Language Ministries

The words of one preacher being understood in many languages… this may sound like something straight out of the second chapter of the book of Acts, but this actually takes place each week at First Baptist Brandon.

As the population of Brandon rapidly increases, so does the diversity of the people joining our community. The mission of First Baptist Brandon is to reflect our multi-ethnic community in fulfillment of Revelation 7:9. Sharing God’s desire that all people of every nation, people group, and language worship Jesus Christ, FBC offers worship and Bible Study for those whose “heart-language” is English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and American Sign Language.

Spanish-speaking individuals participate in the body of First Baptist Brandon through Bible study and worship provided entirely in Spanish. Each Sunday at 9:00 AM Spanish speaking people come together with English-speaking people for a time of worship. All speaking is translated from English to Spanish “real-time” and is communicated via a small FM receiver (provided by FBC Brandon) worn by each individual. After the morning worship service at 10:00 AM individuals move from the sanctuary to building D, room 101 (D-101) for a time of fellowship and to continue in worship through the study of God’s Word in Spanish, led by Rev. Ken Watkins and his wife Linda, who have a great love for people and infectious love for Jesus Christ. Because of this ministry the body of First Baptist Brandon has had the privilege of welcoming several Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters into the body of Christ through professions of faith.

Portuguese-speaking Life Groups. The message of faith in Jesus needs to be known, experienced and shared by every person on this Earth. It is with this in mind that we would like to invite you to visit our Life Groups here at First Baptist Church of Brandon. Presently we are meeting every other Sunday at 9:00 A.M. in building A, room 203.

Japanese-speaking individuals participate in the body of First Baptist through worship, fellowship, and the study of God’s Word. Each Sunday at 9:00 AM all those whose “heart-language” is Japanese are invited to join in the church’s sanctuary for a time of worship. Following a time of worship individuals move from the sanctuary to building E, room 101 (E-101) for a time of genuine fellowship and encouraging Bible study led by Akemi Susie Thornhill. We have been blessed to witness several Japanese-speaking individuals make professions of personal faith in Jesus Christ, participate in baptism, and become active members of FBC Brandon.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and their hearing family members have several opportunities in which to participate in the body of First Baptist. Each Sunday deaf individuals join with other worshippers for interpreted worship and Life Group classes. Every Wednesday evening all deaf children join the exciting class called “Signs & Wonders.” This is a time of activities, crafts, and Bible story-telling designed just for deaf kids. The classes for deaf children are led by Joyce Gerardi and Tracy Morse. Joyce Gerardi is a North American Mission Board missionary to the deaf. Tracy is a Professor of English Composition at the University of Tampa. Both of these women have a tremendous love for deaf children and a great desire to help them grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

While the kids are enjoying their class, parents of deaf children have a class of their own called “Intentional Parenting of Deaf” or “I-pod”. The “I-pod” class provides hearing parents of deaf children the opportunity to learn practical sign language and biblical parenting principles, as well as receiving encouragement and support. Ron and Christa Smith facilitate this class through biblical teachings and lessons learned through parenting a deaf son themselves. As a service to our church and community Christa also teaches sign language classes throughout the year for all who have a desire to learn. Please pray for this growing ministry as FBC Brandon.

Please visit the Deaf Ministry Events page for times and locations.

Please pray for the people and ministries of these language groups currently part of the body at First Baptist Brandon.

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