San Antonio Community Bible Church has announced the appointment of a deaf pastor, marking a significant milestone. Rev. Ashton Laffe, who will lead the newly established Department of Hearing Impairment, is expected to begin in June.
“I’m thrilled to share that Pastor Ashton Luff has been called to serve as pastor for CBC’s new Department of Hearing Impairment! He will officially start in June, and we hold great hopes for how God will guide this vital mission,” it was stated in an announcement.
During the May Honor Series, the church took a moment to honor a steadfast leader who played a crucial role in launching and supporting the Ministry of Hearing Impairment.
This was revealed during the Sunday service on May 4th by Pastor Reid Ed Newton.
Newton mentioned he had met Laffe years ago but faced challenges convincing him to accept the position, as he had previously turned down the offer, opting for another pastor instead. “No, no, we want you,” Newton insisted.
Newton also prayed for healing for the deaf and interpreted the significance of ASL in their community. “Jesus lives in our hearts. That power is within us and can heal us,” he prayed, emphasizing the need for faith in this healing.
According to the church, the Ministry of Hearing Impairment aims to create “a vibrant, inclusive community for people of all ages who are hearing impaired, allowing them to learn about Jesus and build meaningful relationships without language barriers.”
The ministry strives to provide an environment that welcomes American Sign Language (ASL) as a primary communication method, ensuring full participation in worship and learning, regardless of one’s familiarity with sign language. For those who are not fluent in ASL, voice interpreters will be available, fostering connections among both deaf and hearing individuals.
