Deafinitely Inspiring

As many of you know I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and spent some of my time there at some Pastor's meetings. Over the next few weeks perhaps I'll share some of my thoughts and some things I've learned.

One of the highlights for me was seeing one of my heroes in action. I've said before that being an inspiring Christian isn't about being a charismatic personality or even doing great things necessarily. It's really about God shining through your life. It's awesome when you get to see the results of God's work in a life and His continued work happening right before your eyes.

One of the main reasons we went to Melbourne wasn't for me but so that Kirsten could minister. Kirsten was part of a team of interpreters for the deaf at the meetings. She was one of the most experienced interpreters and the most qualified interpreter present. She was also the best! (That's a completely unbiased observation of course).

Kirsten inspires me because I can see what God has done through her. She started her journey in Auslan because she saw a need and believed God could use her to meet it. At the time neither of us had any idea where this was going to go. All she knew was one deaf lady in our church (Gospel Baptist at that time) needed to know what was going on and what was being said. Along the way we have both been taught a great deal about people, communication, cultures and so much more. God has brought wonderful people in our life as a result. We've seen a young man come to know Christ as his Saviour because someone could 'speak' his language. For the past five or six years Kirsten has been opening the world and the Word to the deaf people God has brought into her life.

God hasn't opened up that door in our church yet, but only He knows what the future holds. This I do know, God does amazing things through you when you give yourself and your abilities to Him to use. At a time in her life when everyone was wondering what career path she would choose Kirsten chose a ministry not a career. As a result, God has blessed both our lives abundantly. That's why my wife inspires me (one reason any way).

Pastor Brian