Online Archives

BY LAURA ANTHONY

Exploration 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla., was by far one of the very best experiences I've had in all of my life.

I will never forget the amazing people I had the opportunity to get to know or the significance of those moments when I finally had the time to truly listen to God.

I will also never forget the way I felt when I realized that God chose me - he chose me - to have this call.

When I was 11, my Mom signed me up for the American Sign Language class held at Magothy UMC. We had no idea then what God had in mind for me.

Sign Language became my passion, my hobby, it was my everything. I hated missing even one class.

The people of the Deaf world changed my life. I loved seeing them, learning from them about their culture, their language, their lives.

My teacher invited me to come to the deaf services held at Magothy when I was about 14. My first Sunday, I remember watching a woman sign a song and it was simply breathtaking. Later she asked me if I'd like to learn to sign to music too.

Our first practice together, I watched her sign. I could see the emotion in her expressions and through her signs. I wanted to understand what it was that made her look and feel that way.

So I began studying my Bible and practicing the signs more, going to the services and really listening to my pastor. Eventually, I realized what it meant to know Jesus as my savior.

I grew in my faith. When I was about 15 the idea of going into ministry and pastoring a Deaf church kept coming up. God?s call was so vibrant.

Exploration taught me that I need to not only 'dive in,' but also to 'make waves.'

The event put me together with others who are also trying to discern what God is calling them to do.

At the workshops I had opportunities to meet pastors and listen to their experiences. They were uplifting and encouraging, speaking about how we should not listen to the world, but listen to God.

They shared the negatives, as well as the positives, about ministry, and also explained that with God all things are possible.

We all worshiped together and sang, danced and praised God.

My favorite place to be during Exploration was the prayer room. I had been carrying some things with me before explorations and had really forgotten the essence of worship. It was there that I was reminded of my need to go to God for answers and to spend one-on-one time with God.

The most important part of my trip was the commitment service, which I felt changed me.

I am much closer to God than I ever was before.

A common theme that weekend was that God calls me by my name, and I know that ever since that day, his voice has been so much louder.

I was overwhelmed by God and in tears because I am truly so blessed to have had such an amazing experience and to have accepted God?s plan for my life.

Exploration 2006 was a renewing, reassuring and captivating experience for me, and because of it, I am changed. I know my call and I am answering.

Laura Anthony is a member of Magothy UMC of the Deaf in Pasadena.