Leaning on the Everlasting Arms: Teaching the Teacher

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Teaching the Teacher

Manuel preached on Sunday from Acts 12. This week he picked the scripture he wanted to teach. He has a Deaf Missions Bible DVD and was watching the book of Acts last week and became interested in the story of Peter. Peter was thrown in jail by Herod who had just killed James (brother of John) by chopping off his head. Peter was next. But within hours of Peter's certain execution, the angel of the Lord came to Peter in jail, released the shackles, opened the door, and led him out while guards stood by unable to see anything that was happening.

It's a great story of God's power to do anything, even the impossible. It's also a great story about God's faithfulness. While Peter was in jail, all of the believers in Jerusalem were praying for God to release him. They prayed and fasted and were still praying in the middle of the night when Peter (now a freed man) came to the house where the Christians had gathered.

Manuel and I spent much of Saturday studying the chapter and listening to what God was teaching us. He practiced signing the story and pausing to ask questions to keep the Deaf congregation involved.

Manuel says it is the Spirit of God that helps him do the impossible: read the Bible since he did not learn to read in school. God clearly has his hand on this young man, seeking his allegiance, encouraging him, and molding him into God's holy character. Thank you for praying for Manuel.

1 comment:

John, an unlikely pastorMay 22, 2012 at 8:21 PM
Nancy,
May God be with both Manuel and you. You've opened up a door for him into ministry. Some of the great moments we have are when we hold the door open as someone else shares the good news with the one's God is sending them out to reach.
Peace to you, John
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Things I Love About Belize

EVERY meeting begins with prayer, whether it is a Town Council Meeting, a school function, or the National Spelling Bee.
No matter where you go, there is always someone you know who is greeting you with a smile and a wave.
The zillion stars in the sky.
When my car fell into an uncovered drain and I could not go forward or back... within 3 minutes 6 men came running to help and lifted the car up and out! Not that I would pull the stunt to have six men come running (smile)... but I have been saved more than once!
When something breaks, like the rubber gasket on the bottom of the tank behind my toilet and water was flowing everywhere, or when the dog chewed through my garden hose while I was at school and water sprayed over the fence and into the street, there is always a neighbor who is ready to come to the rescue and fix the problem.

About this Ministry

How did I end up in Belize?
In 2004 a Belizean family asked me to come to Belize to teach their deaf son and possibly other deaf children for the summer. We expected about six children but were surprised by fifty-two adults and children who came to our three week ASL workshop. God walked with me and led me each day. In so many ways God empowered me and encouraged me. When it was time to return to the US and my full time teaching job there, I felt God calling me to plan to return to Belize to start a Deaf Church. I returned the following August (2005) to start a church and teach the Deaf children at St. Peter's Anglican School here in Orange Walk. Since then God's hand on this ministry has been beyond my wildest dreams. This blog is a dialogue on the journey. I hope it shows God's power and presence in the lives of those who commit to following in Jesus' footsteps to build the Kingdom. I pray over each entry hoping it encourages others to "step out of the boat" and take risks to answer God's call in their lives.