salvador. They have a ministry of about 10 deaf in attendance. We arrived Sunday after church to share our vision for the bible to be put on DVD so the Deaf can understand.
José Eduardo presents the DEMO DVD, while Grisel shares the ministry needs as Violeta interprets. Great teamwork!

God touched their hearts and they are excited to hear our vision and would like to help us in our endeavor. Great beginning to some help from other parts of El Salvador.

TBLESSA

2010-08-24T14:34:00.001-07:00

We continue our meetings every Saturday afternoon. We always begin with devotion, and then plan our next steps we need to take. Right now we are contacting different churches to visit where they have Deaf ministries.

Speaking Engagements - Conservative Congregation Christian Churches

2010-08-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Then Monday through Thursday I went to my Church Conference. This was the first one I´ve been able to go to in a long time.

I gave a seminar sharing about TBLESSA. I made some new contacts and pray that this will be a fruitful time.

One evening all the missionaries were invited in native dress to share about their ministry. I had fun meeting other missionaries. This is Lauren and Annie, when I left the states, they were little......not anymore. It was wonderful to see Pastor John and Kathryn again. I miss them. Didn´t get pictures of Josiah but he´s grown too.

Speaking Engagements - Eure Christian Church

2010-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

There was not enough time Saturday or Sunday to visit 3 churches, so Pastor Michael Brinkley of Eure Christian Church, his wife Denise and their children and the Missions Chairman, Sallie Eure met me for lunch. There I was able to share the ministry and its needs as well as enjoy wonderful fellowship with some long time friends.

Speaking Engagements - Cypress Chapel Christian Church

2010-08-24T14:24:00.001-07:00

Next church visit was with Cypress Chapel Christian Church, my home church. Sure made me homesick. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask someone to take pictures for me. A love offering was taken up and I had enough money to buy two items that were needed for TBLESSA:

1. External Hard Drive: 1 Terabyte
2. Bamboo: Electronic Drawing Board

In addition, two video cameras were donated to our team.

Speaking Engagements - Lynnhaven Presbyterian Church

2010-08-24T14:19:00.001-07:00

First church I spoke at was Lynnhaven Presbyterian Church, my parent´s church. I began by signing a song while Lynn sang. This time however, I signed it in Salvadorian Sign Language.

A few from the Deaf Life Group were able to come and join us.

Thanks to Brenda and Wendy for Interpreting. Thanks to Scott (not pictured) for taking all the pictures.

Graduation Day

2010-06-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

El Salvador

Honduras

Guatemala

It was a wonderful Conference. We all learned so much and are ready to get started on putting all the things we learned into practice. Pray for us.

World Deaf Day of Prayer and the Beach

2010-06-29T10:32:00.001-07:00

June 13th was World Deaf Day. We attended my church, Iglesia Bautista Miramonte. What a blessing to have all the countries together to unite in prayer with the Deaf all over the World to pray for Deaf churches, leaders, etc.

The following day we went to the beach and had a relaxing and fun day. Of course they had to have a game of "futbol". It turned out to be a beautiful day. We were worried it was going to rain, but it didn´t. Praise the Lord.

Community Check

2010-06-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Guatemala working on their story.

El Salvador was able to have a Community Check. This is where we invite the Deaf from the Community to come in and take a look at the video to see if it has all the requirements: To check and see if the signs used are clear or if there needs to be some kind of change, to check and see if it was natural so they could understand clearly what the story was about.

Then they would check our drawings to see if they wanted to add or take away from the pictures to make the story more clear.

Bible Translation in Progress

2010-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

El Salvador with Lingüist Bob Van Zyl

After teaching us the importance of our videos having to have 4 qualities: Faithfulness, Clear, Natural and Acceptable, we broke up into groups and began working on our first story. We had to study the passage, figure out how the best way to sign it so that it would be clear and natural to the deaf who would be watching the video. Film it and make sure that it was faithful to the passage in the Bible.

Then each team would meet with Robert to make sure it was accurate.

Honduras

Principals in Bible Translation Course

2010-06-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

We began in May preparing for Colombia to come and teach us in the basic principals of Bible Translation in Sign Language. Five from our team were able to attend the Conference. Others from our team came when they weren´t working or attending the University.

Left to Right: Toni, Grisel, Claudia, Violeta, José Eduardo

Colombia Team consisted of three very important people.
Left to Right:
Martha C. Vargas C. - Interpreter Advisor of Bible Translation
Robert Van Zyl - Consultant and Lingüist for Bible Translation in Sign Language
John Jaider Avila A. (Deaf) - Advisor in Bible Translation

Four countries attended the Conference: Colombia (who was teaching) Guatemala, Honduras and of course, El Salvador.

Each country had to have their own interpreter. It was quite interesting to watch. There were also Spanish and English speakers in attendance. As you can imagine by the end of the week, I didn´t know which language I was supposed to be using. Even the Deaf were mixing their Sign Languages. It was quite humorous.

Sean´s Experience

2010-06-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sean was one of the team members that came with Wycliffe. He did a blog about his experience in El Salvador and meeting with our team. Please check it out at http://silatjunkie.tumblr.com/.

Wycliffe and SIL´s Visit

2010-06-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

Wycliffe Bible Translators and SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) came to El Salvador for a meeting. While they were here they were able to visit our team and see the process for Bible Translation in Sign Language.

The did interviews with myself and two of our Deaf team members, Jose Eduardo and Grisel.

We explained to them every aspect of the process. Beginning with examining the text, discussing the best way to sign it so that all Deaf can understand.

Finding pictures, maps or illustrations to go along with the text.

Then actually going to the filming of the story. We also have to take pictures for the Sign Language Diccionary. It´s a lot of hard work.

Only a few of the team were able to come on Saturday.
The rest of the team we met with and shared our vision for TBLESSA, Translation of the Bible in LESSA.

I love how God joined these two groups together. We will be able to use their experience in Bible Translation to help us.

The Bible into LESSA

2010-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

We begin by picking the stories that we are going to video.

Then we teach the stories, explaining every detail.

Many times we have to go back to the Bible for clarification so that we make sure that linguistically we are correct in our signs.

Discussing the best way to sign the story

2010-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Then the discussion of the best way to sign the story so that it will be clear and easy to understand.

We also take pictures to put into the video and dictionary.

Bible Story

2010-05-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Then it´s time to begin filming the Bible stories. It´s not as easy as it seems. We have many retakes because it does not come out the way we want.

As you can see we first started out with just my houselights, until someone donated some new, much brighter ones.

We have to make sure that the signs are clear and understandable, and also that even though the grammar is different, we still follow the Bible.

Bible Translation in Salvadoran Sign Language (LESSA)

2010-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

We´re also making a sign language dictionary to accompany the DVD Video of the Bible Stories. So we take a picture of the sign.

Then change the photo using Photoshop into a drawing,

Then discuss if the sign is correct or if there needs to be changes and then put the sign into a format for making the dictionary.

Hurrican Ida

2009-11-09T07:03:00.001-08:00

The hurrican has been beating down on us with heavy rains, thank goodness tough no wids accompanied it. However the heavy rains caused rivers to rise at a rapid rate in the early hours of the morning whil everyone was sleeping.

This is the bridge where my friend Miriam lives. It was built last year after the rivers rose and killed 30 people. It was tumbled over by the force of the rushing waters. Praise the Lord she and her family are safe.

Many people lost loved ones and their homes were destroyed. Please pray for those people who are now homeless and are devastated in their losses.

Landscape was changed in many areas due to the rushing waters. Houses swept into the ocean and rivers.

Please pray for El Salvador.

Bible Translation Team

2009-11-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

Vision: To know the Word of God through Salvadorian Sign Language to receive and share salvation of Jesus Christ.

Verse: Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

Because this is a project that will lead many people to Christ, it is imperative that it be backed by prayer. Satan is already attacking the leaders of this group. We NEED your prayers! To pray specifically for the Bibl Translation Team is as follows:

For the leaders to show that their lives are changed because of Christ.
For obedience in each one on the team.
For wisdom to know how to produce our Bible videos.
For those chosen to be in the video, that their testimony and their lives be transparent, obedient to Him, so that God will be glorified.
Pray for the Deaf to accept leadership roles in the church, and the Hearing to let go.
Pray for the Bible Translation Project, that God will be glorified in all we do.
Pray for the Bible Translation Team and their walk with the Lord.
Pray for additional funds for equipment needed for Bible Translation Project.

Please continue praying for this ministry and also think about if or how you can become more involved in teaming up with us.

Bible Translation Team on Sundays

2009-11-03T11:43:00.001-08:00

When we came back from Colombia we really got down to some hard work. We have now completed for the Bible Translation Team our Vision, Bible Verse, Objectives, Logo and are currently working on our Mission Statement.

We meet every Sunday from 2-4pm at church.

On this particular Sunday everyone brought their ideas for a logo and then elplained their logo and why they drew it that way.

There were so many great ideas it was hard to choose.

However, this is the one that won!

The 5 hand represents us and sign language, the number 1 hand is the sign for God and He´s come down to meet us, making a cross.

Bible Translation Team on Wednesdays

2009-11-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

We also meet at my house on Wednesday´s from 2-4.

Here we are discussing which stories we
want for our first DVD project.

We are also working on making a Sign LanguageDictionary to go along with the DVD.

Vision 2 Hear

2009-11-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Vision to Hear is a group of hearing and deaf signing songs, doing dramas, etc. for the purposes of evangelizing and winning souls to Christ. This was the first concert we put on and hope to have many more.

Everyone joined in and enjoyed themselves.

There were songs to dance to

and songs that show Christ in paintings

The clean up.......

someone has to do it :)

Drama

Bible Translators in El Salvador

2009-09-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Grisel, Edwin and I were afforded the great opportunity togo to the first meeting of Bible Translators for Sign Language in Latin America. What an awesome experience, we learned a lot and were touched by the Holy Spirit each day.

Edwin and Grisel gave a presentation of where we (El Salvador) is in the process of Translating the Bible into Signs. We are just beginning, but we learned a lot from the other countries who are ahead of us in this process.

Deaf Church

2009-09-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

We visited a church that has a Deaf Ministry, however, after announcements and songs, the deaf go to their own area where they have a Deaf Pastor who teaches them the Word. AWESOME!

Dreaming of the day our church will be able to do this!

New Believers

2009-09-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

Shirley the interpreter (in the middle) from Costa Rica,

Ezequiel(far right) from Costa Rica

and Marcelo (far right) from Argentina, all accepted Christ at the Conference, God was moving among us! Wow, incredible experience.

Translation Tools Needed

2009-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

As we begin this process, some of the necessary equipment that will be needed to produce the DVD´s in Sign Language is a Camera, Lighting, and the Computer and Program to do the editing. It´s going to be expensive to get started, however, to reach the Deaf for Christ there are no costs too high for souls to be won.

1st Meeting of Bible Translators in Sign Language, Bogatá Colombia

2009-09-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

14 Countries in All were in attendance!

Argentina

Mexico

Brasil

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Cuba

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Paraguay

Dominican Republic

Uraguay

USA

Studio for LESSA Material

2009-09-18T08:47:00.001-07:00

We have converted my house into a studio where we can make video presentations for the Sign Language Classes. The backdrop didn´t work to well inside because the wind kept blowing it down. So I made a permanent place for it in my garage. The material can be taken off the boards so it doesn´t get dirty and put up only when in use. We are not only making videos but taking pictures of the signs so that we can make a Salvadorian Sign Langauage Dictionary. It´s a lot of work, but the Deaf are really excited about improving their teaching abilities to have a professional sign language course available in El Salvador.

Birthday Celebracion

2009-09-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

I still can´t believe it, but I really turned 50 this year. I was teaching the teachers when they surprised me with some snacks, a cake and sang to me. It was a good day.

August

2009-09-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

Two more Deaf Believers! God is working among the Deaf here in El Salvador. Raquel and Luis have accepted the Lord and now join the family of God. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

Surprise Baptism

2009-08-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

I´ve been working with Grisel and how important baptism was, but because of her catholic background she just didn´t want to do it. She kept telling me she wasn´t ready. So I left her alone on that issue. One Sunday, she surprised me by getting baptized, both her and her daughter, Griselita.

Growing each Sunday

2009-08-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

Bible class is exciting because we´re seeing Kingdom growth. This month three new deaf accepted Christ: José Luis, and Veronica. The following Sunday

Vernonica brought her husband Nery and he also accepted Christ. Daniela is their daughter and good friends with Griselita. Please continue to pray for their walk with the Lord.

SIL - Summer Institute of Linguistics

2009-08-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Julia and Christie came from SIL to do a study of Signed Languages here in El Salvador. They stayed with me from June 17-July 13. They travelled all over conducting their studies and making lots of friends.

They blessed us with a workshop to help us define our goals for the "Bible DVD Project".

The workshop consisted of 4 different teams. There were 3 Deaf Groups and 1 hearing group. There were great conversations and at the end everyone got to present the outcome of their individual group. It was an amazing time.

July 19th - "Project DVD of the Bible"

2009-08-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

We already miss Julia and Christy but our work continues. We are meeting twice a month to establish Religious Signs. We had some more great discussions and came up with three new signs: Bible, Old Testament and New Testament. That was a 2 hour meeting so you can imagine how long this process is going to be. I praise the Lord for all He is doing in making this possible.

Back in El Salvador

2009-07-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

Arriving back in El Salvador, it´s been just as busy. As I mentioned to you before, we finally finished the first translation of the Sign Language Book into Spanish and Salvadorian Signs. It´s been a long time (over a year) coming, but I just began training the Deaf Teachers how to use the book. I´m not sure who´s more excited about it, them or me.

Another wonderful blessing to tell you about is the salvation of another deaf soul. Rosa (left) pictured with her sister Dina (hearing have just recently begun attending the Sunday school class.

Betania is another deaf, who accepted Christ last year, but she´s now bringing her parents to church and Sunday school with her. Her parents are Catholic; however, they are now attending our church. God is working among the families here.

The most exciting thing of all is that we finally began our meetings for the "DVD Project". Putting the Bible onto DVD in Salvadorian Sign Language for all Deaf to be able to learn about Jesus has been a dream of mine for as long as I´ve been here in El Salvador, (5 years). There were 3 different churches represented, 4 Hearing and 20 Deaf were in attendance. We will be meeting twice a month each month. We will first be investigating the different religious signs that are used in El Salvador. Unfortunately, there might be 3 different signs for one word. We are hoping that we will be able to unite and agree on one sign. We will make a "religious dictionary" so that these signs can be taught in the different schoos, churches, etc. where there are Deaf.

Quick visit home

2009-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

This month was a world wind of activities. One that I didn´t plan, was to make a visit home, but my driver´s license expired. With the new rules, I wasn´t able to do it over the internet. They wanted a "no-smile" picture. So Mom contacted our friends Barbara and Karen (who works for Delta) to help me out. Praise the Lord they got me home on a pass. I made it there and back without any problems. I was able to visit with my family and a few of my friends. Unfortunately, couldn´t meet with everyone. Keegan also offered to cook us a healthy dinner and we enjoyed it thoroughly. It was delicious. Thanks Keegan! It was good to see my nephew because he´s usually gone when I go home.

I went out several times to the Thai restaurant with my friends. It was fun being with my friends and thankful they put up with going to the same restaurant several times. I LOVE Thai food.

Now it´s time to diet and exercise again to loose all the weight I gained while I was home.

Jeannette (aunt), Karen (cousin) and Patrick (her son) were visiting Williamsburg. It was my luck they were there the same time I was. I haven´t seen them for 8 years, so we spent the day together. What a blessing to see them again and catch up on what´s going on in their lives.

Perfect timing again was being able to visit the Deaf Life Group the day they were having their Silent Auction. They´re raising funds to go on a mission trip; to visit me in El Salvador, Yeah! I´m so excited. Praise the Lord; they did very well on that day with raising some suppport.

Grisel and Griselita

2009-06-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

Grisel and her daughter, Griselita have been in my post in the past. They´ve become very special to me. As you may remember, in December Grisel accepted Christ as her Savior. It´s been a struggle for her because of her husband abandoning her, but her faith is growing every day. She grew up Catholic and so has Griselita, but since December they´ve been coming to my church (Iglesia Bautista Miramonte) and are learning more about God´s Word. In Sunday school recently we were teaching on the 10 Commandments and idols. Griselita absorbed every word. She went home that night and asked her mom to help her clean out all their idols (statues of the Virgin Mary) from their house. I decided that she, even though 5 years of age, had the capacity to understand the gospel. That very week I invited them to my house and took Griselita through the life and death of Jesus. She too has accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Please continue praying for them and their growth in their walk with the Lord. Also, pray for them both as they are still struggling in their lives without a husband and father.

LESSA Group

2009-06-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

The group that meets every Saturday for working on the translation of the Sign Language Book finished at the end of April. For the last month, Grisel and I have been going over the revisions to find any errors. She has been working on getting all the pictures of the signs changed into Salvadoran Signs. We´re now through with this part, so now comes the printing of the books and teaching the Deaf how to use these as a way to teach their language. It´s been a long year in this process, but Praise the Lord the first book is finished. I will begin teaching the teachers on June 20th. Now we only have 5 more books to go, whew, I´m tired just thinking about it.

I want to thank the Portsmouth Reading Council for their help. The amount they sent will help with the purchase of these books so that the Deaf Teachers have the resources they need for teaching. I love how God puts desires in the hearts of others to help at just the exact time there´s a need. I serve an AWESOME God.

Sunday Bible Class

2009-06-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

I´ve been working with Edwin in training him to be the Bible Teacher. He comes to my house each Saturday where I teach him the lesson, then Sunday he teaches the class. The deaf really enjoy learning more about the Bible, but especially having a Deaf Teacher. It´s really fantastic to see the Deaf becoming leaders in the church.

Saturday GED Program

2009-06-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

The Saturday GED Program always ends with Bible class. I´ve been working with Yennifer to teach this class. Now we have another Deaf leader, Praise the Lord for all He´s doing with the Deaf to take leadership in this way. She´s teaching on what it means to be a Christian and live in obedience to God.

Thursday Café

2009-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yennifer has also taken over the Bible teaching on Thursday. We meet so that the Deaf can participate with Vision 2 Hear in evangelistic events.

They are learning different verses in the Bible.

We also have lots of Praise music which we sign to, and are learning various dramas which can be used to share about Christ in different events they attend. I´m now working with another Deaf, Fatima in teaching her to be the Bible Teacher to help Yennifer Saturdays and Thursdays.

Lend-A-Hand Pt.5

2009-05-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

Brenda and Roger were able to go to church with me. Brenda shared greetings from Deaf Life Group in her church to the Deaf in my church.

Both groups are studying the 10 Commandments. How cool is that.

Lend-A-Hand Pt. 4

2009-05-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

The doctors saw young and old. This man is 96 years old.

We even came across several deaf. This young lady had never been to school so had no signs to speak of. She didn´t even know her own name. How sad that makes me. Brenda gave her a name sign and taught her.

Lend-A-Hand Pt.3

2009-05-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Brenda and the group of teachers worked with the children. They played games, sang songs, and shared the gospel.

Before the children left for the day, gifts were handed out.

Lend-A-Hand Pt.2

2009-05-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The people sign in by giving their names, then head off to triage where they get their blood pressure taken and find out what symptoms they have. I translated for Roger each day. He said that he enjoyed it because I would also include cultural things he might not have thought about. I was grateful I could help.

April 2009 Lend-A-Hand Pt.1

2009-05-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

This month a group called Lend-A-Hand Ministry came to El Salvador. Bobby and Kathryn (bottom photo) are the founders. They worked with Operation Blessing here in El Salvador. What made this team so special to me is that they are from my hometown, Virginia Beach. Even better my two friends Brenda and Roger (top photo) were on the trip. I was able to go with them 3 days to interpret.

Prayers Needed (4)

2009-03-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

Grisel and Griselita: Last year Grisel´s husband abandoned her and her daughter. As you can imagine, it has been a very difficult time for them both. Last December she came to my house and I was blessed to be able to lead her to Christ. She is now attending my church and growing spiritually in her relationship with the Lord. However, because it´s a Baptist church and she grew up Catholic she feels she´s betraying Catholicism. I´m trying to teach her that what I´m teaching her is the Bible and about a relationship with Christ not religion. Her family also doesn´t accept her changing churches. Pray for strength and obedience.

Prayers Needed (3)

2009-03-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

LESSA Translating Team: This is the translating team. We meet each Saturday from 8am to 12noon to work on translating the American Sign Language Books into Salvadoran Grammar. They have no literature for teaching their language to the hearing (or the deaf for that matter). We are currently on Unit 11 with only one more unit to finish the first book. Five more books in order to finish. We are going line by line changing the grammar from ASL to LESSA. As you can see this is very tedious and time consuming. After we go through line by line we also have to put in on the computer. Please pray for speed in finish this project.

This is Fernando and he´s the newest member to the team. His parents are Alba and Misel. This is Fernando´s first sign: I love you!

Help Needed: Because of the extent of this and other major projects in the ministry I could use some help. I ask for prayer for someone to come and help with "computer work". It could be someone who wants to volunteer a week, several months or longer, to come to El Salvador and minister by putting these books on the computer. The person wouldn´t need to know Spanish or Sign Language, just the ability to type!

Prayers Needed (2)

2009-03-06T11:21:00.001-08:00

Saturday GED Program: Please pray for our classes on Saturday. We have about 30 Deaf who are attending school to learn how to read and write. They range from about 17-35 years old with a few in their 60´s. Because their first language is Sign Language, it´s really difficult for them to learn a second language, Spanish. Please pray for the teachers to come up with ideas for teaching them.

Carlos and Ronald: These two gentlemen are part of our Saturday GED Program. During one of the Bible lessons, I was able to pray with them to accept Christ as their Savior. Please pray that as I continue to teach the Bible lessons each Saturday that God will open their hearts and minds for understanding. They both have started coming to church on sundays. Praise the Lord.

Prayers Needed (1)

2009-03-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

Jorge, Toni, Walter, Edwin

Miriam, Ena

There are many leaders within the ministry, but these are the ones that I work closest with. Please pray for each of us that as we minister to the Deaf, that in everything we do we are following God´s Will and giving Him the glory.

Indiana Medical Team

2009-02-02T12:27:00.001-08:00

Every year a medical team comes from Indiana to El Salvador. They go to daughter churches of Iglesia Bautista Miramonte, my church.

They arrive early in the morning and while some are setting up, others are filling bags of beans and rice to give out to the families. Then the lines begin and they work all day long at that one church. In all, we visited 4 churches in 4 days.

This is an outreach to the people of that community. Some are members of the church we are visiting while others just live in the neighborhood. There are two evangelistic teams. One group goes out into the neighborhood and the other stays at the church. The first place the people in line go through is the evangelistic team where the gospel is presented.

From there they go th Triage where the determine the reason they are there. Some only come to see the doctors and others only for the dentist, or to see both.

While the parents are with the doctors, the children are taken aside to dance, hear the gospel, and play with the clowns, and of course, piñatas.

After they have seen the doctor or dentist, they go to the pharmacy where they collect their medicine. It´s a hard week, but worth every minute.

The last day is spent at the beach relaxing and saying good bye. We lookforward to seeing them again next January.

January 08 Newsletter

2009-01-16T17:05:00.001-08:00

50th Wedding Anniversary: We almost pulled it off, keeping it a secret. But unfortunately someone told Dad that he "wouldn´t be able to make it to his party tonight". That gave it away, but we did at least keep it a secret until that day. We had a cake made with a picture from their wedding and then a recent picture. I was also able to sneak some pictures of them from way back and put them up behind their table. I asked everyone to bring a "funny or memorable" story about them to share. We also had letters from others who weren´t able to make it to the party. Everyone said it turned out nice and I think that Mom and Dad enjoyed themselves. It was a great surprise that my nephew Keegan was able to be there too. That made it even more special for my parents.

Graduation

2008-12-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

As I´ve mentioned in the past we have a program on Saturday that is equivalent to our GED program. This is where the deaf who never finished school can come to our church and learn the basics. Right now there are only 3 levels, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. We hope to increase the levels each year so please pray for more teachers. Our Wednesday group, Vision 2 Hear (V2H), performed for the graduation ceremony. 6 out of the 22 graduates are a part of V2H.

Day of Fun and Fellowship

2008-12-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

The interpreters invited the Deaf to the park for a time of fellowship. We began the day with different games, from a balloon toss, to trying to draw a body one part at a time, to something like a sack race. After the games, there was a time of prayer request and a small devotional. For lunch we had a sandwich and a drink and everyone enjoyed themselves. I know that we´ll be planning another event like it for next year.

October News

2008-11-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Vision 2 Hear (V2H), the group that meets for practice every Wednesday afternoon at my church, had a performance in Opico. This is a small, poor village about an hour outside of San Salvador. On the bus, on the way to Opico, we started out with Bible Study and reflections of God´s Word, and discussed the order of the performance. Once there, we began with dancing/signing, dramas, clowns, piñatas, and interacting with the people. Tracts are passed out to the parents and bracelets with the salvation message are given out to all. Jorge, leader of V2H, got the chance to pray with one of the young boys and offer some counseling. It was a blessed time for everyone.

2008-11-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

I met with my friends for our annual Thai Dinner at Bangkik Gardens. Scott, Polly, Wendy, and I meet at the same restaurant (my favorite) every time I go home.

2008-11-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

A baby shower was given to Alma and Misel (both deaf) who are expecting their first child. It´s a boy and they´re very excited. Candy, another American that works here in El Salvador with the deaf, hosted the shower at her and her husband´s farm house. They prepared a huge spread for us. Delicious!

Day of the Deaf

2008-09-29T17:36:00.001-07:00

September 20-28 is the National Week of the Deaf. There are three different celebrations. In the East, Central, and West part of the country. Each have their own celebrations. My church, Iglesia Bautista Miramonte, celebrated on the 20th at the church, with over 300 deaf in attendance. We had good food and great performances. Grisel, President of ASDICSSA, explained how the "Day of the Deaf" began. Our Vision 2 Hear group signed songs and performed dramas. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

September News

2008-09-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

ASDICSSA: Gave their first presentation on their plans to develop a course for sign language. I´m so very proud of these youth for caring so much about the deaf community here. They are working hard at not just establishing this new association, but also working towards a plan for professional sign language curriculum.

2008-09-16T18:09:00.001-07:00

The first week of August is a National Holiday. My first year here, everything closed down. Then as the years have gone by, grocery stores, and now the malls stay open. My deaf friends came over and we had a B-B-Q. The men cooked on the grill and the women prepared their portion of the meal in the kitchen. It was so good! Afterwards, we walked to the Feria (like the Va. Beach Pavilion), where there was a week long festival going on. They had amusement rides, plenty of food and vendors. We just walked and talked. It was a really nice time.

July 08 News

2008-08-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Vision 2 Hear Is a group that has been coming to El Salvador on mission trips for a couple of years. They sign songs and perfom dramas at various schools here. We traveled to various schools and needed to have three different interpreters, one to change Spanish to English (and vice versa), one for American Sign Language (ASL), and another for Salvadorian Sign Language (LESSA). Everyone enjoyed the group and dancing to the Lord, laughing and having fun and we saw 55 in all accept Jesus as their Lord. Nine at one school alone. Praise the Lord and all that He´s doing.

June 2008

2008-07-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

CONAIPD: (top photo) This is an organization to help various individuals in El Salvador that are either deaf, blind, in wheel chairs, etc. We had another Interpreter Workshop. We are going to meet at least once a month until we can establish a formal class. I meet with two of the deaf, Edwin and Grisel and train them how to teach the interpreters using Signing Naturally Level 3 book. Then they take the information and change it into LESSA (Salvadorian Signs). These interpreters have never had any formal training before so I think they are all enjoying it tremendously.

Bible Class: (bottom photo) Saturday and Sunday I teach Bible. Saturday I join the group who is studying for an equivalent of a GED. There I incorporate what they´re learning with the Bible. On Sundays I began teaching chronologically. We´ve grown from 4-6 students to 15-20 who are attending regularly, and it´s still growing. I´m so excited because they understand the lessons and we have great discussions afterwards. It´s still a challenge for me because I´m teaching not only in Spanish but LESSA. God is faithful in helping me with ideas to clarify each lesson.

April - May 2008

2008-05-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

Cultural Differences: There are some things that I will never get use to. Being on time for me is a totally different concept. For example, a wedding invitation says that the wedding will start at 4:30 pm but the bride arrives at 6:00 pm. This is hard to get use to. However, one cultural difference I found I really love is that after a meal each person gets up and washes their own plate, utensils and glass. Wow, I love that! I think we should incorporate that in our culture. Think about it , at Thanksgiving and Christmas! How about it ladies, instead of us being in the kitchen all day cooking and then afterwards all night washing dishes, if everyone helped out it would make it easier.

ADICSSA: Asociación pro Desarrollo Integral la Comunidad Sorda Salvadoreña (English definition: Association for complete development of the deaf community in El Salvador) That is the name of the new Association for the Deaf we´ve been working on. This group of 6 deaf have been gathering every Sunday afternoon to work on two things: Establishing a new Association for the Deaf and material for the deaf. These are two huge projects that need your prayers.

DawnSignPress: I´ve gotten permission from DawnSignPress, who makes the American Sign Language Material to translate 3 of their books into Spanish. This is another major project but I´m so excited to be able to work alongside the deaf to produce these materials. This will improve their ability to teach sign language, share their culture and in many other areas in the future.

Gas Prices: I got back from Florida to see gas prices have gone up to $4.47 for regular and $4.67 for supreme. This has caused great hardship on the people here. When I got here 4 1-2 years ago it was .19 cents to catch a bus, now it´s over $1.00. While the cost of living has gone up, their salaries (if they even have one) have stayed the same. Many of the deaf are not even coming to church because they don´t have bus fare. If they´re not coming to church, they´re not hearing/seeing God´s Word. Please pray that somehow we, as a ministry and/or church can work out this problem. Whether it´s helping them with bus fare or various people picking them up, we need to get them to church. Please continue praying for this ministry.

Missionary in El Salvador

2008-05-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

My name is Toni McAndrew and I´m a missionary reaching the deaf for Christ in El Salvador. I´m working with a local church in San Salvador as well as a school for the deaf outside of town. I´m ministering in different areas, from teaching Bible to interpreting classes to working alongside the deaf to create materials for them to use. I also host mission teams that come to El Salvador, whether it´s a construction team or a group of teachers/interpreters. We welcome everyone to join us.