| Bader Ministries |
| An Open Deputation Letter to Pastors – July, 2004 |
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Bro. Mike Bader – Deaf Missionary
Pastor I came with my wife to Kentucky in November, 2003. I have established a Deaf Church that is independent, fundamental and preaches the King James Bible. We are so excited to follow God’s leading! Here is our story: I am Deaf (i.e. hard-of-hearing). Although I can speak, I associate myself with the Deaf. My wife is hearing, and is an interpreter. We are serving as Deaf missionaries sponsored by churches and friends who are interested in reaching the Deaf population. Our sending home church and biggest financial supporter is Campbellsville Baptist Temple, Campbellsville, KY. The Deaf have limited resources, just as those folks on foreign fields. That is why I have launched out in faith as a missionary seeking long-term support. Born and raised in Michigan, I always planned to minister there. My burden had been for Deaf in Michigan, but through His Spirit, God suddenly gave me a great desire to reach Deaf in the southern US. When I was at Sword Deaf Baptist Church on May 5-6, 2003 for my ordination, I asked Fred Adams about any churches in the south that were looking for Deaf pastors. Fred called and they were pleased to have us come see the church that would soon be available for the Deaf. We were heading south to visit my parents, so that Monday, we were able to stop and visit Campbellsville Baptist Temple in Kentucky. We stayed for a few days to meet some of the Deaf folks, the hearing pastor, B C Gillispie and his associate Rudy Stacy. One Deaf man and his hearing wife have been praying for 30 years for a Deaf pastor to come who would understand their language and culture and establish a real Deaf Church. I believe God has been preparing me for such a time as this. I thank the Lord for the time and training I have gotten from my pastors these last 30 years and the personal studies I have been doing. I feel like Moses struggling and waiting all these years, but God knew what I needed to prepare me for starting a Deaf Church. While I visit, study, teach and preach, I ask my wife Candy, who is hearing, to act as secretary and do the writing for us. She has not found work yet, so we are able to visit together. I have a vision from the Lord for a strong stable Deaf Church that can reach out to all the surrounding counties. Paul Goble is one of the Deaf whose life shows the great change since he was saved a few years ago. Now he is growing as I disciple him; next I will train him to be a deacon. We have 11-13 in attendance now. Deaf can serve in a Deaf Church. [The Deaf] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]. In His Service, Bro. Mike Bader CBT Deaf Church
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