Central Avenue Christian Church Wigston
Saved to Serve
On the Road for Jesus Ministries
David and Elise Whittall
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(Follow the links at the bottom of the page)
Since giving our lives to The Lord Jesus Christ, we have followed Him wherever he had led us. We have been involved with The Christian Motorcyclists’ Association for about 5 years, and have been blessed with the ministry God has given us. He has taken us to many motorcycle events, rallies, churches, and prison visits to tell people about His Son Jesus Christ.
In June 2004, we were invited to The 1st International DeafBikers UK Rally at Market Harborough, on the Leicestershire Northamptonshire border. When we arrived it soon became apparent that this would be like no other rally we had attended. We were helped by deafbikers to put up the marquee and we were soon up and running. But what next? We had no idea about Deaf Culture or how to communicate. During Friday evening/night only a hand full of deafbikers visited the tent.
After a prayerful night, Saturday morning was on us. Colin Hewitt and I decided that we needed to be among the DeafBikers to be able to get to know them, and went on a ride out with a large group consisting of many nationalities.
We soon became aware of the close bond the Deaf Community has. Even though British Sign Language varies from region to region in the UK, there is also a different sign language used in other countries. However that bond, that love and friendship, crossed over that barrier. When we returned to the rally site, God had enabled CMA to cross that barrier too. His love opened a communication channel, and a friendship had begun. In the autumn, I enrolled at night school to learn British Sign Language (BSL). I have passed level 1, and completed the first year of level 2.
One of the group, Andrea, was learning to ride a motorcycle. God laid it on our hearts to lend her a 125cc motorcycle that she could take away and use to learn to ride on, and I was also able to help out with tuition. God answered our prayers; she passed her test and now is the owner of a Honda 600 Hornet. Andrea, like many of our friends in Deafbikers UK, has been presented with a CMA Bible Manual for Life.
At the 2005 AGM, I became the CMA representative for Deafbikers UK
In April 2006 we were invited to The City Temple in Cardiff, to witness the baptism of Tracy, the wife of Paul, secretary of DeafBikers UK. Paul is also Christian, and they have both been very supportive to us with our work.
In June 2006 we were at the 2nd DeafBiker UK International Rally at Letchworth. We provided a CMA Holy Joes for the weekend, and the event was well attended with DeafBikers from Holland, Belgium, Austria, and Germany.
On the Sunday morning we held an open air service outside the CMA marquee. Paul gave his testimony, and Tracy interpreted for everyone. The DeafBikers told us of the difficulties and barriers that they have experienced at churches.
We need to understand that that BSL is the first language of the Deaf Community, and English the second. Written text can sometime be difficult to understand.
Elise and I joined Deafbikers UK in 2005, and have been to several DeafBiker rallies abroad. Deaf biker clubs from across the channel also know why we wear the white cross on our backs.
From that first contact in 2004, we have made many friends, and continue to this day to enjoy fellowship and give our love and support.
Deafbikers UK meet on the 1st Sunday of the month from April till September at The Ace Café, London. See you there?
David (aka Zippy) and Elise Whittall
East Midlands Branch of The Christian Motorcyclists’ Association http://www.bike.org.uk/cma
On The Road For Jesus
http://www.ontheroadforjesus.com
DeafBikers UK
Office Address:
102 Central Avenue
Wigston
Leiscestershire