Deaf Café started as a simple conversation about the best way for a Deaf church to reach out to a generation of lost Deaf.The conversation took place between Tim Bender, Deaf pastor of Louisville Baptist Deaf Church in Kentucky and Steve Dye, a member of another Deaf Church in that area.
They were concerned about those Deaf (and Hearing) who do not attend church and the two men were searching for a way to close that gap. The conversation led to the idea of a variety style program with a little bit of everything – uplifting music, funny and serious videos, skits, games and a short devotion with an invitation time - that makes up the Deaf Café program now. Because those two happened to be meeting in a coffee café, they chose the name Deaf Café.
In 2004, Pastor Del Granger heard about the Deaf Café in Kentucky. He and some others went to observe the program and felt that God wanted one started in Flint, Michigan. Del then began to assemble a team of dedicated Christians from various area churches. The team began to plan the first program with very little in the way of props, equipment or even costumes. The Lord provided a place (Isaiah’s Ice Cream shop) for the program to be held and things started taking off.
God blessed Deaf Café – Flint with not only dedicated, Bible believing team members, but churches that supported the ministry. As time has gone by, God has continued to bless Deaf Café. The number of those attending the programs increased so much, a new place had to be found to provide seating. That is when the program moved to the Carman-Ainsworth Senior Center. The donations to Deaf Café –Flint have been generous and the team has been able to purchase a large variety of items needed to produce a better program.
In the summer of 2006, Deaf Café– Flint changed it’s title to reflect what it is really all about. It is now officially Deaf C.A.F.E. which stands for Deaf Christians Acting as Faithful Evangelists. The goal is to reach people, who would not attend a traditional church service, with the Gospel and Saving Grace of Christ.
There is now a waiting list of people who wish to join the team. The requirements are strict with the first being that all team members must be saved, serving God in a Bible believing church and of good testimony. Of the 12 charter members, 9 are still on the team and there have been additions to make up the team you see today.
The 2 hour programs are held the second Saturday of each month, Sept. – May. These programs are free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend. Attendance has risen to over 120 on any given month with souls saved, people dedicating their lives to God and learning the Truth of God’s Word.
Sadly, Deaf Café – Flint is one of only a few of this type of program taking place. Many other Deaf Café programs started up only to face hardships and failure. However, with your support of prayers, God can continue to work His Will through the team in Michigan.
We would love to see other strong Christian teams begin a Deaf Café in your area. Let’s work together for the harvest is plenty and the workers are few.
The Deaf C.A.F.E. Team