Hearing Hearts Ministries - Reaching the Deaf in the Dominican Republic

Hearing Hearts Ministries was formed as a registered non-profit charity in 2005 with the mandate of bringing the gospel to the Deaf.
We facilitate and strengthen the growth of Deaf churches and schools in the Dominican Republic by supporting Deaf missionaries, Deaf pastors, and teachers who are active in ministry.
We also provide materials with which adults and children alike are taught sign language and given an elementary education.

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.... 2 Chronicles 16:9

Mission organizations can saturate an area with the Gospel message, through crusades, music presentations, radio, or many, many other methods.
Despite all the efforts...there is a huge group of people (an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 in the Dominican Republic alone) that will not "hear" the message of God's Salvation. The Deaf need to be reached!
In the world of communication the Deaf communicates in the form of Sign Language and/or body gestures. The Gospel needs to be presented to the Deaf using this language combined with visuals and dramas.
It is our desire to reach the Deaf all across the island of the Dominican Republic with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each Deaf person is precious in the Lord's sight and we pray that each will have the opportunity to"hear" the good news at least once in their lifetime in a way they can understand.

"whoever...beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" 1 John 3:17

...make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philippians 2:2

Outreach in the Dominican Republic

Hearing Hearts
P.O. Box 575
Terrace, B.C.
V8G 4B5

As a result of Deaf Missionary Ken Bell sharing the needs of the Deaf during a visit to Canada many Canadians were touched by the plight of the Deaf and wanted a means through which they could help. Hearing Hearts was formed for this purpose.
We now work in conjunction with Ken Bell Missions and the Ministerio a los Sordos in the Dominican Republic. For the last several years we have labored to raise funds for the purpose of giving the Deaf pastors and those teaching the Deaf sign language small salaries as well as providing school materials to the schools.
We travel to the Dominican Republic annually to encourage the pastors and teachers and distibute all gifts received through donations from Canada.
We praise the Lord for all He has accomplished through this ministry and give Him all the glory!

For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all. 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Ken Bell Missions
P. O. Box 5625
Grants Pass, Oregon
97527

In 1988 Ken traveled to the Dominican Republic on his first missions trip with a group from Spokane,Washington. He saw first-hand that the Gospel message was not reaching the Deaf even though there were many churches. His heart was moved with compassion as he saw the tremendous difficulties faced by the Deaf population. Many Deaf live in isolation, unable to communicate with others, lacking even the ability to sign. They are often alone, hidden away, living without hope.
Seeing the great need that exists and responding to the Lord's call on his life, Ken became one of the few Deaf missionaries to work among the Deaf in foreign missions. With a local "hearing" friend they began traveling from village to village seeking out the Deaf by going door to door. They would then begin to teach them; first sign language, then the Word of God. Many Deaf accepted Jesus and from these first steps, the ministry in the D.R. has now grown to 17 Deaf churches under the care of local hearing churches.

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the "hands" of those who bring the good news!"
Romans 10:14-15

Ministerio a los Sordos Vida Y Esperanza En Cristo

Carlos Reyes was callled to Deaf ministry in 1988 and is the National Director of Deaf ministries in the Dominican Republic. He also pastors a Deaf church in Santiago. In the early years of the ministry he traveled with Ken Bell as they went door to door to find the Deaf, sharing the gospel with those they found, and establishing Deaf ministries within local hearing churches to care for and teach the Deaf who came to the Lord.
The ministry grew and along with the growth came
the huge responsibility of meeting the needs that became evident. A Bible School to train Deaf pastors and workers, individual schools to teach sign language and provide an elementary education, facilities for the schools to operate in, and food and clothing outreach all developed as Carlos and all those who work with him allowed their lives to become vessels for the Lord to pour out His love upon the Deaf.

And on that day the deaf shall hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The afflicted also shall increase their gladness in the Lord.
Isaiah 29: 18-19

Pastors in the Dominican Republic

Deaf Pastor Santo Domingo
Hector is an evangelist at heart. He serves as a pastor in the Capital and yearns for the souls of the many Deaf who have yet to hear the gospel. He is a" lover of people" and is loved in return by hundreds of Deaf all over the island whose lives have been touched by his care and compassion.

Deaf Pastor Bani
Dario is a man after God's own heart. He loves the word of God and studies diligently in order that he may share the gospel with other Deaf. His life is a living testimony of God's enabling power as he serves faithfully as a pastor and in outreach ministry.

Deaf Pastor Azua
Jonathan has a gentle, quiet spirit infused with a deep love for His Savior. He faithfully shepherds those under his care. He is also active in outreach and Camp ministry. He has a zeal to reach the lost, filled with an urgency to let other Deaf hear the "good news" before the return of the Lord!

Deaf Pastor Barahona
Francisco serves his congregation selflessly. He truly has a pastor's heart and is gifted in his ability to present the gospel to the those who are both deaf and blind through hand to hand ministry. He is a priceless addition to the outreach team as they seek to share the "good news" of the gospel.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5: 17

Schools for the Deaf in the Dominican Republic

Barahona
Neyba
Cotui
Sabana de la Mar
Villa Altagracia
Hato Mayor

But Jesus called the children and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16

Bible School - The Bible School was developed to equip the Deaf with a deeper understanding of the word of God that they may become pastors and leaders. It is a two year program held on weekends for three month sessions. Those Deaf who have the ability to read are chosen and trained. We now have four Deaf pastors teaching the Deaf in their native language!
Deaf Churches - The Deaf meet in many villages and towns to worship and learn together. They now have a community to belong to whereas many before were isolated and alone. In some places the Deaf join with the Hearing church and the service is interpreted for them. In others they are able to have their own service. As more leaders are trained we pray that each Deaf congregation will have their own pastor.
Campmeeting - A camp meeting is held each year and Deaf from all 17 churches come as well as many Deaf who do not yet know the Lord. Transportation is provided and the fees covered for those who would be unable to come due to the cost. The Deaf gather together for three or four days for preaching, teaching, worshipping and encouragement to strengthen their faith is Jesus.
Workshops - Workshops are held annually for the Deaf and Hearing workers to develop and share ideas, to receive feedback and encouragement and learn new methods of facilitating their ministries as well as continue in Bible training with guest visitors often asked to share.
Deaf Schools - Children are learning about God's love as they first learn a language through signing and then learn to read and write. Most schools operate in rented facilities or in space either renovated or added to the Hearing churches by donations from Ken Bell Missions or Hearing Hearts.
Food and Clothing - Food and clothes are supplied to meet the needs of the poor as we minister to them physically as well as spiritually.

It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4: 11-12

It is our desire to continue to raise salaries for national pastors and teachers who are actively involved in ministry to the Deaf. We are currently supporting four Deaf pastors and six Deaf schools.
As well as providing supplies for the schools in operation we are also working towards developing a basic curriculum for new Deaf schools that are formed as direct result of evangelistic outreach.
We seek to listen to the concerns and needs of the national workers supporting them in any way possible in fulfilling our shared vision of reaching the lost for Christ.
We are praying that the Lord will raise up many with "a heart for the Deaf "and together we can meet these needs.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

hearinghearts@hotmail.com