Turner Family
Tom and Debbie Turner have been serving the Lord in deaf ministries since 1989 and have served with the International Christian Centers for the Deaf since 1993 where Tom is the Director. Tom also plans and coordinates work teams which provide construction in the field. Tom and Debbie’s responsibilities include the management of the International Headquarters in Roanoke, VA, Public Relations, and oversight of the Child Sponsorship and Missionary Recruitment Programs.
The mission of the International Christian Centers for the Deaf (ICCD) is to reach the Deaf in the world with the Gospel of Christ with priority given to those without access to the Gospel. The ministry of ICCD includes the planting of churches for the Deaf (Cuba) and the establishment of residential and church schools (Mexico).
Why the Deaf?
The Deaf are approximately 1% of the population and often go through life without knowing other Deaf. ICCD brings the Deaf together from numerous villages to build relationships and provide support from a Christian perspective.
Most of the Deaf in developing countries have no ability to read, write, or communicate beyond simple gestures. We educate the Deaf in reading, writing, and language to a fifth grade level to help them integrate into society and be able to secure a job, thereby providing for themselves and their families.
We partner with local churches to develop programs and services for the Deaf. We provide missionaries and/or train nationals in the local church to interpret the spoken Gospel so that the Deaf can hear and receive the Good News of Jesus Christ.