Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
Merry CHRISTmas Everyone, December 19th, 2014
Thank you all for praying for the “Happy Birthday Jesus Christmas Party” last Friday. It was a complete success. The staff did a great job with all the children and parents that attended.
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There were a lot of children at the party which was held at Pastor German’s church in Las Tunas. This is a very poor area where many of our deaf students live.
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The group “Pintando Corazones” (Painting Hearts) presented a show with mimes, skits and puppets. Elvis gave a gospel message.
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The women of Pastor German’s church prepared a delicious meal for all to enjoy.
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They played games. And of course, they had two giant piñatas in keeping with the traditions of Latin America.
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Prior to the day of the party, all of the children’s feet were measured and 125 pairs of good quality shoes were purchased to be given to our deaf students and children of Las Tunas.
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This is the team that put it all together. Our own staff as well as Pintando Corazones, Pastor German (top left), people from his church and even some deaf friends from Guatemala City came and helped out.
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Thank you all again. Thank you Bob McFall for having a heart for the children of Guatemala. Please tell your people that they made a lot of children happy.
We have uploaded our Ministry video for 2014 to YouTube and you can click below to view it. http://youtu.be/vRYRIcXp1AM
We pray that you all have a Merry CHRISTmas. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. May God bless each and every one of you.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
Hello Everyone,
Check out the photos below. The children are enjoying their swimming lessons. The municipality in the nearby city of El Progreso has a pool and they are graciously giving our deaf students free lessons.
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Alexis, Grecia and Guadalupe don’t know how to swim yet but they are sure having a lot of fun.
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Some of the older children already know how to swim. The teacher is excellent and is eager to learn sign language.
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Greg is helping Guadalupe practice kicking her feet. She was born weighing only 2 pounds and did not walk until she was over 4 years old. She turned 10 this year.
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Rosmery is 5 years old and cannot swim yet but is a fast learner with absolutely no fear whatsoever. When that noodle is tied around her waist she thinks she’s a fish.
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Jeanette and Julia are back in the states as of last Wednesday to help take care of the grandchildren while our daughter Esther gives birth to her fourth boy. Tomorrow is the big day so please keep her and the baby in your prayers. Luke and I (Greg) will stay in Guatemala until the end of the school year which is at the beginning of October.
Without your prayers and financial support these deaf children might not have the opportunities they are getting because of Guatemala Deaf Ministries. Please keep the school, the ministry and us in your prayers. We do appreciate your financial support as well. May the Lord bless you all richly.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
Hello Everyone,
The trip to the zoo with 29 students, 18 staff and their children, and 11 mothers and/or sisters was a complete success. The logistical problems of keeping track of so many deaf students was a challenge. But one that was easily overcome because everyone cooperated perfectly. Thank you all for praying. It might not have been an amazing day without your prayers.
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Can you tell from this picture that the students are excited about going to the zoo? The bus arrived at 5:30 in the morning and we were off and running by 6:02am. That was a miracle in itself.
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The group was dressed in red t-shirts provided by Twin Peaks Community Church. These are our new uniforms for the students. Thank You TPCC! This was the first time to the zoo for most of our students and many of the parents as well. [/one_half_last]
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Just before the zoo trip we were blessed to have two young men come and check out the ministry first hand. Josh and Jared were great help. Jared’s sister Rebecca Diley will be moving to the Peten in Guatemala to start a school for deaf children in that area which is about 8 hours from us here in Jutiapa. Please be praying for Rebecca.
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This week we will be taking the students to the local pool for free swimming lessons provided by the city of El Progreso. The majority of the children do not know how to swim. This is another exciting opportunity to help these deaf children learn something they would not normally have the the chance to learn.
So we thank you for your prayers and financial support. They are making a difference.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
Hello Everyone,
About two months ago we were contacted by Bob Van Zyl from SIL International. Bob is the regional director for the Americas working with the Deaf and helping them create videos of Bible stories and also a video translation of the Bible. Recently, he and John Jaider, a deaf Colombian man who heads up the translation team for Colombia came and visited with us.
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We had many great conversations with them about the huge task of translating portions of Scripture into Guatemalan Sign Language. Greg enjoyed talking with Bob about the intricacies of doing such a translation project. Gustavo and Jonathan had the opportunity to show them some of our sign videos and John was able to give them some advice on how to make our videos better. We were sad to see them go. Thank you again Bob and John for coming and sharing. We will start doing videos of Bible stories in the near future.[/one_half_last]
This is an important project and needs a lot of prayer support. These videos have the potential of teaching many deaf people about Jesus and their need for a Savior. Please pray.
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A big THANK YOU to JPL for donating laptops for use not only by our staff but also in our classrooms. Many THANKS to Michael Kimes for helping us through the process with JPL. Pictured here is Jonathan teaching a typing class to his students. Ingrid and Sara are using the computers in their classrooms as well. The students were excited and the parents just watched and smiled. Many of the parents cannot read or write. What an encouragement to them to see their deaf children learning something they never were able to learn.
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Praise the Lord the van’s transmission has been repaired and serviced and is working like new. The cost was a fraction of what it could have been.
Please pray for rain here in Guatemala. There is a drought going on and many people have already lost their crops. This will be a difficult thing for them. They need a miracle.
The teachers of Escucha Mis Manos have organized a field trip to the zoo in the city this Thursday. They raised all the funds and Twin Peaks Community Church donated money for school uniforms which will make it much easier to identify our students at the zoo. Thank you TPCC! Please pray for safety getting to and from the city and also at the zoo.
As always, please don’t stop praying for us, the ministry and the people we serve. Thank you for your financial support as well. May the Lord bless you all richly.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
July 24, 2014
Hello Everyone,
We are back from our fast trip to Belize. Our new friends, Jim and Debie Tucker were gracious hosts and it was interesting learning about their mission work there.
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Our purpose for going was two fold. Every 180 days here in Guatemala we need to leave the country to renew our visas. Normally we drive to Mexico but this time we decided to go to Belize and visit the Cayo Deaf Institute. The couple to the right are Charlie and Lorna Plett who are Mennonites and work with the Institute. They showed us the ministry and then took us out to lunch. The ministry has 50 acres of rich farmland. They teach the deaf students academics as well as how to work a farm. Charlie employs a former student at his business in town.[/one_half]
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[one_half_last]The couple here is Kenton and Norma Reimer. They also work with the Institute and Kenton preaches every Sunday in ASL to their deaf congregation in town. We met these people at a Deaf Family Conference that Roy Price, Carlos Donate and ourselves put on two years ago in Antigua. We had a great time visiting and talking about curriculum.
On our way back home the transmission in the van stopped functioning properly but praise the Lord we made it home safely. Please pray that we can get it repaired.[/one_half_last]
Don’t forget to pray for the staff and students here in Jutiapa. There is a lot of sickness going around. Your financial support is important and appreciated too. God bless you all.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Hello Everyone, July 13th 2014
We are heading for Belize tomorrow to renew our Guatemala visas. Every 180 days we need to leave the country. Usually we go to Mexico but this time we thought we would check out Belize. There is a ministry there called Cayo Deaf Institute. They have a farm and school for deaf children and young adults, somewhat similar to what we want to do. Please pray for safe travels, it’s about a 10 hour drive. Pray for easy border crossing etc.
Thank you for praying.
Blessings,
Greg and Jeanette
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
June 26, 2014
Hello Everyone,
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Last week our good friends from New Song Christian Community church came and worked so hard we were exhausted just watching them. They presented a VBS at Pastor German’s church in Las Tunas, painted two houses and then organized and delivered food baskets to the families of our deaf students.[/one_half]
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[one_half_last]The first day of the VBS there were 106 children, the second day 144 and on the last day there were 156 children. Our deaf students were there too. Febe did a great job interpreting the message, skits, games and crafts. Everyone had a good time. Pastor German and his wife were wonderful hosts. This is the church where we taught our deaf students last year.[/one_half_last]
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During one of the breaks, Leti, the pastor’s wife taught Jeanette how to make tortillas, Guatemalan style. She did a good job. We just hope she doesn’t quit making her delicious bread and go into tortilla making.[/one_half]
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The ministry continues to grow as we are now in our fifth year here in Guatemala. Our big house in Jutiapa is getting smaller with more and more deaf people coming to learn, visit and fellowship. Recently, we were shown a couple of pieces of property, one being a 16 acre facility only a few minutes from our house that includes dorm rooms, meeting hall, dining hall, commercial kitchen, coffee house and much more. The price we were given was astronomical indicating that perhaps the owner changed his mind about selling. So naturally, this got us thinking more about a facility for Guatemala Deaf Ministries which would include a much needed school building and all of the above.
Therefore, we have set aside Monday the 30th of June until Tuesday the 1st of July for a day of prayer and fasting. We will be spending as much time as possible in prayer and then on Tuesday afternoon our team will come together for a corporate time of prayer. The fast will end with a meal shared together. We invite you to join us in seeking the Lord’s direction regarding a larger facility. Should we pursue the purchase of the camp that is near our house? Should we pursue other property? Or should we continue to wait for a better time and other opportunities? We have friends of the ministry who are willing to do some serious fund raising. Is this the time?
Let us go before the Lord and make known our supplications with a time of prayer and fasting.
As always, thank you for your ongoing prayers and financial support. God bless every one of you.
In His service,
Greg and Jeanette Summerville
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
April 16, 2014
Hello Everyone,
Our apologies for not writing sooner. This year has not been without its challenges. We have more staff, more students and lots more going on. But praise the Lord we have our victories as well. It is such a joy to see growth in the lives of our deaf students. Children who could not communicate 10 weeks ago are now conversing with us. It’s wonderful. Our staff is learning to work together as a team. There are 5 to 6 classes daily, Tuesdaythrough Thursday with sometimes as many as 25 to 30 students. Monday is for training the staff and there is also a class on Friday for deaf adults. Elvis has been teaching the mothers sign language so they can communicate with their deaf children. We are looking forward to the day when we can have a real school building/ministry center.
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This is our kindergarten teacher Febe with her class. Febe is hearing and has a degree in Christian education. She is assisted most of the time by Yulissa, Elvis’ wife. They are both very creative and the children enjoy their class. For 8 year old Guadalupe, the tallest student, this is her first year of school [/one_half]
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Last Saturday afternoon we held a Seder dinner to celebrate Passover. It was a beautiful time of teaching and sharing a very meaningful meal together. There were 20 deaf people who attended plus Elvis and Yulissa and their two children. We had a slide show with pictures to help tell about Jesus in the Passover.
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This is Holy Week here in Guatemala and schools and most businesses are closed to celebrate. As Resurrection Sunday approaches we hope that you take time to celebrate what Jesus did on the cross for us. His death means our life.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Have a great week.
In His Service and for His glory,
Greg and Jeanette
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The Board of Directors visits Guatemala!
March 13, 2014
The Board of Directors of Guatemala Deaf Ministries just returned on March 10 from visiting the ministry in Guatemala. What an inspirational trip it was for us!
It was amazing to see, first hand, how God is moving among the Deaf in this land. It was highly beneficial for each of us to meet and get to know the staff and students of the ministry. For each of us as directors, it also helped to personalize our connection and help us develop relationships within the ministry. We spent time seeking God in prayer and discussion about how to most effectively meet the many needs of the Deaf. Thank you for praying for us during this trip.
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What we saw in Guatemala is truly miraculous. In just over four years, God has raised up eight Guatemalan believers to help the Summervilles minister to the deaf: five are deaf, and three are hearing. God is also bringing in an average of 30+ deaf students each day to be taught within a Christian setting – which is in the Summerville’s [/one_third]
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home. We may soon need to find additional space to meet the growing needs.
Please pray for the Board of Directors, the Summervilles, the staff, and students of Guatemala Deaf Ministries. There are vast challenges to overcome every day to help this unique people group.[/one_third_last]
Thank you again for your partnership with GDM. Your prayers and support are vital in helping bring the Gospel to the Deaf of Guatemala.
Vaya con Dios!
The Board of Directors
Guatemala Deaf Ministries
Hello Everyone, February 17, 2014
The school year is off to a great start. We are averaging about 20 students per day with more expected to come. Thanks to many generous donors at the end of last year, we were able to hire some additional teachers and staff. Gustavo and Ingrid (both deaf) have joined our team. We bought some much needed video equipment and Gustavo is working on making videos of signs, Bible stories and dramas. Ingrid is teaching in one of the classes. Sara (deaf) is teaching with Ingrid and helps with the cleaning, cooking and dishes. Febe (hearing) is a teacher and continues her education on Saturday for her psychology degree. School is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. As you recall, Jonathan and Aura’s school, Escucha Mis Manos is not fully legal since we do not have a playground yet.
Other adult classes are held during some of the afternoons and on Fridays. The carpentry workshop will begin next Monday. Church services are going well. The small deaf congregation in Mita has moved and is sharing a church with a hearing congregation. Please be praying for the deaf people in Mita.
From left to right: Greg, Jeanette, Sara, Febe, Yulissa, Elvis, Julia, Luke, Aura, Jonathan, Ingrid and Gustavo. What a fantastic team! We are blessed.
Thanks for making this possible with your prayers and financial support. Keep praying, there is still much work to be done.
God bless each and every one of you,
Greg and Jeanette
Guatemala Deaf Ministries Inc.
Teaching deaf people to reach deaf people
for the Lord Jesus Christ
January 2014
Hello Everyone,
Elvis picked us up at the airport and we arrived safely at our home in Jutiapa. Praise God our suitcases finally made it too. After a couple of days of rest we began cleaning this dirty house. The winds have been strong lately and it doesn’t help living on a dirt road.
Jonathan and Elvis made good progress on the school curriculum while we were gone. We have been holding meetings about the school year that is about to begin. There will be many new students this year. Greg will be preaching this Sunday. It’s good to see the church is still going strong.
A big “THANK YOU” to all of you who hosted us this last year’s trip to the states. It’s wonderful to have so many caring friends and family.
Please be praying for wisdom as we need to hire some additional staff. More on that later. In fact, wisdom is needed in a lot of areas right now. The stress level has been pretty high lately. Your prayers are felt clear down here in Guatemala and we do appreciate them.
It was nice to come home to fresh papaya. This tree grew out of a 2′ x 7′ planter box and reaches to the second story window. The fruit is delicious.
May the Lord bless you and give you a great 2014.
In His Service,
Greg and Jeanette