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Johnny Baker/Bio Page
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I would like to thank CASGMA for allowing me to join their association. With their support I feel we can impact the deaf community for Jesus.
I started learning sign language in 1991. I can't remember ever meeting a deaf person before that. But God had plans for my life that I was not aware of. I was a new Christian and felt God leading me into this. The deaf community is a true culture. Just as White, Black, Indian, Chinese, etc. They have their own language. Deaf people are very proud and are not handicapped. They have a disability, that's all. They need Jesus just as we do. There is no back door into heaven for the deaf. God has opened so many doors for me that I have no doubts about my ministry.
In 1993, Angela Williams and I started the group called Silent Messengers. WE don't sing, thank God, we used cassettes & CDs and signed our music. I want to thank the Dennis Family for taking us under their wing and opening doors for us so that we could go into Churches and interpret. We can never repay them but God will. When we had a scheduled singing, I would contact the pastor or music minister two weeks before and ask them to invite any deaf in their area. Most churches are not interpreted for the Deaf. There are two reasons for that. First, there are only a few well qualified interpreters. Knowing sign language does not make you an interpreter. You must be involved in their culture, spend time, fellowship and the deaf must trust you. Second, interpreting is not a paid position in most churches. You have to be called because an interpreter has as much if not more responsibility than the Pastor. We have to be able to correctly interpret the Pastors message. We can't change it or interject our own beliefs. The Deaf have the right to hear Gods message without bias. So, my time with the group was a training session for me. I believe God closes doors and opens others. I had the honor of working for the Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf for five years and three months. I know God was preparing me for a ministry. He allowed me to have two heart attacks and therefore to retire and get ready for my next adventure. After six bypasses and congestive heart failure, He allowed me to be fully healed November 2005. I have had no more heart problems, Praise God, I am ready and willing to follow Him. So, I now know my calling is to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Deaf community. This year I became a Pastor to the Deaf at First Baptist Montgomery down town. I am with the Deaf a lot, we have Deaf choir practice, Deaf Church. I interpret weddings, funerals, and graduations for the Deaf community. I have had the honor of interpreting for President Bush, the father, also at the first Ten Commandments rally on the Capitol steps. I have been on stage with Clint Black and have signed for several groups such as Ray Boltz, Squire Parsons, Charles Johnson and the Revivers, the Nelons, Hoppers, Crabbe Family, Dixie Echoes, Florida Boys and for some of you older kids I have even performed on the Country Boy Eddie Show. Again, thank you for voting yes and I will do my best for my Lord and CASGMA. So, with my wonderful and lovely wife, Casey, who is my best friend, may we all honor God.
I would like to leave you with this thought-
''Two roads diverged in a wood, I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference.''
For His Glory,
Johnny and Casey Baker
Contact
Casey Baker
1-334-356-7132
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