OCALA DEAF MINISTRY BEARS FRUIT
by Herb Pritchard
Sabbaths are always special at Ocala, Fla., Church, but a recent Sabbath could best be described as a “High Sabbath.” On this day, Erick and Marlene Angulo were baptized as the first fruits of the church’s Sign Language Ministry.
As Pastor Dave Swinyar entered the baptismal pool with Erick and Marlene, unseen volunteers stood in the adjacent rooms signing the service and conveying the pastor’s words. You could hear a pin drop as members sensed the sacredness of the service and watched the facial reactions of the couple as they became aware of the pastor’s words.
Ocala Church’s deaf ministry began when Jerry Sutton* was asked to sign the services for the guest of a member. This initial signing led several deaf people to attend church, and Jerry was led to teach training classes for others to sign. Today, more than 12 individuals, consisting of youth and adults, are capable of helping with the ministry.
“This is a beginning,” said Swinyar after the service. “I am looking for the Lord to bless us with more souls as we meet the needs of these dear blind and deaf people by introducing them to Jesus.”
* Read Jerry Sutton’s conversion story.