| Home News | Email | Print |
|
Thank you, Blakes!
Deaf ministry is not what most people think. It is a very difficult work. The results of doing this work can be disappointing with frustration, tears, misunderstandings, etc. God honors those who put their love for the Lord and their fellow people first.
The Blakes sacrificed their time and lives to reaching out to to Deaf for many years since the birth of their Deaf daughter, Judy. While Judy was still young, the Blakes adopted a small Deaf boy. They have written tracts, made videos and DVDs, lead out in Deaf ministry in Canada, raised funds, and many other things. The Blakes have postponed their retirement, surrendered their dreams of ease and relaxation, and dedicated their lives for the good of the Gospel ministry to the Deaf.
We wanted to give the Blakes this recognition during the Milo camp meeting, but due to Alberta's health, they could not attend. So, Paul Kelly and David Trexler made plans to give them this surprise in their home province in Canada. David shares the story, "We tried to keep the plan a secret as much as possible. Paul and his family planned to vacation in Edmonton to be with his parents and relatives this summer. We told Alberta of the secret award to her husband and encouraged her to plan a Big Deaf Day with Paul as the guest speaker and ask some of the church leaders to attend. But somehow there was a communication breakdown leading to have Deaf Reach. Then, we agreed that I would lead the Deaf Reach. John Blake expected Paul to present the Deaf Reach workshop and did not know anything about Francisca and I coming with the award. Alberta knew about it but did not know that the award was also for her as well."
David continues the story, "Using two $300 vouchers from volunteering to give up our seats on another flight and an award ticket from sky miles, both Francisca and I were able to fly to Canada. We thought that we succesfully kept the plan a secret. We stopped to eat dinner after we arrived in Canada. We walked into the restaurant and saw Greg Greenwood eating with his friends. Francisca and I knew we could not run away from him. Of course, Greg was very surprised to see us in person in Canada! We told the secret and asked him to be quiet. He agreed and we had a very good visit."
"Next morning, when we parked at the church, we saw John Blake walking to the church's entrance. We hid from view until he entered the church. As soon as we went in the church John saw us as he was standing by the stairs. He was in a complete shock! We were afraid he might fall down the stairs so I moved him away from them. He continued to show shock with disbelief. He was wondering why in the world we were in Canada. Then during the break between Sabbath School and church worship service, we presented the special award to both John and Alberta Blake. Alberta was surprised, too. Alberta Conference's secretary Romulo Daquila was also present to give his testimony about the Blakes' unselfish service to the Deaf."
Thank you, John and Alberta, for allowing God to use you in many special ways. You have made a difference!