Our most recent journey to Liberia was a profound testament to the power of connection and the expansion of opportunity. This trip included Kemp Laidley (BTB), Janice Tankersly (from Texas who is fluent in ASL, and a seamstress), and Danny Campbell (retired Provost of the Southwest College for the Deaf in Texas).
An Unforgettable Welcome: An unscheduled visit from the President of Liberia
The moment we arrived at the deaf school, God was already at work. The President of Liberia, visiting Ganta for a 3-day conference, was invited to the deaf school for an impromptu visit. This was such a remarkable and momentous event. These children, many who have felt abandoned, insignificant, or unimportant, were visited by the most influential and powerful man in their country. He held the hand of one of the children during the ceremony and spoke highly of the facilities and staff.
Strengthening the Foundation: Expert Hands at Work
Once the dust settled from the excitement of the President’s visit, the team got to work. Janice continued teaching and helping the sewing instructors and students, working on improving their sewing skills. Danny was able to observe teachers and administrators and get a glimpse of their daily schedule and teaching methods. He has since provided invaluable advice, recommendations, and action steps to improve classroom instruction for the deaf school.
High-Speed Hope: Bringing the Starlink to The Deaf School
This trip also included the installation of a Starlink. Kemp was able to acquire a Starlink, and get it installed and connected. A laptop, projector and large screen were also acquired. This high-speed internet has effectively opened doors to resources that were previously out of reach.
A Partnership with TCU
We have already begun to utilize the technology of the Starlink, laptop, and projector by beginning a partnership with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. Through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies program at TCU, with the guidance of Michelle Henry, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice; Deaf/Hard of Hearing Studies Program Coordinator, TCU students are providing ASL classes for our hearing staff—including cooks, maintenance, and security—to ensure a fully inclusive environment.
A Message in their Own Language
Looking ahead, the internet will facilitate continuing education for our faculty, possibly through the deaf college in Texas, elevating and improving our teaching methods and standards. It also provides a vehicle for sharing the love of Jesus with the deaf students, and community. Through the Starlink, Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film was able to be shared with the deaf students and staff. This film is a feature film presented entirely in American Sign Language: the story of the love of Jesus and His sacrifice, “spoken” to the deaf children and students in their language, maybe for the very first time.
Crisis of Success: What Comes Next?
Though the success and improvements at the deaf school are more than we ever thought they would be, we find ourselves with a “crisis of success.” We are now at a critical crossroads: the school is currently at full capacity, and we face the reality of having to turn deaf children away. As we look toward the future, our focus shifts to the needs for possible new dormitories, and also looking at the vocational programming and teaching these students a marketable skill so they can go out into their communities and support themselves once they graduate from this school. This would ensure that no student is turned away from the education they deserve.
From Silence to Belonging
Janice said it perfectly. Each child there has been rescued. How true it has become. Each one of them has been rescued from a life of silence and of solitude. Each one of them now has a place to be included and to be loved. From despair and hopelessness to excitement and opportunity. Each one of them will have the opportunity to see the Love God has for them and that He values them just as they are. Each one of them hopefully will come to know and experience the Love of Jesus that is present at the School.
