Lessons from Moses

Liz Ortiz

Mar 1

We had a deaf ministry group visiting from the States. They work with another missions organization that is located about 2 hours from where I live. They came to visit and to encourage Ariana and me. During their visit, I gave them a tour of the blind school campus, where I live. While we were on the tour, I saw a former student at the blind school sitting on a bench. She is learning English, so I always try to speak to her in English when I see her. “Nina! It is good to see you! How are you?” Nina gives a big smile and laughs, “I am fine, and you?” Some of the blind girls from my Bible study were there as well. I greeted them and told them that I had some friends there with me visiting the school. One of the members of the group that I was giving the tour to was deaf. She wanted to share a little bit of her story with them. I translated what she said into French. One of the older girls took it upon herself to translate what I said into the local language of Ewe so that the younger girls could understand. M then wanted to show them how to say “Jesus loves me” in ASL. She took each of their hands, one at a time, and showed them how to sign it. I explained to the girls what each sign meant. At the end, M told each girl to never forget that Jesus loves each and every one of them. What a special moment!

It’s no secret that learning a second and third language is difficult. Honestly, trying to keep the languages straight in my head can be overwhelming at times. When I was a child, I struggled with speaking clearly. I went through speech therapy. Sometimes other kids would tease me for how I talked. I remember looking at books at the library about other languages. They intrigued me. However, at the back of my head, I thought, if I struggle with speaking clearly, there is no way I can learn another language. As time progressed and I was looking into missions, the fear of learning another language crept into my heart. But then, I would remember Moses. When God told Moses to go back to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, Moses was terrified.

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:10-12)

I went back to this passage repeatedly while I went through language school and now during my first term in Togo. Some days, I feel like Moses did, terrified. But then I remember the words of the Lord, “Who made the mouth?” Does having problems with speech mean you can’t serve the Lord? Can God make mistakes with those who He calls? No! God is holy and almighty. His plan is always perfect. The words of the Lord that I cling to are: “I am with you.” I think back to the other day as I was giving the tour at the blind school. I was helping to be a bridge for the deaf to share the Gospel with the blind. Thank you, Lord, for using me!

A couple weeks ago, we were able to visit one of the first schools for the deaf started in Togo. It was founded by the late Andrew Foster. Andrew was an African-American missionary who was deaf. During the 1950s-1980s, he started 32 schools for the deaf across East and West Africa. It was a neat experience to tour the campus and learn more of the history of the school. Next year, they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary! As we visited the different classrooms, several of the students recognized us from the Deaf camp that we hosted last summer. It was great to see them again. I am hoping that we will be able to host a deaf camp at the blind school again. I will be meeting with different people and working on details for it. Please pray for wisdom.

Two of my favorite days of the week are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Why? Those are the days we go to the school for the deaf. It has been so much fun getting to know the students and teachers. It has been exciting to see the growth of the students in their communication. I received a box of picture board books from a missionary. They are in English but have lots of pictures. The students love looking through them. One day, one of the older students selected a Bible story book from our box and turned to the story of Jesus calming the storm. She showed the picture to some other students and began describing the scene in sign. She told the other students that the man stopped the storm. The students may not understand who Jesus is, but they are learning and growing. I pray that someday they will understand how much God loves them.

The students were sad when we told them that Ariana was leaving to go back to the States. They were also relieved when we told them that I was still going to be there. Ariana has had an impact on each of their lives. I am thankful for the year that she has been here with me. She has been a big help and a blessing to me and to many others. On the last day that Ariana went to the school, all the students and staff made a going away poster. She will be missed by many. Will you please pray for Ariana as she says her final good byes and transitions back to the States? Please pray for the ministry that God would provide the needed workers.

Thank you for your support in the ministry! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. The Lord is good! All the time, He is good!

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Pray Request:

Ariana and I will be taking a few days of vacation/transition before she continues onto the States. Please pray for safety as we travel and that it is a restful time.
Pray for Ariana as she returns to the States.
Pray for teammates to join me on the field.
Pray for the Bible study with the blind students that Hannah and I lead on Monday evenings.
Pray for visits to the school for the deaf to continue to go well.
Pray that we can develop good relationships within the school.
Pray for my ability to communicate. I desire to grow in my confidence in speaking French and signing. The difference in accent and vocabulary can be a bit overwhelming at times.
Please pray that I would not be overwhelmed in French or sign language and that I would be able to understand and be understood in the language.
Please pray for wisdom as I develop the ministry.