10 Years Ago

In the fall of 1999, our family was completing our 3rd missionary term in Bolivia. We had started out in aviation ministry and progressed to helping as Field director on several brief occasions and finally were involved with the Field Ministries.

One of the highlights of our term, was helping with the Franklin Graham Crusade that distributed the "Shoe Boxes" with the Operation Christmas Child. We helped transport the boxes from the container to the hanger and then finally to the individual churches involved in the VBS programs. There were over 3,500 professions of faith. That was truly a highlight for our family to be involved in this great ministry.

Karen had just become involved in a local Baptist church which had a ministry to the hard of hearing . We had checked with the folks involved with the Festival and they assured us there was a deaf interpreter for the Festival. After the first night, we soon discovered that no interpreter had been assigned the job. Karen had such a passion for the deaf, she, at 15 years old interpreted for the deaf as Franklin Graham spoke.

Interpreting in Santa Cruz Bolivia was an ideal setting for Karen. Because the Festival had to be translated from English to Spanish, this gave Karen more time to think through how to interpret and present the gospel in sign language.

Franklin Graham spoke during the closing night of Founder's Week, 2009. The theme of the conference was Rooted in Truth...Abounding in Love. Each night different choral groups sang or played. The music was fantastic.

Again, Karen did a great job with her signing to the deaf. I just see the biggest smile on her face when she is involved with the deaf ministry. Karen we are proud of you!

Karen, signing for Franklin Graham.

Judy