My name is Joyce B. Atchison, I am a deaf woman, and thrilled to be named the newest Director of Christ Through Hands Ministry here at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Faribault! Over 25 years ago, I worked closely with Phyllis Koehler, (the Director of Ephphatha Ministries at that time), when I was the Coordinator of Catholic Deaf Ministry at MSAD from 1983-1989. I have many fond memories of my work with deaf children from MSAD during those years. Several of my "former deaf kids" have come back to me as adults and thanked me "for planting the seeds of their faith" as young deaf children. To me, that is one of the highest compliments I have been given! I am passionate about, and have been formally or informally involved in Deaf Ministry most of my adult life. This position is a natural fit for me.
After I left Faribault in 1989, I returned to graduate school at the University of Minnesota to pursue my Master's Degree in Deaf Education, and returned to MSAD in Faribault as a Teacher for the Deaf (TDHH) from 1993-1997. Later I taught as a TDHH in St. Cloud and Coon Rapids.
In September 2003, I returned to graduate school at St. Cloud State University to pursue a degree as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduating in December 2005. I was a Mental Health Therapist for Deaf Children and their families from March 2006 until October 2010 at Volunteers of America Mental Health Clinic in Golden Valley, MN. Along the way, I also became Co-Founder and Co-Director of Deaf Encountering Christ (DEC) retreats here in Minnesota. This 3-day DEC retreat program is a unique, powerful, "one-of-a-kind" weekend held near Little Falls, MN three times a year, and is led by Deaf Christian adults, fully accessible in American Sign Language. We have had over 300 deaf adults from 12 states attend DEC since November 2004. Deaf adults are "hungry" to know God, having missed out on typical religious education opportunities as children due to language barriers (lack of interpreters, programs, etc in their home churches), and now, as adults, many are now seeking a closer relationship with God.
I truly believe my life's calling is to "Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you". I am excited about, and look forward to working with deaf children at MSAD in Faribault; "in planting the seeds of their faith" and learning about the AWESOME LOVE of God, as well as reaching out to the deaf adults in the Faribault area. I appreciate your support of me and this important Christ Through Hands Ministry this year.
Working with blind children and adults is an exciting new venture for me! Through my involvement in this ministry, I look very forward to getting to know the children and staff at MSAB and the blind adults in the community.
Joyce B. Atchison
Director of Christ Through Hands Ministry
