My Christmas in January

Sunday 25th January 2008

Today was a long, full and wonderful day :)

I think this may have been one of the best Deaf Church sessions I've been to. There was fast and prayer but with a difference. The Deaf were worshipping using their own songs and words :D. Man Di had suggested that they do this and to witness it actually unfold was pretty amazing :D Denyse had commented that she thought that the Deaf had grown and from the short time that I've been with them I have noticed that overall development. They are no longer leaning on the hearing community to get things done. I smile when I think about the good work God began and is faithful to complete in this Ministry.

I was also able to testify for the first time in Deaf Church. I told them about my experience on Monday and how I learnt to trust God and depend on His Word (Exodus 14:14 "The LORD is fighting for you! So be still!"). I think that I've also grown. My Sign Language has developed over these last 5 months and had never expected that I would have learnt so much in such a short interval. Isn't God awesome?

:) I had the opportunity to see Uncle Elred for the first time this year. I consider myself to be blessed to know the Anthony Family and I felt so comfortable with each member. Although I have not spent much time with them, I continue to testify that I feel as if I've know them all for years! I look up to and respect Uncle Elred as a daughter does her father. I have officially adopted Aunty Olga and Uncle Elred as my "Mama" and "Papa" [:) again]

Well, on this Sunday, we planned to visit Mr George Daniel and were momentarily doubtful as to whether or not we should go because he has not responded to the calls we made. We considered making an appointment to see him at another time but Roger expressed an interest to go so we WENT FORWARD BY FAITH. Mr George Daniel was home and the visit was a success. I am so glad we went!!! Could I have spent my Sunday any better way?...no. The joy and contentment that filled Mr Daniel's home was priceless. I looked at Roger and Mr Daniel playing drafts with a zeal that could only be understood when one witnesses it. They both presented the other with a challenge that was welcomed by each.

After this visit, Azard, Shevon, Roger, Ian and I went to Pizza Hut. I was completely contented. If I never said directly that I prefer the company of the Deaf, I'm saying it now. I laughed, we joked, we talked, we shared, we ate, we overate and we laughed some more. Wow! I never imagined that I would have been able to fit so naturally with such precious friends...look at me now :)

When you're with someone you trust in

never needing to pretend

Someone who helps you know yourself

You know you're with a friend

So after this trip, Roger and I went to church to wait for Mama and Papa. I valued this evening. Roger was able to experience Hour of Power. We worshipped together and it was one of those experiences not easily forgotten. It was really special to me. We signed the songs together as the congregation sang out loud. :)

What a day! Eventually when Mama and Papa arrived and collected Roger, in my haste, I fell. I'm still recovering from that fall but this fall in no way represented the height of joy I felt on this day - My Christmas in January!

God will take care of us

Friday 23rd January 2009

On this afternoon, the Deaf leaders met at church with Aunty Olga for a meeting. I was tired. After this week I am certain that activities of any sort between Monday and Friday are out of the question for me.

During this meeting, after this meeting and on my way home I felt discouraged :( The prayer within my heart was for God to send help. In fact I think I unconsciously blurted out "God send help" during the meeting because I was beginning to feel pressured and overwhelmed (not to mention tired).

There were things to be done and the universal question was "who?" Who would do this and who would do that and I could not commit to anything. I could see the "who?" on their faces and I felt the blow to my heart when I could not say "I will go". I may have seemed detached to all present - I'm not sure - but my mind was consumed and maybe a bit shocked with the reality that the seasons in my life have changed and God was doing a new thing. Somehow I feel that He wants the Deaf to learn to depend on Him ALONE yet I cannot say.

What I do know is that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. I wanted to cry and I admit that it bothered me deeply but I trust that God will provide for the Deaf as He ALWAYS does.

Our life is in His hands.

I am also learning that it is NOT about me. So His will be done.

Meeting with Mr George Daniel

Tuesday 20th January 2009

After work Aunty Olga took me to Morvant to meet Mr George Daniel. He is an advocate and pioneer for the rights of Disabled Persons.

A priviledge.

That is what it was like to meet such a wonderful man. To be in a room with Aunty Olga and Mr George Daniel felt so natural. I felt like I just fit in so naturally. I listened as they spoke and I could only hear their hearts speaking. Two wonderful, passionate persons.

I will never forget this exchange between the two:

Aunty Olga: "So George who will go if you're not there?"

Mr Daniel: "Who else will go?"

I also remember very vividly when he related how he was treated with disregard by some disabled persons and when they asked for his assistance he HAD TO help them. He said "it's not about me". He stated that he was hurt as any man will be but he had to serve his people. That reminded me of a lesson I learnt some time ago - love is sacrifice.

They say that a great man does not announce that he is great. When you leave the presence of someone great you just know it.

George Daniel is a great man.

follow these links to learn more about him:
http://oneaccordtt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=2

http://outamehhead.blogspot.com/2007/07/mentally-disabled-government.html

http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/about/executive_detail?contact=175

Exodus 14:14

Monday 19th January 2009

Monday morning bright and early Aunty Olga called me. Even though the Deaf were passing their driving test they were getting a license valid for only one year, instead of three years!! I contacted Disability Affairs Unit (Ministry of Social Development) and DRETCHI on Aunty Olga's request to put a long story short, no help was forthcoming.

Reader, I honestly cannot remember the last time I was so upset and angry. I cannot remember the last time I became so stirred and moved and aggressive and vocal about an issue. I do not consider myself to be confrontational or even assertive. Yet there I was voicing my opinion and my displeasure about the issue to the woman on the other line. God bless her patient soul. lol.

I think the most upsetting thing for me was not the descrimination against the Deaf but more the fact that there was a Policy approved to allow them to have a three year license like the hearing community. My displeasure was significantly and aggitatedly aroused to know that a Policy was made and was not implemented! What use is a Policy without effect??? Why wasn't this Policy available to the relevant authorities at Licensing Office??? Why should the Deaf have to fight for something that has already been approved???????? Of course the wonderfully patient woman at the end of the line had to endure my verbal blows and was not spared from hearing my thoughts on the matter.

Would a man fight for something he believes in? I have believed in many things, including my own rights and have never really actively nor aggressively fought for them. I remember being told to assert myself and stand up for my rights as a child growing up. I was too shy. "People going to walk over you Alana, you have to stand up for your rights!" lol Here I was, speaking out. I am in awe...even when I think about it now.

Well, my peace was disrupted and I couldnt refocus. I was just so upset. Then God spoke to my spirit. The battle is not yours. It is the Lord's.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

That afternoon while I was on my way home Aunty Olga called. The Licensing authorities found the Memorandum permitting the Deaf person to have a three years license.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

A Wonderful Sunday with Aunty Olga and the Deaf

Sunday 18th January 2009

This was a lovely Sunday.

I recall being particularly contented during Deaf Church :) What peace comes from being just where you're intended to be :) (I smile to myself again).

After Deaf Church we drove to D'abadie to Divine Encounter Fellowship and I was priviledged to be a part of a predominantly Deaf audience, partcipating in a motivational session. Gillian, the motivational speaker was so effective and energetic and she was able to touch the lives of the Deaf even though she spoke through an interpreter. I thought it was just so fitting for her to focus on the life of Helen Keller. The Deaf were able to see that they could accomplish their dreams despite apparent obstables.

The response was great. At the end of the session, a few Deaf persons were able to share their dreams and visions. I think this was the most memorable part of the day for me. The passion for change within them was so evident. There was an expressed desire for change; a passion for the Deaf to be educated and go to universities as well as for the Deaf to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was moved. Right then and there I believed that it could be done, I believed in them, I believed that they can do it!Inwardly, I cheered them on from my position at the back.

It was also good to see Mr John Henry interacting with the Deaf. He was particularly entertaining and clearly passionate. May God bless him and his wife. I was able to meet and interact with a few new Deaf persons (new to me at least).

After this session, Aunty Olga took some of the Deaf to Trincity Mall. I MUST mention Catherine. It was the first time she went to this mall and even though her brace (I'm not sure what its called) slowed her down physically, I know her heart was racing with life and excitement. I heard it in her laugh and saw it in her eyes.

Yes, it was a good day.

To EVERYTHING there is a season

Saturday 17th January 2009

On this afternoon, Aunty Olga, the Deaf Leaders and myself went to ADC for a leadership meeting. In my view, the meeting was very productive; we were able to discuss many relevant issues and concerns.

Isn't it amazing that sometimes we discover things about ourself through our very own selves revealing it to us? You see, I had not realised how much I've grown since I've began to work. I feel as if I've developed a little more professional and leadership skills. I was genuinely shocked at my assertiveness during the meeting. As much as I am willing to help the Deaf, I cant do it at the expense of my health. Now that I have the added responsibility of work, my availability will now be limited to weekends and more specifically Sundays. I just couldnt believe I was able to say that lol (and without rehearsing too lol).

On further thought, didnt God promise that He will give us boldness? So why am I giving credit to a secular job?? To God be the glory! For it is not by might, nor by power BUT by my SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). It is the HOLY SPIRIT that gave me this boldness.

Anyway, what's more is that it was not only refreshing to express this but also liberating to be understood in return. I must know that to everything there is a season -what God required of me in 2008 may not be what he requires in 2009. I MUST prioritize, stay focussed and do only what He has called me to do.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven

My heart was at home: I felt contented, at peace and appreciated :-)

Sunday 11th January 2009

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Today was a good day.

As I walked through the door into Deaf Church I smiled!!! AUNTY OLGA!!! YAY!!! There she was teaching the Deaf. I felt so happy to see her! Actually, I was looking forward to spending some time with my Deaf family and to see over 20 Deaf persons and Aunty Olga was just an added bonus!! I felt like I was finally at home after a long journey and my heart and mind was at rest.

I stood at the back. I looked on. I was contented. I belonged.

I looked at Aunty Olga teaching and I must have been smiling outwardly because I know my heart bore a smile :-) Today, was different. They say absence makes the heart fonder. Who is "they"? I'm not sure but "they" do know what they're talking about. Today I loved. Is it possible to love from afar? Well I stood, looked on and my heart was filled with so much love for the Deaf. It was as if I saw them from fresh, new eyes. I remember Gerard turning around and giving me the warmest, most genuine and energetic hello! I felt the way I feel when a baby smiles at me. So precious are my friends.

When I think about how natural it is for me to bond with the Deaf I'm sometimes amazed lol. So often in hearing social circles and gatherings I feel displaced. I never have to think when I'm with my Deaf family. I'm simply Alana. I forget all the concerns of life. It's like a true vacation when I'm with them! I really appreciated and cherished every exchange and greeting and hug and smile and laughter after Deaf Church today. It's what I've been missing for these pass few weeks.

Well the leaders of Deaf Church had a meeting after the service with Aunty Olga. Each person present had the opportunity to say something - probably confess a sin or testify or relate a concern. I was finally able to let them know how grateful I am for their presence in my life. How welcomed, loved and comfortable I feel with them and how God was able to come through for me even when I was overwhelmed. This was my simple, heartfelt contribution. Aunty Olga told me that she consider me to be her other daughter and she expressed how it seems as if we've known each other for years when we're together like kindred spirits :) God orders our footsteps doesnt He? I also feel as if I've known Uncle Elred, Siquina and Omar for years!

The most moving thing about this afternoon is what Shevon said about me. I cant remember what exactly he said but I do know that I was deeply touched. For the first time since I'm with the Deaf, tears welled up in my eyes. I felt appreciated :)

What does God have in store for 2009? I'm not sure exactly but the buds hint of some hidden treasure and the yellow blooms say ever so softly, sweetly yet strongly that great, bright and wonderful things are ahead! I recognise the struggle of the blossoming but I also see its beauty! What a wonder it is! Our God is an awesome God.

Thanks Bonnie

Saturday 10th January 2009

Tonight I want to thank Bonnie publicly for the e-mail she sent me dated 08/01/09. I now viewed her mail and it has been such a blessing and encouragement to me.

Hi Alana,
Found your blog today and was moved by your love and faith for the deaf ministry.

I guess God knows I needed to hear some positive words about deaf ministry.

Am finding it very lonely and discouraging at the moment....but I appreciated your blog today.
Thanks for sharing on internet so God can lead people like me to find it on days when HE knew I needed some encouragement.

Thanks.
Bonnie in FL, USA
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Take a look:
<http://bonnieblessings.blogspot.com/>
<http://netministries.org/see/churches.exe/ch29266>

Sometimes I feel discouraged and I wonder if these posts are making a difference at all. Then I console myself knowing that through this blog I am able to see God's hand upon my life after meditating upon what He has done. I am blessed to know that it has been a blessing to others.

Tonight I came home feeling a bit displaced and Bonnie's email was so uplifting! I guess He knew I needed some encouragement.

I really miss spending time with my precious Deaf friends and I just want tomorrow to come so that I may see them. At times when I feel like I dont belong, I grow to appreciate their company, friendship and presence more and more.

Oh precious Deaf! Would you ever know how much my life has changed because of you?!

John 15:13

Friday 9th January 2009

It is with burning, swollen eyes, moist nostrils, and a warm breath that I write this blog tonight. I dont know where to start. I am COMPLETELY broken before God and even before myself. Could we ever comprehend His love...so unconditional.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

In 2002 I attended a Youth Convention at San Fernando Open Bible Church. This was my first youth convention of this kind. I will never forget the song sung that night: "I want to know what love is, I want you to show me, I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me..." (1984) Those words got my attention. Maybe it articulated the words of my little heart. I wonder if Mick Jones knew that those words would resonate in my heart and touch a rejected, fatherless, lonely girl almost 8 years after he wrote it.

I did find the answer Mr Jones. lol

At the end of my reading of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859) I believe I had a simliar "burning, swollen eyes, moist nostrils, warm breath" experience. Syndey Carton was and will forever be the hero of that novel.

"It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known"

Then I understood it. LOVE IS SACRIFICE. Mick Jones may not have read Dickens' novel.

I looked at Kal Hoo Naa Hoo (2003) and yes I had that "burning, swollen eyes, moist nostrils, warm breath" experience once more. The Notebook (2004) also held the answer to Mr Jones question. LOVE IS SACRIFICE.

I thought I had understood it each time it re-presented itself before me. Each time I was broken, I thought I had fully grasped what love essentially meant. Then tonight the real answer was whispered in my spirit!

Seven Pounds (2008) written by Grant Nieporte. LOVE IS SACRIFICE.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

I cried.

Throughout this movie I cried. I cried for the unloved. I cried for myself. I wanted to know a love so strong, so unconditional, so sacrificial. A story about one man sacrificing his organs to save the lives of others and atone for the lives he took touched me.

Then it was whispered, "I gave my entire life" and I saw the image of my dying Saviour Jesus with outstretched arms on the cross!!!!!!!! That blood he shed was for me! His life was given in order for me to have life and have it abundantly! He knew no sin yet he became sin in order for me to have life!

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Didn't Mick Jones know that the answer was in John 3:16, John 15:13 and the entire Bible all along?

To truly love means to give and to give without wanting in return. Love, Agape love, is unconditional and sacrificial.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Wednesday 7th January 2009

9But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,what God has prepared for those who love him"—
10these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

Leaders Meeting

Tuesday 6th January 2009

Today the First Church of the Open Bible San Fernando had its first Leaders Meeting for 2009. I just want to highlight some key scripture verses mentioned in this meeting. I hold strong to God's promises for the body and by extension the Deaf Ministry for 2009. This is the year of the anointing!

Proverbs 28:20

A faithful man will abound with blessings,

But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.

Exodus 23:19-26

19"You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the LORD your God "You are not to boil a young goat in the milk of its mother.
Conquest of the Land 20"Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
21"Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him.
22"But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.
23"For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them.
24"You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds; but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their sacred pillars in pieces.
25"But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst.
26"There shall be no one miscarrying or barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.

Psalm 105:15

Do not touch My anointed ones,

And do My prophets no harm.

Hebrews 1:9

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.

Leviticus 21:9-15

9'Also the daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by harlotry, she profanes her father; she shall be burned with fire.
10'The priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;
11nor shall he approach any dead person, nor defile himself even for his father or his mother;
12nor shall he go out of the sanctuary nor profane the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him; I am the LORD.
13'He shall take a wife in her virginity.
14'A widow, or a divorced woman, or one who is profaned by harlotry, these he may not take; but rather he is to marry a virgin of his own people,
15so that he will not profane his offspring among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.'"

Deaf Church 2009

Sunday 4th January 2009

This was the first Deaf Church Service for 2009. As I looked on at the Service I felt a bit removed but at the same time I also felt contented to know that Deaf Church could continue with or without a hearing person. I praise God for the Deaf leadership and I thank Him for their faithfulness and commitment to the Ministry. Ian continues to be an impacting teacher, Shevon continues to be an effective leader and Roger continues to be tender hearted.

I declare GREAT and POWERFUL things for the Deaf Ministry in 2009. I decree that God's anointing will flow and that lives will be changed and spirits renewed. I speak a fresh anointing in the lives of the Deaf and I declare that God will do a new thing. This is the year that the Deaf will be filled with the Holy Spirit and go to higher places in Christ! It is done. I believe it and it is so.

Lunch at Sister Julia's home

Saturday 3rd January 2009

Mommy, Shevon, his wife Pauline and son Mark, Roger, his wife Sindy, Ian and I went to Gasparillo at Sister Julia's home for lunch. I was really happy to see them and felt as if I hadnt seen them in such a long time. I really missed them alot! So even while I was eating and all the hearing people were talking I looked over to where they were gathered and began to communicate with my Precious-es!

I couldnt wait to finish eat to go across and talk to them. I had so much to tell about the hearing woman who visited work the previous day and about how much I missed them and wished I could be with them full-time again.

Nevertheless, I had a great time at Sister Julia's home. She and her family were very hospitable. We had all hoped to see "Fred" - the Deaf homeless man who lives in an abandoned home in her community - but we did not get to meet him. Well, God knows best!

I declare in 2009 the Deaf Ministry will be able to meet and evangelise to "Fred"! I declare that he will serve the Lord and God will deliver him and he will be loved and accepted in the family of Christ!! To God be the glory!

Refreshed by a Signing Visitor at Work

Friday 2nd January 2008

This was the day after New Year's Day and I had to go out to work. I think that productivity in the office was particularly low on this day for obvious reasons lol. Well I remember feeling tired and sleepy and just about ready to go home then I heard my name faintly and I saw one of my co-workers in the distance directing a woman to me. I looked at the lady and smiled. Immediately she began signing to me!!! lol I stood instantaneously and we started to communicate in Sign Language!!

Well that exchange, though brief was all I needed to make my day! I felt so refreshed and alert after that meeting! Working full-time strips away the wonderful times I used to have with my precious Deaf friends and many times I miss them. That woman may not have known how much I appreciated her visit and her warm smile! God bless her and the Deaf she encounters!