Pastor to the deaf blessed by his calling

In a letter to Christians living in Rome, St. Paul wrote, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

That scripture verse is especially meaningful to one of the newest pastors at Quentin Road Bible Baptist church.

Six years ago, doctors told Rev. David Armstrong he would be completely deaf in six months. An inner ear disease was destroying his ability to hear. Resigned to the fact, he began taking sign language classes.

The doctors were wrong. But the event moved Armstrong's ministry in an unexpected way. Now, the first-ever pastor to the deaf at Quentin Road, Armstrong, 46, says he feels blessed to minister to this special community.

Armstrong officially kicked off his ministry on Sunday with a special event for deaf people in the congregation and other invited guests.

Executive Pastor James Scudder Jr. says Armstrong's work is more significant than it looks.

"This is so much more than just providing sign language interpretation for the sermon," he said. "David's ministry works to keep the deaf fully included in the life of the church. They are part of our family, not a subgroup."

Quentin Road staff member Lisa Stankus has been providing sign language during services, but it's the first time the church has a full-time pastor focused on the need.

Working in music ministry at a previous church, he had no intention of changing direction. But the ear disease and God's calling moved him in new ways, he said.

"It didn't take long for the Lord to lead me into this new ministry," Armstrong said. "Before I almost lost my hearing, I had little interest or understanding of the deaf community. But the Lord has ways of getting one's attention."

Hoping to create a "deaf-friendly" church, Armstrong started a sign language class for church members. Over 30 people attend the weekly sessions. They hope to use their new skill to chat with deaf folks in and outside of the church, he said.

Nearly 1 million Americans are functionally deaf, according to Washington, D.C.-based Gallaudet University. An estimated 110,000 deaf people live in Illinois.

Of those, Armstrong said only three percent are Christians. He sees a potential mission field.

"To have an opportunity to share the Gospel within that culture of people is a blessing," he said.

Scudder said that having Armstrong on staff has brought an awareness and energy to many in the 1,000-member congregation.

"Our hearing folks are excited about this, too," Scudder said. "They see the potential for not only here at the church, but outside as well."

He still has his hearing, but Armstrong said he feels an affinity to those who can't hear.

"This culture and community think and learn in such a different way. It's a completely different language," he said. "To communicate the truth in a way they understand is a great blessing."