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Countries of Ministry
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Deaf & Deaf-Blind Ministries
SPIRITUAL CLIMATE: Among the Christian community, the deaf-blind are virtually an unreached people group with very little being done to evangelize them. Family members who have a deaf-blind individual in their family most often do not know how to relate to them, so they routinely institutionalize him. It is estimated that there are approximately one million deaf-blind in the US. Sixteen different forms of communication are used, with English and American Sign Language being the two main languages. Many of the deaf-blind have known abuse and ostracism from the hearing community. Family members many times do not know how to communicate and relate to them, so they suffer isolation. All of this adds to the frustration caused by this disability. The nature of the ministry is to reach the deaf-blind with the gospel of Jesus Christ by establishing relationships where trust is built; by meeting personal needs; and by learning how to communicate with each individual. Due to the nature of their physical limitations, they are usually very cautious and strong-willed people. However, the constant display of love by gracious and committed believers breaks down the barriers, and Christ can be presented as the answer to their spiritual need. Through the years of faithful ministry a number of these have come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. FIELD HISTORY IN LOS ANGELES, CA: In the fall of 1963 Muriel Hersom pioneered work among the deaf-blind. As she worked with them, she was burdened with the need of a place for the deaf-blind to live independently. In 1986 a motel was purchased in Los Angeles, CA and came to be known as the Commission on Compassion. This facility is located in northern of Los Angeles in the Highland Park area. The first tenants took up their residence in this 22-unit complex in 1986. In 1995 another 13 units were added, making the facility a total of 35 apartments. And in subsequent years a chapel has been added, as well as a full-service kitchen which serves daily meals to the residents. NATURE OF CURRENT OUTREACH: The Commission on Compassion is a 24-hour facility that provides
a safe FUTURE PLANS: Our passion is to minister to the deaf-blind world through creating evangelism-based ministries for the deaf-blind, providing training for the preparation of deaf workers and raising funds for the support of deaf and deaf-blind ministries. GOALS FOR THE FUTURE:
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