DYAC Summit 2023

DYAC Summit 2023 was held at Cohutta Spring Conference Center in Candell, Georgia, from August 9th to 13th, 2023. Our theme was to “Follow In His Steps” with a memory verse: 1 Peter 2:21. There were 17 attendees.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday evening, a group of people arrived at a campground and were amazed by the stunning views. They soon met others who had come from different parts of the country. After checking in and settling, they found a beautiful spot to introduce themselves. Nicolette Reynoso, DYAC President, encouraged everyone to share their gratitude, and they prayed together to bless the weekend.

THURSDAY

The DYAC Summit started its program with DYAC’s Secretary, Farrah Gooding-Santiago’s workshop. Farrah noticed many young adults were lost in local church board meetings, not knowing how to conduct the proper steps of proposing their request or how to write the meeting minutes. She presented “Robert’s Rules of Order: How to run a non-profit organization” to help them understand why it was created to run orderly board meetings. The attendees learned about Henry Robert’s mistake of running public meetings without knowing how to run an effective and timely meeting despite his military background. He studied the parliamentary procedure and adapted it into his manual book, which many organizations, governments, and schools today still follow. The attendees appreciate the notes on the steps of what to do at the board meetings so they can use them for their reference.

The next workshop was given by Hector Reynoso, an adventurer who enjoys spending time outdoors and shared his experience surviving in the wilderness. He showed pictures of the resources and emphasized the importance of being prepared. He reminded the attendees, during a challenging situation, of two verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Exodus 14:13-14. We are to trust the LORD and acknowledge Him in all their ways. Hector emphasized the importance of staying calm and keeping one's mind focused on God for help. He explained the facts about the rule of three: A person can live for three 3 minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. He demonstrated skills related to the outdoors, including making a fire, filtering water, using pots, and administering first aid. Overall, Hector's presentation was informative and inspiring.

Following Hector’s presentation, Farrah reported her progress with the ASL Hymnal Project with the group. She encouraged the group to sign up to sign the songs regardless of their signing skills. Many shared their experiences of seeing others signing the songs incorrectly, which motivates them to make the changes. If you, readers, want to volunteer to sign a song, please contact Farrah at sdahymnalasl@gmail.com.

After a delicious lunch, the attendees joined activities such as ziplining, swimming in the pool, jumping on the blob, and sliding down the giant water slide. Even one person over 50 years old had fun going down the water slide twice!

After a good massage and a good dinner, Nicolette Reynoso emphasized the importance of following in the footsteps of Jesus. She broke down the STEPS acronym, explaining the significance of each letter: Serve, Tell, Exemplify, Pray, and Sacrifice. Nicolette shared the stories and examples from Jesus' time to help attendees find comfort and solutions to their struggles. Additionally, she posed a thought-provoking question: "What would Jesus do?" They ended the day with a meaningful prayer meeting.

FRIDAY

Farrah continued to give the second part of Robert’s Rule of Order, focusing on revising our DYAC’s Bylaws. It was created at the organization's beginning, not realizing it needed to be updated with new mission goals for the next 15 years. Many original DYAC members benefitted from DYAC programs and have aged out. They wished DYAC to continue for many more years, but we are running out of the targeted age (18 to 38 years old) people. The attendees shared their ideas and recommendations to the bylaws. We felt an hour long was too short and wished to continue to revise our bylaws through Zoom meetings for the remainder of this year. The DYAC Board will send an email soon this year for your requested participation to improve our bylaws. (https://www.deafdyac.org/bylaws)

Uloma Picerrillo, next, gave her presentation based on John 4:20-23. True worshippers should have a relationship with God. There are many examples from the Bible: When Jesus conversed with a Samaritan woman at a well, the woman brought up a religious dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans about the proper place of worship. The Samaritans worshiped on Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph, while the Jews worshiped in Jerusalem at the temple. Jesus responds by explaining that a time is coming when the physical location of worship won’t matter as much. Jesus also points out that the Samaritans worship without a complete understanding of God, whereas the Jews have a greater understanding due to their heritage. Here, Jesus emphasizes a crucial change in worship. True worshipers will worship the Father “in spirit and truth.” This means that physical places or rituals will not limit genuine worship. It will be a heartfelt, sincere, and authentic worship guided by the truth about God’s nature.

In summary, Jesus taught that worship should not be confined to a specific location. Still, it should be about a genuine connection with God through a sincere heart and a correct understanding of God’s character. It is not defined by physical boundaries but by a spiritual and truthful approach.

For the rest of the afternoon, they participate in activities such as riding the banana boat, hiking, swimming in the pool, working out at the gym, or having a massage.

DYAC joined the Lord’s Supper with the Southern Deaf Fellowship. Pastor Jeff Jordan gave a brief sermon. Jaycee Robinson and Brian Kelly read the verses. Nicolette signed the songs. All worshippers washed each others’ feet. They ate bread and drank grape juice to remember Christ. Some people shared their testimonies, which was incredible that God is champion and exalted!

SABBATH

During DYAC’s Sabbath School lesson on "The Unified Body of Christ," we discovered the significance of working together to preserve, expand, and unify the body of Christ. We also discussed the virtues Christ instructed us to practice, such as humility, gentleness, and patience. Several individuals contributed their personal experiences and insights regarding themselves and others. As we all possess unique gifts from God, we can use them to spread the gospel worldwide.

During the worship service with SDF, Catherine Langan opened the service by signing “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Tania Greer signed the song beautifully with Jaycee Robinson and Gayle Sutton. Douglass Veen, the assistant of General Conference President for Adventist Possibility Ministry, gave his compelling series of “To the Ends of the Earth,” focusing on the final test on Judgement Day and comparing the sheep and the goats’ characteristics.

After lunch, we and the angels rejoiced over Sherry Wagner’s baptism, and three people raised their hands, wanting to be baptized soon, including our DYAC Treasurer, Catherine Ingram. It seems that God held the storm till after the baptism! Many of us spent the afternoon fellowshipping with others.

After a restful afternoon and a healthy dinner, we attended the last series given by Doug. He shared the history of people establishing ministries worldwide hundreds of years ago. Doug talked to us about spreading the word to our people through ministries of helping others. He encouraged us to be involved with the ministry and visit different countries.

We wrapped up the day by swimming in the pool under the starry sky. The camp meeting blessed all of the attendees, and we were looking forward to meeting again next year.

OUR PLAN

We will host DYAC Bylaw meetings for the rest of this year. We need former, current, and future DYAC members to participate!

The board position will be vacant for 2024-2026. If you are interested in running the DYAC or to nominate someone, email us!

YOUR HELP NEEDED

We need your help in planning the following year’s program. Please send your ideas/recommendations to dyacdeaf@gmail.com. Or keep an eye on our website at deafdyac.org! See you next year!

Nicolette Reynoso, President

Uloma Picerillo, Vice-President

Farrah Gooding-Santiago, Secretary

Catherine Langan, Treasurer

DYAC Camp Meeting 2022

DYAC Camp Meeting 2022 was held at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, from October 19th to 23rd, 2022. Our theme was to “Trust in the Lord” with a memory verse: 1 Corthinians 16:13. There were 13 attendees.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday evening, the DYAC group join with the DEAR group to introduce themselves and share the reason why they come to the camp meeting: having a spiritual revival, meeting new and old friends, and hearing DYAC’s guest speaker, Esther Doss, and DEAR’s guest speaker, Ralph Blank.

THURSDAY

On Thursday, Esther gave a fascinating presentation on not being afraid, for God is with us. We are like Esther’s poor chicken who could not purr in her arms, for it was very frightful of any sounds in nature. We are in God’s arms but worried about the danger. Also, when we are afraid, we make the problems so big and God so small. Esther shared her experience with backpack camping with her scouts' group. She spent the whole night listening hard for the boar because she saw the footprint all over nearby. She prayed and worried at the same time. God reminded her that she is like her chicken which humbled Esther. She went to sleep peacefully for…. two hours.

In comparison, Daniel fully trusted God when he was taken away from his family when Babylon took over Bethlehem. He was blessed to be chosen by King Nebuchanezzar because Daniel showed his wise character. He remained the same thru out.

DYAC joined DEAR’s Country Living Workshop with Kevin and Amanda Colgan. They talked about moving to the country. During the pandemic, people leave behind their city homes for the country because of the low cost and better environment for families. Christians are encouraged to live in the country to enrich their spiritual strength in Christ. They can do gospel work in cities.

For the weekend, DYAC members ran the children's program: bible study and activities. The children enjoyed themselves tremendously, especially the good deep discussion on creationism.

After a delicious lunch, DYAC members did the high-challenge course. The first session was to do the “Flying Squirrel.” A group of members has to pull the rope to help one person to fly high. It was cumbersome at first, not trusting each other. Eventually, we nailed it. Catherine was happy to have the opportunity to fly! Next was the “Nessy” session: two people climbed up high at the opposite poles with three wiggly planks in the middle. People on the ground need to hold the rope to steady the planks, allowing the people on top to cross. It was challenging as it required full communication and trust with the group, especially with high physical exertions. Lastly, we had two choices: walk the rope or jump from the top of the narrow pole to catch the swinging bar. With an hour left, the members went to their cabins exhausted!

After refreshing dinner, Esther continues to focus on the importance of prayer. We studied Daniel’s prayer in the book of Daniel, Chapter 9, when Daniel pleaded to God that it was time to go back to Jerusalem after 70 years. Daniel prayed for forgiveness of his sins and his people’s sins. He also reminded God’s promises that He would bring the people back together. We need to pray whenever we face the uncertainty of our future.

DYAC invited David Trexler to discuss pastoring skills. We learned a few things about the role of pastoring: God’s call, people recognizing your talent, a shepherding part, and the ability to lead deaf church members peacefully. Also, becoming a church leader takes years of experience and building character. Likewise, with giving presentations/sermons, we need to gain knowledge of the Bible and various books. David shared his journey to becoming a pastor for DEAF church, and now he is waiting on God’s call on where to go after his retirement from 3ADM. Pray for him and his wife, Francisca.

DYAC and DEAR enjoyed having vegan s’mores at the bonfire.

FRIDAY

After reviving breakfast on Friday, we continue to learn more about God’s call. Esther explained that God knew us even before we were created in our mother’s womb and had a plan for each of us. Esther shared her story of her mother naming her Esther because her mother knew God had a plan for her to minister to the deaf people. We may feel that we’re not ready to do God’s call, but we are reminded in the book of Jeremiah, chapter 1:4-8: We are never too young, are called to spread the gospel, and not to be afraid, for God is with us.

Furthermore, Uloma gave her presentation on the study of Daniel’s Character: Daniel’s history, why God had chosen Daniel, and why Nebuchadnezzar chose Daniel. Her presentation focuses on our Christian role, how we should be more like Daniel, and how Daniel refused to defile his character and sin against God’s will. Daniel was a perfect example of how Christians should have a solid foundation to stand firm until Jesus’s second coming. We as Christians should live right through righteous thinking, and physical activity is essential to the purity of thought.

Another workshop was given by Farrah Gooding-Santiago, focusing on the roles of a leader in any setting: church, community, work, and school. As leaders/role models for the group, we need to have these characteristics: love, faith, purity, humility, God-fearing, trustworthiness, hate of bribes, and serving others. We discovered what our leadership style was: authoritarian (dictates policy and procedure), participative (involving with the team), and delegative (hands-off). Farrah gave seven skills we all need to develop/practice: goal setting, delegation, decision making, communication, time management, problem-solving, and relationship building. We also are reminded that we need to support our leaders in their ability to grow and to solve whatever need is present.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed climbing the tall tower and descending the zipline to overcome our fear. Josiah Kelly brought his cool toy: a drone. One of our young attendees knocked it down when she flew on the zipline, which was hilarious.

During dinner, a few 3ADM boards surprised David and Francisca with an appreciation award for serving 3ADM for many years.

In the evening, DYAC joined DEAR for the Lord’s Supper. It was a sincerely meaningful service as we washed our feet, broke bread, and drank grape juice to remember Jesus’ sacrifice.

SABBATH

Nicolette Reynoso taught the Sabbath School lesson about "The Old Testament Hope.” She taught us more about keeping our hope until Jesus’ second coming. They discussed who would rise from the dead during the resurrection. It was interesting to learn that the people, who plotted, planned, and crucified Jesus at the cross, will rise to witness Jesus’ second coming as promised in the book of Matthew, chapter 23, verse 39. Nicolette reminded us that Jesus resurrected from the grave as a victory and freed us from Satan's bondage. We must stay in faith and hope for eternal life.

We join DEAR for worship service. We realized that God would judge us first (the Christians), not the wicked first, as we thought. Ralph Blank made good points with bible verses and shared his experience seeing the justices happening inside the court where he used to translate for deaf people.

We felt closer to God when we witnessed three ladies being baptized. Susan Buzzell, Rhonda Shulfer and Raynell Vick. May God richly bless them!

We spend the rest of the afternoon fellowshipping with others, visiting the nature center, and hiking thru the campsite.

Nicolette Reynoso led the vesper at sunset with songs, bible reading, and candle vigil. All 43 people wrote down what they wanted to forget on paper. Farrah collected all and burned it in the campfire. With revived hope in our hearts, we are ready for the future, with our hands holding God’s hands.

SUNDAY

Some of us went home and some of us visited the fall festival at the farm nearby to continue catching up with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

We need your help in planning the following year’s program. Please send your ideas/recommendations to dyacdeaf@gmail.com. See you next year!

Nicolette Reynoso, President

Uloma Picerillo, Vice-President

Farrah Gooding-Santiago, Secretary

Catherine Langan, Treasurer

DYAC Camp Meeting 2021

DYAC Camp Meeting 2021 was held at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, MD on the weekend of October 20th-23rd, 2021. There were 20 attendees including 9 children. It was a blessing to see each other physically and spiritually connected after such a long time without fellowship.

DYAC joined in DEAR's series of "Outpouring of the Holy Spirit," presented by Jason Kimbrough. The other times were spent discussing the details of the holy spirit in our lives with various speakers: Esther Doss, Nicolette Reynoso, and Amanda Colgan.

We had a Lord's Supper led by Paul Kelly, the new 3ADM Speaker/Director. Some of the individuals shared some touching testimonies. On Saturday night, the last meeting with Amanda Colgan from the DYAC group presented the Trinity from several books as resources, and she enthusiastically shared with us what she had been researching. It was very rich and informative!

We had a special recognition for Amanda Colgan who served the DYAC from the beginning. See the video! https://youtu.be/_N0MHKBco7U