Brian and Bethany Lievens

The Deaf world needs Jesus. Deaf Christ-followers have limited church options, few pastors and teachers, and scant resources to grow and strengthen their faith.

Born deaf to Deaf parents, Brian was saved at age eleven when his father explained how to be born again. Brian was baptized then called to preach at age fifteen. Because Brian grew up with American Sign Language (ASL)as his primary language this uniquely equips him for his current ministry. Bethany, born into a Christian family, was saved at a young age. God called Bethany's parents from music and Christian school ministry to reach Deaf people for Christ. We met one another at Bob Jones University. After marrying, we served at Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois until God called us to East Delavan Baptist Church in Wisconsin in 2006. God has blessed us with five wonderful daughters.

Brian currently pastors the Deaf group at our church and teaches full-time at the state Deaf school. We desire to shift into full-time ministry for the purpose of teaching, training, and raising up leaders not only in our church but also in nearby cities with no gospel outreach to the Deaf. Developing biblical ASL resources, such as commentaries and Bible studies, would be a significant part of our work to establish and equip Deaf saints for His glory.