I was delighted to read the Deaf Faith Fellowship (DFF) report in Salt & Light media. They did well in highlighting the uniqueness of a congregation founded by Rev Barnabas Phua. Barnabas had his theological training at Christ For the Nations Institute in Texas. They had a Department of Deaf Studies. Barnabas and I were both ordained on the same day by Rev P. J. Johney in 1986. Our children were born and grew up in the faith communities of the deaf and English congregations.

I love preaching at the DFF whenever I am invited. It developed me as a preacher. Preaching to them forces you to express the truths of the gospel in ways that increase understanding and make truths relevant to their needs. It was challenging, and because of that, I grew in my preaching. As their faces were expressive, I received immediate feedback during the preaching. I would know immediately whether I was connecting with them or had lost them. It is deeply satisfying when they complimented me about my preaching because they are without guile and mean what they say.

Many of them put their faith in Christ as young people in their 20s and 30s, and now most of them are in their sixties and seventies. They are not fair-weather Christians. They have overcome many setbacks, including difficult family backgrounds, disadvantaged education, rejection and prejudice in the workplace, and misunderstandings in general. I am so proud of these veterans who have weathered many a trial and have served faithfully for twenty, thirty and forty, even fifty years.

Rev Barnabas and his wife Angela have poured out their lives to lead, feed and care for the deaf members, ministering to their unique and challenging needs and problems. Without a doubt, they have served well and faithfully. Using all their talents and love with steadfast perseverance, they have blessed the deaf congregation.

Some faithful hearing members helped them through the years. I recall Joyce Leong and Christine in the early years. Then Abraham and Magdalene Chan, who served with dedication as leaders for decades; Patricia Lock, who was a part-time assistant; and Mui Keng, who served as a part-time administrative assistant for two years, and later as full-time ministry staff for four years.

The Salt & Light coverage can be found in an article HERE and in the following embedded videos: