Students praise at first ever ASL Chapel service

Nov 13

Nov 13 Students praise at first ever ASL Chapel service

On Oct. 29, one campus group took to the Conn Center stage for the first time ever. Director of Academic Support La-Juan Bradford and students participating in American Sign Language (ASL) classes and Lee’s deaf studies program led Chapel. They worshiped, signed, and testified about how Lee and ASL have impacted their lives.

This was President Dr. Phil Cook’s idea, and he introduced the group before they came on stage.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday in chapel, when I come and introduce the speaker, or if I sit down and turn to look at you all, there are a group of students right in the balcony, serving our deaf students on campus and worshiping with them,” Cook said.

In between signing worship songs, students spoke about their experiences with ASL. Caroline Hargis, a senior english major with a deaf studies minor, talked about the uniqueness of ASL.

“ASL is not just English on the hands.  It's its own language. It's its own beautiful language. It has its own culture, its own history, its own traditions, its own storytelling,” Hargis said.

Jess Lynn, a senior youth and family ministry major with deaf studies minor, spoke about how going on the ASL global perspectives Jamaica trip impacted her.

“God used it to open my heart to the beauty of sharing the gospel in sign language. I learned through the deaf studies program that only 2% of the deaf community knows Jesus. That leaves 98% of the deaf community unreached. The Lord has used my time with deaf studies to teach me that the Holy Spirit that works in all of us is at work in the deaf community as well.  Sharing the gospel should not be limited to just spoken language or just our comfort language,” Lynn said.

Abigail Gracen, a graphic design major with a minor in deaf studies, was born hearing and later became deaf at age 3. Growing up, she endured difficulty at the schools she attended. In her senior year of high school, Gracen felt the Lord leading her to Lee.

“‘Okay, Lord, I will follow you,’ I told Him,”  Gracen said.“When I came to campus, I was so scared about making friends and if I was going to make any friends. But I've had such a good experience here at Lee. God has given me strength, blessings, and opportunity here. I've had lots of chances to communicate with you all, and you all have shown me love.”

Gracen encouraged everyone to learn ASL so that they could communicate with her and share the love of God with others who are deaf, to impact the new deaf generation.

Bradford shared this sentiment and thanked everyone for attending the service.

“We do hope you will be a friend to the deaf. Deaf people can’t learn to hear your voice, but you can learn sign language,” Bradford said.

The last song was particularly lively, as ASL students pulled faculty and students out of the crowd to sign with them on stage.

The first ever ASL Chapel service allowed Lee University to shine a light on one of the most unique communities on campus. Those who want to attend another ASL event should mark their calendars for Nov. 30 for ASL Christmas of Hope. It will take place at 6 p.m. in the Cornerstone Chapel.