Hands for Christ, a newly planted GCI church in Staten Island, New York, celebrated its second anniversary on September 14, 2014. Sixty-seven adults and eight children attended. According to pastor Mary Bacheller (shown preaching at right):
It was a day where our deaf members did most of the service and the testimonies were great. We are growing and excited about the ministry that we are doing. The live-streaming of our services is going out to two GCI church plants in the making. The hands of the people are truly moving hearts!
The anniversary worship service included a performance from the deaf choir (pictured at right) and testimonies from deaf members who offered heart-felt thoughts concerning their new church home. Here are excerpts from the testimonies given by three of them:
I came to this church two years ago and it has made a big difference in my life for me and my two daughters. I thank Hands for Christ that I can come to a safe place to worship and learn about God. [Debbie Strang, pictured below, left]
I have gone to other churches because I want to learn about God, but just would sit there and not understand very much. But when I heard about Hands for Christ church, a church for the deaf and by the deaf (Pastor Mary is like deaf!) I was so excited. I feel safe here. [Linda Mancini, pictured above, center]
I am very thankful to be here in this church, I have learned so much here about Jesus and how to have a relationship with him. I feel at home here…this is my home church. A church for the deaf. [Diana O’Shea, pictured above, right]
Following the service, the congregation enjoyed a time of fellowship (see picture below).
It is wonderful to see how God provides for the spiritual needs of all of His children. Thanks for caring.
Blessings,
Santiago and Elke
Congratulations, Mary! It’s so wonderful seeing the young congregation growing in size and grace. God continue to bless and keep you all.
Happy for you and proud of you; may God continue to bless your service.
Dear Mary. Nancy and I thank God for giving you the heart and skills needed for living and sharing Jesus’ gospel with God’s physically deaf children. We feel blessed to see the years of preparation resulting in an abundance of spiritual fruit in honor of the Father!