As Kate and I take some time to reflect and give thanks to God on this Christmas Day for sending His Son as a perfect example and sacrifice for us, we also wanted to take some time to thank all of you and share a little bit about what God has been doing through our program for the deaf this Christmas season.
Last week the kids in our deaf program came together, and decided that they wanted to teach other Peruvians how to “sing” Silent Night in sign language. Together with a number of other volunteers they all came together in one of the busiest parks in Lima, and did just that. It was wonderful to see how passersby gathered around to learn the signs and to learn about the deaf community. It was a blessing for us and the rest of the SU staff to give the kids this opportunity to come along side them and show them that they do have a voice that is worth hearing and to continue to share God’s love with them.
Take a moment today to watch the video below and give thanks for all God is doing through the various ministries here in Peru. (The subtitles in the video are in Spanish, but we have translated the text into English below.)
If you can’t see the video, please click here.
Junior – 20 years old.
I love Christmas. Christmas is sharing, it is being together with family.
It’s about eating, eating very good food and singing.
I can’t hear music but I can feel it and when I close my eyes I can imagine it.
This Christmas I had an idea to sing but I never thought that it would bring so many people together.
I really enjoyed that we were all united – deaf and hearing people – everybody sharing.
It was exciting to see so many people together, singing together.
And we have demonstrated that everybody can learn and be a part of the deaf community.
I think it is very important that the deaf community feel proud of their identity.
Thank you God.
From us here in Peru, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
– Billy & Kate
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.