Newfrontiers : Deaf Focus Weekend

Deaf Focus Weekend

During the weekend of 20-22 June around 45 deaf and hearing Christians from around the UK embarked on the second annual Deaf Focus conference in Swanwick (near Derby). Andy Floyd (Beacon Church South Central London) shares about what happened.

The concept of the conference was birthed by Paul Floyd, whose vision was twofold: 1) To provide a place to educate and inspire deaf Christians with the vision & values of Newfrontiers, and motivate them for mission; 2) To truly bring deaf and hearing Christians together in a worshipping community.

The theme of the second conference was: ‘Learning to be a 21st Century Citizen of Heaven’, and it was a remarkable time together!

Right from the outset, God was in our midst. Deaf and hearing alike got into their strides quickly, and a string of prophetic words and pictures came which brought the conference to life. Paul Floyd who, along with his wife Jannice, was unable to attend due to ill-health, felt God say before the conference, that He would do something different and new.

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And so it proved. In the third session on Saturday, the planned activity was scrapped, and the time was spent waiting on God instead. God moved powerfully! Some were filled with the Spirit, others experienced healing, and passionate prayer was offered up to God.

Throughout the conference clear and impassioned teaching from both hearing and deaf speakers motivated those in attendance. Many came away from the conference excited & with a new sense of purpose in God. We look forward to seeing the lasting fruit in the coming months.

This was a great opportunity to see Paul's vision begin to take place, but if we are to see more and lasting fruit amongst this community we must stir our churches to look at how best to serve the deaf in our locality. Let's pray for even more fruit in 2009!

Footnote: Since the conference Paul Floyd sadly lost his four year battle with cancer, and went to be with his Saviour, whom he served so diligently and wholeheartedly through his life. He will be sorely missed, but has left a wonderful legacy in all he accomplished during his time on earth.