Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega was once again the setting for Deaf Baptists from all over the state to come together March 8–10 in order to worship, fellowship, learn and take care of Southern Baptist business during the annual Alabama Baptist Conference of the Deaf gathering.

This year the sessions for adults were led by Larry White, pastor of Kirby Woods Baptist Deaf Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and co-founder of the Deaf Men’s Conference. The worship leader was Martise Colston, American Sign Language instructor and interpreter from Sorrento, Florida. 

The theme for the weekend was “Love and Forgive,” based on Colossians 3:12–14.

Guiding principles

White first laid the groundwork, discussing how Christians can tell if they haven’t truly forgiven others. He mentioned how 1 Corinthians 13 shows that true love isn’t based on feelings, and he continued by teaching how the Pharisees religiously followed the law while also looking down on others. 

Although he shared principles that apply to every Christian, White also made it personal.

“If someone hurts a deaf person and you say, ‘You’re finished,’ and can’t forgive, is that Christian or Pharisee behavior?” White asked.

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This article was originally published at TheAlabamaBaptist.org.