By Caleb Frazier, Deaf Teen Quest Ministry Leader
“Why don’t we play against the Cleveland DTQ in basketball?”
This question from one of our DTQ boys has led to a fun, friendly and impactful ministry for us.
Every summer our Deaf Teen Quest Club goes to camp with teens from other DTQ chapters in our area. This is such an edifying time for our teens. They get to spend a week socializing with many teens who experience the same challenges that they do – and they have a lot of fun doing it.
Last year after camp, one of our boys suggested the basketball game. I realized it would be a great way to help connect them with more Deaf and Hard of Hearing teens. To prepare for this game, we started a Friday night boys group where we practice basketball, and we pair it with a devotional time to learn about God together.
It’s been so much fun to help them understand spiritual concepts by relating them to a sport they all love so much. During our study time we talk about what it means to work together and how each member of the body is important and loved by God. We talk about church and what that means and how we can build each other up as iron sharpens iron. We also focus on the fact that Cleveland DTQ teens are not our enemies, but rather they are our brothers in Christ that we get to have fun playing against.
As a result of this study, we have seen four students come to know Christ! Many of the other boys are young believers. This concept of deep friendship and community was what convinced one of our boys that he needs God, and he decided begin a friendship with Him the week before our game.
Last year we went to Cleveland to play the game. This year we hosted. I am happy to say that DTQ Columbus has kept the trophy from last year with our second win – a thrilling overtime victory.
A simple question has turned into a deeply loved event for the teens, volunteers, teachers, community partners and parents. I am proud of our boys for being such great hosts to Cleveland. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Would you like to learn more about our Deaf Teen Quest outreach? CLICK HERE to go to our webpage.
