Volume 1, Issue 1 - December 2004

In this Issue:

A Day in Deaf Missions - Good News in Ghana - Deaf Institute of Theology
Deaf Ministry began in the LCMS in 1874 when the Evangelical Lutheran Institute for the Deaf was established in Detroit. But the outreach to the adults did not happen until a deaf layman by the name of Edward Pahl wrote a letter asking, “Jesus says, ‘Preach the gospel to all people.’ But who preaches to the deaf? Are they to remain without the Word of God? Wouldn’t a pastor be available, particularly in the larger cities, who could serve the poor deaf-mutes with God’s Word?” On March 4, 1894, after hurriedly familiarizing himself with sign language, Rev. Augustus Reinke from Chicago led the first worship service in sign language for the deaf.
The LCMS has now been involved with Deaf Ministry for 130 years. From the beginnings of circuit riders, to established congregations, Synod and districts have seen the need to share Jesus with Deaf people across America and even to other countries. Prior to the cuts that began five years ago, we had over 60 deaf churches reaching out and sharing the Gospel around the U.S. There are also Lutheran Deaf pastors and leaders working in more than 10 countries around the world.