09/16/2026
What a weekend.
I had the privilege of attending the Christian Interpreters Retreat at Lake Yale, sponsored by Community Outreach for the Deaf (COD), where I serve on the Board.
Hearing Christian interpreters and signers from South Florida, Central Florida, and the Atlanta area gathered for an intimate three-day, two-night retreat centered on faith, fellowship, reflection—and our responsibility as those who make access available for the Deaf through Christian service.
Our Deaf facilitators, Evangelist Tim Smith of Texas and my daughter, Melisha Battle “MiMi,” challenged us to go deeper.
Evangelist Smith continually reminded us to keep the main thing the main thing: examine our hearts toward God, live a lifestyle of repentance, love our neighbors as ourselves, know and hone our testimonies, and be willing to share our testimonies keeping in mind that we are the Church. We don’t simply point people toward the Church.
We are the light of the world and therefore the light of Christ should be evident in us wherever we are. The Deaf, hearing and whomever God places before us should be able to experience God’s love as a result.
A personal highlight was watching MiMi minister among the interpreters. She asked pertinent—and sometimes difficult—questions and helped create conversations about things Christian interpreters may carry in their hearts but rarely have a safe place to discuss. I was one proud mama.
I was also grateful for the opportunity to voice for our Deaf speakers alongside Carmen Betz from South Florida, an excellent interpreter and voicer. It was truly an honor to serve beside her. Those moments reminded me that no matter how long we have been doing this work, there is always room to sharpen, learn, listen, and hone our craft.
And yes, I took Sunday morning to REST! After Friday night and an intensive Saturday, I needed it. 😊
I left Lake Yale reminded that ministry requires both a prepared heart and prepared hands.
“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” — Psalm 144:1
This weekend, we blessed our hands.
Now, back to the assignment.
