News About Deaf Ministry
We would like to retract some of the statements made by writers of the deaf newsletter Holding Hands last month, as there were unintentional errors in what was presented.
To clarify:
1) The South Wisconsin District is restructuring the way that we support all missions, not only deaf ministry. Although SWD expects to give some direct support to our specialized ministries by means of grants, etc., we believe that by asking congregations and individual memb ers to give support directly to the missions they believe in will foster a sense of identity with missions, and accountability of the missions to our district.
2) Within each of the deaf congregations and small deaf groups in the district, Pastors Reinke and Palmer are teaching Bible study classes and training some people in lay leadership. Some of those lay people will also go to more advanced training, leading to deacon or deaconess work. This is necessary for expansion of deaf ministry and is not directly related to the question of funding.
A letter written by Pastor Reinke to the recipients of Holding Hands further clarifies:
Greetings in Christ,
I want to make a correction of what was printed in the last Holding Hands.
1 st - 0, there is not a set date for the South Wisconsin District to stop support for myself or Pastor Palmer. In the newsletter it said, December, that is not correct.
2nd - Yes, things are changing. We are working with the South Wisconsin District and Lutheran Deaf Mission to develop Mission Support Teams.
This is not only for Deaf Ministry. All of the special missions are being asked to develop Mission Support Teams to help guide and fund the missions.
3 rd - What was the point of the page in the last newsletter? The point is - What will Deaf People Do?
Will they give up? Will they say we cannot do it? OR:
Will we work hard to move forward?
We can do this!
I see our people working together in MANY, MANY ways! When I look back over the last 9 years and see what we do together - WOW. Sometimes people say it cannot be done - BUT - with God all things are possible.
You notice the one thing our reporter asked people to begin doing - PRAY! I encourage you to pray.
THANK GOD for ALL His blessings!! He has blessed us in many ways through the support of the South Wisconsin District and many, many people who support and pray for us!
Pray for God to guide us and help us move forward.
Pray for our members to continue studying His Word and growing in faith. Pray for all our lost friends, neighbors, families, who do not believe Jesus. Pray for our leaders - God will give them wisdom and strength to guide us.
I pray God will continue to bless us as we find new ways to reach out with His love and forgiveness. I pray He will give us strength and trust in Him!
Rev. John Reinke |