I was actually a retired teacher because I was exhausted being an activist for the Deaf community. But, I felt God doesn't allow me to retire and He wants me to serve back to people who needed. I retired in 2021 and am back serving in 2022. Only a retirement year!
I was retired because I felt frustrated with my life as a Deaf person in the middle of hearing people and I wanted to focus on my dream. But, joining the English Worship, was actually only wanted to learn English as preparation and wanted to attend the English-speaking church in person. Before that, I joined another group which was actually an English-speaking congregation but it was still virtual. So, I attended the English Worship the last April before we entered the Eid Fitri. I had never expected to be part of this community. I would think that some events that only "hearing events" so a Deaf person doesn't need to be involved. "What purpose if I should go to a hearing event who none of Deaf people be there?" But, He knew and sent a guy who knows sign language. That was Hendro. I was told by Katie who is a pastor I met. She knew him so well but she thought that Hendro couldn't attend due to sick and I was like I'm okay because I didn't need an interpreter and just need an English-speaking church since I was bored with an Indonesian-speaking church. But, Hendro was really coming to me! He signed to me. It was shocking! I thought that was also part of my praying that I always wanted to have an interpreter at the church and attend an English-speaking church. He made me regularly come to the church and also other events. That is something as never I expected because I was lazy going to the church due to no interpreter, and even I decided not to go to the church until they have an interpreter.
Besides, I couldn't think why I regularly come to XA Chi Alpha every Friday night, Core Group on Wednesday, and worship on Sunday, that has almost a busy week! Even funny, those are just "hearing events" that which I thought of. Why am I the only Deaf person to be there and even only one interpreter I have now? Why they do not know sign language still want me to attend more? Those are questions that can't understand sense! And even, though I was upset and had an intention to leave them, Katie was sending praying and saying that I'm going to be welcomed because they love me. And, Golda was asking how will you come to the Holy Spirit (was actually I didn't want it) but I came with a sports outfit because that which the place should be there and grow with going who am truly I. When I had trouble, they always wanted to hear me! They are what I think is a good listeners.
Sim hired me as an English Worship media staff. And, now, I will serve the XA media staff. I also teach them to learn sign language on Tuesday. That is what am feeling like God wants me to serve back to people who needed and gain my new experience. Serving Christ is fun! That is what I feel and learn how to be grateful. So, they made me cancel my retirement as a teacher.
I had prayed to Him that I want to serve for the rest life because that's what I wanted since getting baptized. But, I just didn't know what kind of serving Christ. I served my church before that but not regularly, maybe only once. But, He knew! I serve by teaching, helping my friends, and whatever I am going to do. I love serving Christ because only there is where I find out who truly am I and how to be a Christian. I don't want to just come to the church but want more.
I have a funny story that the building who only close to one building and it is just 12 feet away or 3 meters. ELS Computer is the place that I always come there to purchase and repair since moving in 2018. I never realized that just close to the International English Center! If time can look back, I should have come to the IEC after taking a business in ELS! That made me think that God had a mysterious plan for me and ended up getting an amazing gift by coming to the IEC at the right time. Thank you, Jesus Christ!
I want to serve. Just that's it. English Worship is a beautiful place that ever I attended and would be the best place that going to talk with my friends, family, couple, and everyone in the future, anywhere I am. I feel at home here despite I am the only Deaf person and only have one interpreter (wish going more!). I want more Deaf people in the IEC in the future and also would have more interpreters because I'm not going to be the last Deaf person in this community. I know that I wouldn't be going to be longer here.
Anyway, Jesus Christ is the Lord, my savior, and my king. As a son of a God, I'm going to thank you very much to Him for having a special place that makes me feel at home. I want to serve people who are needed because it gonna have fun, rejoice, and be full of joy.
Thanks, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! I love you, Jesus Christ!
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