Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) Sign Language

 

 

It's that time of the year, Spring, Easter weekend; must be time for LTC! The kids begin preparing in December or January for most of the events they will compete in this weekend.  Generally they have practiced for all of the events on Sunday afternoons.  Yes, it does mean that our Sundays are packed from 8am until 7pm with 'church', but honestly I can't think of any better use of our time. 

 

Hanging out in the lobby on Friday waiting to check into our rooms you never know who you will run into, why, it was card board Jesus and Blake! Notice the phone, Jesus is calling His disciples.  Bible Bowl humor at it's finest!

 

The kids first competition this weekend was Sign Language.  Ms. Gungan worked with the kids to prepare them to introduce themselves and their song to the judges using ASL.  The judges then played the song 'Freely, Freely' and the kids signed and mouthed the words to the judges.  Each of the youth wait outside the room until they are called, so no one gets the advantage of watching the other kids go first etc.  Abigail was the only girl in this time slot with the McDermott boys.  I got tickled watching the boys meticulously sign the song, and then there was Abigail.  She bounced her way in the room, her arms flew as she signed, she had great expression and in general well, jazz hands!   The difference in boys and girls. 

 

Over the years our LTC sign language has come in handy, we have run into deaf people at Braums' and the grocery store who have seen the kids signing and started up a conversation.  My favorite story was several years ago working at Brother Bill's Food Pantry in downtown Dallas and Caleb met a deaf lady picking up groceries.  No one at the food pantry had been able to communicate with her.  Caleb was able to get her name, address and visit with her.  She was in tears and hugged him, so happy to communicate with someone. 




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You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind,
but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19:14