Raising support to join DOOR
Stuart: International Translation Coordinator
Linda (hearing): Assistant, Interpreter
Children: Daniel & Stephen (hearing)
STUART was born in New Mexico to Christian parents. Between the ages of two and four he lost part of his hearing. He came to know Jesus when he was five.
He graduated from Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1993 with a degree in Bible/History/Philosophy.
While in college Stuart totally lost his hearing. During his junior year he began to work with a local Deaf ministry and, by 1995, was involved in planting a Deaf church in the Omaha area.
Stuart began to explore other ministry options. In the fall of 1999, Stuart and Linda moved to Des Moines, IA to accept the call to be a staff pastor for the Deaf ministry of First Federated Church. Stuart served in this role until the summer of 2003.
It became clear God was leading the Deaf to form Signs of Grace Deaf Church (SGDC). Stuart provides curriculum and other teaching support.
In 2003, Stuart and Philippe Gallant co-founded Pass-It-On-Services, a Deaf non-profit organization committed to meeting felt needs in the Deaf community.
As one of DOOR's International Coordinator's, Stuart will be responsible for:
- Training to become a Sign Language Translation Consultant.
- Develop Deaf Translation training program.
- Develop videos and DVDs of DOOR ministry "tools."
- Help develop Translator's Notes (commentary) for Deaf translators.
- Participate in and assist International Leadership Team (ILT) for DOOR.
- Establish USA based network of Deaf-led Believers' Fellowship.
LINDA THIESSEN became a believer in 1983 at the age of 16. She felt led to learn the language of the Deaf people attending the school for the Deaf in her community. Later, she worked there and loved it! Linda graduated from Iowa Western Community College (AAS Sign Language Interpreter) and Grace University (Bible/Vocational/Church Education). Linda also has experience working with camps and other Deaf programs for Deaf youth. In 1990 she traveled to Brazil and fell in love with cross-cultural ministry. Linda loves her family and people in general. She enjoys hospitality and encouraging others in the Word.
Linda and Stuart have 2 sons: Daniel (09-16-94) and Stephen (07-10-97).