|

COMMISSION
ON COMPASSION
BMW'S DEAF
AND DEAF-BLIND MINISTRIES IN L.A.
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
BMW's ministry to the deaf-blind in Los Angeles 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 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
atmosphere where the deaf-blind can experience independent living.
The BMW personnel provide assistance such as transporting them and
helping them keep doctors appointments, as well as evangelizing
and discipling them on a one-to-one basis. Grace Bible Church
for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind is located on the campus, thus making
Bible teaching available and supplementing the spiritual ministry
of the missionary staff.
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
- Create evangelism-based
ministries for the deaf-blind
- Provide independent
living facilities for the deaf-blind
- Provide progressive
care units
- Raise funds
for deaf and deaf-blind ministries
- Raise endowment
funds
- Raise support
for personnel
- Recruit additional
personnel
- Develop literature
- Provide internships
- Develop a
recruiting strategy
For more information
on the Commission On Compassion, please visit their
website, email Jim
Hansen, BMW's Field 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.
|