Wildwood Update #2

My walk with Jesus Christ: This summer is unparalleled because Jenna came to Wildwood Summer Project (WWSP) as my fiance (she was my interpreter for the summer of 2010 and 2011). As soon as we arrived in Wildwood, tension rose between us. I did not want her to interpret for me as I preferred that she only be my finacee, not an interpreter nor the interpreter coordinator. Things became even more complicated when she needed to interpret for any of the 5 Deaf students because I refused to show affection if she reached for my hand while we were in training sessions or in the presence of others. I thought it best to maintain my role as staff or the Deaf interpreter at all times. Jenna shared that my inflexibility was hurtful to her. We were able to turn to some friends here on the project with our dilema. Through their counsel, I was reminded that Jenna and I are a team. I was encouraged to make our relationship of first priority, before any of the other roles we have. I'm grateful for God's provision of life-giving community here.

Dennis Josúe

God the Father is my Boss: Dennis Josúe is a Deaf young man I met while serving Deaf people in Honduras last year. I learned that he wants to become a pastor for the Deaf to share the Gospel – the reconciliation of a relationship with God through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – in their heart language. As soon as I settled in Tulsa, I began to consider who to recruit for WWSP. I thought, “Wildwood would be a great place for Dennis to develop independence, gain leadership skills, and ministry experience.” By God's power, with several invitation letters from Americans who have a heart for the Deaf community, Dennis obtained his visa from the Embassy. He has been here in Wildwood for about 4 weeks, and I have been translating for him from ASL to his native language - Honduran Sign Language (LESHO). I am honored to be his Deaf interpreter because I can see the understanding of the Gospel he is gaining is making visible changes in his life gradually.

Holy Spirit is my GPS: I have been teaching my group of three Deaf male students, including Dennis, the importance of relying on the Spirit of God and not on our own strength, to live in a way that honors God. Please pray that I will be reminded constantly to turn to the Spirit along with His perfect wisdom to challenge these students to become men after God's heart. Also, pray that the living expenses in Wildwood, which cost about $2,000, will be covered by July 7^th. If you are interested in or able to support me, you may donate either at give.cru.org/5572350 or write a check payable to Cru and send it to the following address:

Azael Bú Perry
c/o Campus Crusade for Christ
121 E. Maple Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260

Wildwood Update #1

My walk with Jesus Christ: In summer of 2010, I met an interpreter named Jenna at Wildwood Summer Project (WWSP) in New Jersey. Two years later, in 2012, when I moved to Honduras, we started dating in April. After dating her long distance (she lives in Tulsa) for about 8 months, I moved back to the states this past December. Three months later, I proposed, and she said yes! We are now excited to work as a team here in Tulsa because we have the same heart for Deaf people to experience an authentic relationship with Jesus. We are still figuring what our goals are so that we can utilize our talents and passions in the Deaf community. Here in Tulsa, God provided a good paying temporary job, a free bedroom, and a set of wheels. I'm so grateful for His provision.

God the Father is my Boss: Jenna and I are trying to build a network with those involved in the Deaf community across the United States in hopes of finding supporters to continue to provide accessible Summer Projects. We first went to California State University, Northridge (CSUN). One of my memorable interactions was with a senior Interpreting major, Diontay (pictured). He was very enthusiastic and inquisitive. As I explained what Men's Time and discilpeship look like on Project, he expressed that growing up without a father, he struggled with the idea of having solid relationships with male peers. I was able to encourage him that he is not alone, as I had a similar experience. It's cool how God used my story to lead him closer to Himself. Jenna and I will go to New Jersey again to continue investing in the lives of young people, and we look forward to what God has for us there. 

 

Holy Spirit is my GPS: This summer I am planning to go back to WWSP to continue investing in the lives of young people. In 2010, I was the first Deaf student provided with an interpreter on the project. Thereafter, I was equipped to lead Deaf Christian Club at Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation, I moved to my birth country - Honduras - for one year. There, I applied the things I learned from the project to the task of mentoring the Deaf youth. I am forever grateful for the foundation Cru, formerly called Campus Crusade for Christ, helped lay for me to walk with Jesus for a lifetime. Please pray that God will grant me wisdom to lead Deaf students in order to encourage them to reach out to the next generation of the Deaf community. Also, pray that my living expenses in Wildwood, which is $2,000, will be provided. If you are interested in supporting me, you may make an online at give.cru.org/5572350 or mail a check made out to Cru to the address below:

Azael Bú Perry
c/o Campus Crusade for Christ
121 E. Maple Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260