Do you ever wonder why you do what you do?  Sometimes I do ...

When our Deaf missionaries teach a story from the Bible, they use a DIALOG process based on the sequential, logical way all humans process new information or events.

There are deaf translation teams from 4 African countries presently working at DOOR-Africa in Kenya.  On weekends they have visiting 10 deaf churches and believers' fellowships. They told us ...

"The reactions we get from the deaf congregations have continued to confirm that bible teaching using DIALOG is the most effective method to reach the Deaf.

We had the largest number of Deaf becoming believers in one deaf church, where normally the preaching method was used. ‘We understood more when you dialogued with us!' the deaf congregation signed."

They have also visited 4 deaf schools. Look at all the hands of the deaf children eagerly flying in the air during the DIALOG session. This is after seeing a bible story on the hands of the deaf translators in their heart language, Kenyan Sign Language. 

But those DIALOG questions aren't just for Deaf people, and they're not only for Bible stories, either!

So let's try asking and answering those same questions about another topic:

D.O.O.R. International's Current Situation

1.      ESTABLISH BACKGROUND OF THE STORY OR EVENT

• What? A wide-spread economic crisis.
• Where? Initially in the U.S., but now affecting the whole world.
• When? The last quarter (July, August, September)
• Who? You ... me ... DOOR ... the Deaf ... everyone!

2.      OBJECTIVE FACTS IN THE STORY OR EVENT

• What's happening?  For the first time in years, DOOR's budget has gone up due to adding additional translation teams, and for the first time, DOOR's donations are down due to the financial crisis in the U.S. and around the world.

• What is said? Mike Buus, President of DOOR said, "D.O.O.R. International's budget has stayed about the same for the last several years as we tried to figure out the best way to reach and equip the Deaf. Now, DOOR has reached a point where we are confident of the answer: getting God's Word translated and available to the Deaf in their heart language, Sign Language, and establishing reproducing deaf fellowships."

• What is done? A freeze of all travel, purchase of new equipment, hiring, raises (even though the value of the dollar around the world is falling), and all extra projects need to wait for approval before proceeding.

3.       THINKING, FEELING - EMOTIONAL REACTION

• What are people thinking/feeling? The Deaf and hearing North American missionaries and nationals have expressed a wide range of emotions: Uncertainty, Nervousness, Trying to Trust (but a little scared), Frustrated, Questioning, Secure, Confident, and Triumphant.

• What would you feel/think if you were in their situation?

4.      INTERPRETATION OF THE STORY OR EVENT

• What is positive?

1. The DOOR team around the world continues to share God's Word with the Deaf. They continue to translate more of God's Word in Sign Language.
2. DOOR teams are praying more.
3. DOOR teams are learning to put their trust and lives totally in God's hands no matter what the future holds.

• What is negative?

1. Donations are down; money is tight.
2. No one knows what the future holds.
3. Some ministry work might need to be put on hold.

Our minds often go through the above steps in an instant, without conscious thought.  Then based on that information, we decide what to do.  That is why we do what we do.  Like you, we deeply desire to go through this thought process in light of God's sovereignty and care.  So ... 

5.      APPLICATION TO OUR LIVES

• What does God want us do less of?

1. Doubting God's provision for the future.
2. Placing ourselves first, instead of living out the principles Christ laid out for us.
3. Ignoring what God has called us to do because of fear and uncertainty.

• What does God want us to do more of? 

1. Rejoice and give thanks for what God is doing in Deaf communities all around the world.
2. Continue working and reaching the Deaf.
3. Be more like the widow who gave all the oil she had to Elijah in total trust that God would take care of her.
4. Continue or start giving!

So we say with confidence, 

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. 

What can man do to me?  Hebrews 13:5&6

We might not know what's happening, but we can take complete comfort in the fact that God knows, and, as out of control as the economy seems to be, He has it under control. He will take care of our needs, and all will be well.

For giving options, go to: www.doorinternational.com/donate.

 

 

 

 

 

Partnering with Wycliffe International Member of ECFA