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COMMISSION
ON COMPASSION
FIELD
HISTORY IN LOS ANGELES, CA
There has been some renovation for staff need that has changed the facility, as well as using one of the apartments for an office. The facility now consists of 32 units for full-time residents and 1 unit used for visitors. NATURE
OF CURRENT OUTREACH GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
For more information on the Commission On Compassion, please visit their website, email Jim Hansen, BMW's Team Leader in L.A., or contact Dominic Gonino, BMW's U.S. Area Director. Also visit the website for Grace Bible Church for the Deaf. |
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MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE Site
maintained by Biblical Ministries Worldwide |
Among
the different people groups in our world today, the deaf-blind are virtually an
unreached people with very little being done to evangelize them. The world of
the deaf-blind is often isolated, lonely, and frightening. They experience this
isolation in their own families with people that love them, but who don't understand
them, how to deal with them or sometimes even how to communicate with them. They
are isolated from people in the community in which they live, who often don't
even know that they are around. They are afraid because they are surrounded by
dangers that are completely hidden to them. It is estimated that there are approximately
one million in the US that are legally deaf-blind. The major cause for this condition
is Usher's Syndrome that often leaves the individual completely deaf and blind
by their late 20's or early 30's. Sixteen different forms of tactil (hands on)
communication are used by the deaf-blind. The 2 languages used with these forms
of communication are most often English or American Sign Language.
Some
of the deaf-blind have known abuse and many have experienced ostracism from the
hearing and deaf community. For those that are fully deaf-blind - having no hearing
and no sight - their world exists only of those things they can reach out and
touch. This means that without someone willing to communicate personally with
them by the means of touch there is no opportunity for many of them to learn about
God, the salvation that is offered to them through His Son, Jesus Christ, or to
grow spiritually in relationship with Him.
The
nature of BMW's ministry to the deaf-blind in Los Angeles, California, is to reach
them with the gospel of Jesus Christ by establishing relationships where trust
is built; personal needs are met; and relationships are established. This is done
by providing them a place to live independently in their own apartment at 
In
the fall of 1963, Muriel Hersom began a pioneering 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. Thirteen years later an apartment complex was purchased
in Los Angeles by United Missionary Fellowship and it came to be known as
After
much help from a local church, the first tenants took up their residency in this
22-unit complex in January 1977. In 1985 some neighboring property was purchased
and another 13 units were added, making the facility a total of 35 apartments.
About that same time the corner property was purchased and a chapel was added,
as well as a full-service kitchen which serves daily meals to the residents who
wish to partake of it.
Commission
on Compassion is a 24-hour facility that provides a safe atmosphere where the
deaf-blind can experience independent living. The BMW personnel carry on the work
of managing this facility as well as being good neighbors and friends to their
fellow deaf-blind residents. As friends and neighbors they often help with shopping,
cleaning, and doctor's appointments. By being friends and neighbors that can be
trusted they are often provided the opportunity to share the wonderful good news
about Jesus Christ and to disciple those that have put their trust and faith in
Him. 
Recruit
additional personnel |
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