Answering Your Questions About Christian Mission for the Deaf
Does God Love The Deaf?
Yes. His Word, the Bible, reveals His concern in such verses as Exodus 4:11, Leviticus 19:14, Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5, Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16.
What Are The Main Causes Of Deafness?
There are four main categories:
- Heredity;
- Illnesses — e.g.: meningitis, polio, measles, whooping cough, influenza, small pox, syphilis, etc.;
- Accidents;
- Harsh environments — e.g.: drug abuse, sustained loud noises, etc.
Why A Christian Mission For The Deaf?
Deaf people face many barriers to “hearing” the Word of God. Illiteracy, isolation, geographical distances, hardships and various communication problems are just a few of the challenges faced by the deaf. Another is the vast “hidden field” itself: In the US and Western countries, about 1 out of every 1,000 persons is deaf and 20 out of every 1,000 is hard-of-hearing. Primarily because of disease, those statistics are higher in Africa. A special outreach, like CMD, is better suited to address some of these problems and needs.
What Are Your Objectives?
Since its founding in 1956, CMD’s objectives have been to organize, operate, promote and encourage Biblical evangelism and education work among the deaf of Africa, and to train national Christian workers.
What Are Your Approaches?
So far, education work, training teachers, leadership training, evangelism, Bible meetings, (Sunday School and church services), camps, youth centers. All are specially geared to the needs of the deaf, and conducted mostly by the nationals.
By What Means Do You Communicate?
By every known and available means. This includes natural gestures , formal signs, finger-spelling, writing, reading, speech, speech-reading and hearing aids. Total Communication, as it is called, helps the hearing impaired persons in comprehension, rapid learning, developing greater language competency and understanding abstract Biblical truths. We try to be “all things to all men, that we might by all means save some.” I Cor. 9:19-22.
How Do Deaf People Respond To The Gospel?
Just like ordinary people. “Some believed, and some believed not.” However in Africa, for example, scores of deaf people have been saved, baptized and nurtured in the Word of God. Many are helping to educate and evangelize other deaf Africans.
When And By Whom Was CMD Founded?
God used a totally deaf man, Andrew Foster, M.A., to organize the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans. It was incorporated as a Michigan non-profit organization in 1956. Its name was modified in 1978. Andrew Foster went to Africa in 1957, and during 30 years of service he founded 31 schools and 2 centers, successively in Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Togo, Chad, Senegal, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire (presently Democratic Republic of Congo), Burkina Faso, Burundi and Gabon. About the same number of Sunday Schools and churches were established in those countries, and also in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Congo and Guinea. In addition, some nationals from other countries were orientated by CMD. Some of these schools were taken over by their governments or other groups, and some churches of the deaf are indigenous. Andrew Foster went to be with the Lord, through an airplane accident in Rwanda, East Africa on December 3, 1987. CMD is looking forward to establishing more schools and churches in other unreached areas, as the Lord leads and provides the workers and the means. Currently, CMD is supporting four schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo and two ministries in Chad and Nigeria. CMD’s offices are now located in Aledo, Texas in the USA.
How Is CMD Supported?
By prayer and faith. In dependence upon God, the Lord has burdened a good number of Christian individuals, assemblies, churches, Sunday Schools and others to share by prayer and love gifts.
What Are The Qualifications Of Workers?
Basically, spiritual maturity and personal ability or willingness to learn. Bible schooling and training or experience in the field of deafness are also preferred. Special courses, such as language, may also be required. Every worker must have a heart for evangelizing lost souls and building up deaf believers in the Lord.
How Is A Worker Supported?
The same way as CMD. Each worker must diligently resort to prayer and faith (I Thessalonians 5:24; Philippians 4:19). The commendation or backing of an assembly, church or group of Christians must also be evidenced.
If One Feels Led By God To Serve With Cmd, How Would The Person Apply?
Write a letter of application. State the type and area of interest, if any. Enclose full resume. Send to CMD’s address as listed below.
How Can I Help CMD Reach The Deaf?
There are many ways. Here are some suggestions:
- By becoming a prayer partner. Pray for us (II Thess. 3:1) Our prayer letter, Deaf Witness, is sent to active supporters.
- By practical support. All gifts, bequests, memorials, grants, etc. to CMD are tax deductible.
- By donation of Bibles, literature, films, visual aids, equipment, etc.
- By including CMD among mission projects at your assembly, church, Sunday School, prayer meeting and other groups.
Remember, Jesus said: “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me”—Mathew 25:40b
We welcome your praying, sharing, and fellowshipping.
Where Can I Find CMD’s Statement Of Faith?
CMD’s statement of faith can be found here.
Write To:
**NEW ADDRESS**
CHRISTIAN MISSION FOR THE DEAF
P. O. BOX 1651
Aledo, TX 76008
U.S.A.
A Non-Profit Faith Ministry incorporated in 1956. All gifts to CMD are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For Canadian receipts, gifts may be sent to:
MSC- Canada
101 Amber Street, Unit 16
Markham, Ontario
Canada, L3R 3B2Please make checks payable to “MSC Canada” and state that it is for Christian Mission for the Deaf.
U.K. donors may send gifts through:
Lord’s Work Trust
42 Beansburn
Kilmarnock, Scotland KA3 1RH.Please make cheques payable to “Lord’s Work Trust” and state that it is for Christian Mission for the Deaf.
Donors in other countries wishing to send donations, please contact CMD at the USA address above or from our Contact page for more information.
