Ellie's Discipleship Trainining School (DTS) News

Rebuilding Jamaican Camp After Weathering Storm

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:03:06 GMT

Click Here to Watch Ellie Grahams Interview with 25News Now on Her Experience with Hurricane Melissa

Feasting with the Family

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:35:44 GMT

In a blink of an eye, our three months of staff training are over, and we just finished our second week of DTS with our five wonderful students! God has been so faithful and good to our Deaf World Family in the last few months as we have continued with our plans for the DTS despite the setbacks and all the cleanup from the hurricane. As I reflect on the last three months, I see God’s hand and timing as we trained, prepared for the DTS, and bonded even more through this hurricane experience!

A huge highlight for me was having a group from Northfield Christian Fellowship (my church from Illinois) come on a work team the first week of DTS. They came mainly to help fix up our campus after the hurricane, which was so needed, but it was also such a blessing to see them connect with our Deaf staff and students.

“FEASTING WITH THE FAM”

The past few months, I have had the joy of praying about this year's DTS theme. As I prayed, the theme for this DTS became clear: “FEASTING WITH THE FAM”. Why? We want students to feast on God’s Word in community as they learn God’s design for relationship with Himself and each other in the body of Christ. Through this, our prayer is that they would go on to share God’s love with the world in a unique way. In thinking about this theme, I was reminded of a Thanksgiving table filled with family and friends and overflowing with connection. This is our prayer for our Deaf students, that they would experience the ultimate feast with the ultimate family and extend that invitation to the world!

Click Here to Meet Our DTS Students

We are thrilled to have three Jamaican and two American students here with us for the first ever God’s Story DTS where we are memorizing, discussing, applying, and sharing 36 bible stories for the next three months and then going on a two month outreach to another nation. Many people ask me how we get students for the DTS. Most of the connections come through our friendships and relationships we already have. This September, we went to a Deaf conference and had the opportunity to share. It was there that one male student learned about the DTS for the first time and has decided to join! We thank God for leading each student to us and are praying for God’s work in their lives!

Church Work Team & Deaf World Team

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HUGE THANK YOU to all my friends, family, and supporters who have made it possible for me to be here in Jamaica serving the Deaf community another year! Thank you for praying, giving, and encouraging me! I was thrilled to be with my family in Illinois to celebrate Christmas for the week. May you enjoy feasting on God’s word and feasting with your family this Christmas season!

(Sarah, Nicholas, Javell, Willy, Trianna)

LOVE,

Ellie

New Students Have Arrived!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:36:08 GMT

Ellie's Hurricane Melissa Update!

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:35:59 GMT

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;

He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Dear friends, family, and prayer partners,

I am writing today with a heart full of praise and gratitude — God protected us through the recent hurricane, and we are safe! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING WITH US AND FOR US!

KEEPING IT LIGHT

It may be too soon for hurricane jokes, but sometimes laughter helps carry us through. After the hurricane, we were pushing water out of the auditorium. I said, “Hey, Nadianna, make sure you close the door.” She gave me a funny face….“Oh ya, there is no door!” (We lost it during the hurricane.) Even in moments like this, God gives us peace and humor.

Auditorium (roof gone, flooded, glass everywhere)

DURING THE HURRICANE

While the damage around us is extensive, we’re thanking God for His mercy. No one was hurt and most of our personal rooms are okay. Some teammates experienced minor flooding, but their roofs stayed intact.

My Deaf Jamaican teammates remained calm and steady, modeling what it looks like to truly trust the Lord in every circumstance. We even played a board game in the basement during the worst of the storm. Including the two hours where water was filling up the laundry room and we were taking shifts sweeping the water in the dust pan because we forgot the towels. (Let me just say this was only one of the lessons I learned in my first Hurricane experience-bring towels)

 CURRENT SITUATION

We’re currently without power and have limited running water. This could continue for weeks or even a month. Many roofs, dorms, the cafeteria, and ministry spaces (including our rec room, auditorium, and team office) were damaged or destroyed. Clean-up and repairs will take time, but we’re confident that the same God who protected us will also provide for restoration!

These are just a few pictures…

Dorms (two more dorms similar to this were also damaged)

Bye to the coconut trees ��

GOD IS GOOD

Seeing these pictures make me want to emphasize that YOUR prayers were answered. The main destruction on our campus was not where anyone was staying. Also, interestingly enough, the prayer room is completely unharmed!! That is the God we serve! Through it all, our team remains united — gathering together, enjoying fallen coconuts, keeping humor alive, and celebrating every small victory. Even in loss, there is so much to be thankful for. We appreciate your continued prayers & support!!!

YEAR-END GIVING

If you would like to know how you can support us during this time there are a few opportunities! First, the DTS that I am leading is just around the corner. (YES, talk about crazy, we are still planning on it.) With this being said, please consider giving to our ministry to help Jamaican students join the DTS, replace materials damaged in the hurricane, and for our Deaf ministry’s yearly needs. You can check out our DTS student stories by clicking HERE or go to deafworldforjesus.org . (Please put DTS/ Ellie in the comments. That way I can allocate the funds where the need is!)

Support the DTS Students/ YWAM Deaf World Jamaica Ministry

Secondly, if you or anyone you know is looking to support the rebuilding projects from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, please consider giving to our campus or sharing with others!

Support the Hurricane Relief Fund

If you are looking to make a year-end gift to me personally, you can do so by giving here.

My Personal Giving Link

Prayer Request for Hurricane Approaching Jamaica!

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:24:22 GMT

Hello Friends & Family!

Our team here in Jamaica has had an amazing last 2 months! We just finished a staff training week for our next Discipleship Training School starting December 2nd. We also had a worship week where we were able to record songs (in sign language) that we have written over the past 5 years. We believe God will use these songs to touch the hearts of Deaf kids and adults to worship Him in their heart language.

I am sending this update to ask for prayer for the island and our team! We are now preparing for a tropical storm/ hurricane to hit Jamaica. Would you please be in prayer for the hurricane to change its path, that everyone would remain safe, and we would have minimal damage. Thank you for praying with us!

Love,

Ellie

FAMILY! FAMILY! FAMILY!

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:16:48 GMT

Original post created September 6, 2025

I recently arrived back to Jamaica from my summer break in Illinois and was in a meeting with two of my Deaf teammates. As we talked, we asked ourselves, “Why are we doing what we do? What’s our goal for the next three months and the next year?” As we reflected, one of them shared a memory from when he first arrived in Jamaica five years ago, around Christmas time. Nothing out of the ordinary—he went to the grocery store and struck up a conversation with the Deaf workers there. He casually asked, “What are you doing for Christmas?”

Each one of them said the same thing: “Nothing.” He pressed a little more, “Don’t you like spending time with your family?” They answered honestly, “No... they’re all hearing. They just talk, but I can’t understand what they’re saying.” Across the table from me, my Jamaican friend nodded in agreement, confirming that was his experience. It hit me then. This isn’t just a statistic or the experience of the general deaf population, but my best friends. At that moment, it clicked for us. This is what we’re doing. This is why we’re here. It’s about FAMILY!

When we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we gain salvation, but we also gain FAMILY. I’ve often struggled to explain the deep spiritual hunger I’ve seen among international Deaf communities. Yes, they’re hungry for God. Yes, they’re hungry for purpose. But more than anything, they’re hungry for family, for connection, communication, and belonging. This, along with much prayer, led us to create our Deaf World Jamaica vision statement this year:

"United as God’s FAMILY, we are raising up an army of Deaf believers— who are trained in His Word, rooted in His love, and equipped to be sent out to know God and make him known in the Deaf community worldwide.

In full transparency, every time I return to Jamaica after a long break, a big part of me wants to stay home—close to my own family. But ironically, the very thing that makes me question where God has me is also what gives me clarity. I’ve been blessed with the gift of a loving family. Not just in words, but in actions—through laughter, memories, and unconditional love. I’ve experienced what it means to be a part of a true family myself, and I know that’s a reflection of the family of God. That’s why I stay. Not for the beaches or an adventure (although those are nice perks). But because God has called me to be a part of building a family—His family—right here among the Deaf in Jamaica. A place where love and communication are at the center. A place where those who have never truly experienced belonging can finally feel at home.

When Deaf people encounter that kind of family, I have witnessed them begin to understand God’s love more deeply. And from that love, they can be trained, empowered, and sent out to invite others into His family too, not just in Jamaica, but to the ends of the earth.

My family & my favorite part of the summer - gaining Kirstin as a sister!!!

WHAT’S NEXT?

For the next 3 months, we will be building a family with our new staff through a season of training. We will be working to grow together as a team as well as prepare for YWAM Deaf World’s first ever God Story Discipleship Training School (DTS) in December 2025. In the past, our DTS were lecture style, where a different speaker would come each week to talk about a different topic of Christian discipleship. The God Story DTS will have more of a biblical story-telling model that is visual, chronological, and reproducible. By learning God’s Word through storytelling in sign language, students learn essential biblical truths and are then equipped to produce disciples who can disciple others in the Deaf Community. Our prayer is that this model will allow God’s Word to be ingrained into hearts and minds for God’s glory and our good. My role on the team will be to lead the DTS. This means I will be interviewing students for the DTS, preparing the staff, and coordinating different details along the way.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING WITH US AS WE ATTENDED THE AWAKEN CONFERENCE IN NASHVILLE!

We had an amazing time connecting with some of our old friends, meeting potential DTS students/ future missionaries at our booth, and being overall encouraged to see 300+ Deaf people worshipping Jesus in their heart language! One of my favorite parts was watching Kenroy (my Deaf Jamaican teammate) challenge the entire group of Americans to GO with the gospel. There were countless answers to prayers over the weekend!

Click Here to Watch Kenroy and I share about YWAM

PRAYER REQUESTS

Peace & strength as I step into new roles on the Deaf World Jamaica Ministry Leadership team and for wisdom as I prepare to lead the DTS
Team unity and applying the truths of God’s Word to our own lives first before we teach others
Ministry in Jamaica at Deaf schools and reaching the adult Deaf community as we start the fall season

Click Here to Join My Team or to Learn More!

Northfield Families,

Thank you so much for joining with me in prayer! I am so grateful to have you on my prayer team. Sending an extra thank you to you all for being so welcoming and kind! I had an amazing time at church camp being with the kids and getting to know everyone. I have been back in Jamaica the past 2 weeks.

This weekend I am in Nashville for the Awaken Conference, a gathering for Deaf Christian young adults. I'm here with my teammates MJ and Kenroy, representing YWAM Deaf World Jamaica. We're hoping to connect with potential Deaf Discipleship Training School (DTS) students, future long-term missionaries, interpreters, and supporters. Please pray that God will bring us divine connections and guide us as we seek to advance His kingdom among the Deaf community in Jamaica.

Praise- Our host, Pam, had her church's Deaf ministry team over last night for a cookout and we had the opportunity to share about Deaf ministry in Jamaica. It was extra fun to see almost all of them know sign language.

Thanks for praying with and for us!!!

Blessings,

Ellie Graham

Fight to the Finish & Faith for More!

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:21:20 GMT

WITNESSING GOD’S TRANSFORMATIVE WORK IN STUDENT’S LIVES

Did you know it takes just 72 hours to read the Bible from cover to cover, yet so many of us will never entirely read it before we pass away. It's a startling thought. Some will start their Bible in a year plan and get lost somewhere around Leviticus or Numbers. I’ve done this! For the Deaf, the barrier can feel even greater. For one, only as recently as 2020 was a full translation of the Bible completed in American Sign Language . Although some Deaf can read, for many, reading is not their preferred way of receiving information. In spite of these obstacles, understanding the message of the Bible continues to be a critical part of every person's spiritual formation.

Seeing this deep need for the Deaf, our team decided to run a Discipleship Bible School (DBS) this past March. For the last 14-weeks, we created a community environment where Deaf believers could receive a foundation of Biblical knowledge and tools for a lifetime of Bible study and application. At times, it felt like a fight to the finish. We walked through hard things as we dived deeply with students into difficult parts of their life. However, The Lord never changes. He continues to demonstrate His faithfulness and provision for us. Even in trials, God has given us reason to hope and have faith for even more transformation through the power of His Spirit.

W ITNESSING GOD’S TRANSFORMATIVE WORK IN STUDENT’S LIVES

Click here for DBS Overview Video

As we cross the finish line of the school year, I'm reminded of God's unfolding plans and purpose despite ups and downs. Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the DBS:

H omework Time:

Often during the DBS, students would stay up late finishing homework. Sometimes, when I wasn’t too tired, I got to join them. There was one evening in particular where I was blessed enough to just sit back and witness three Jamaican students fervently discussing the Bible as they put together their Bible presentations. Some of them were admitting that if it wasn’t for meeting Jesus and becoming Deaf, they would be gang members instead of future missionaries.

Bi ble Presentation Day:

Students showcased their knowledge of God's story, from Genesis to Revelation.

Deaf World Jamaica Staff & DBS Students at Graduation

Marion (YWAM staff) & my friend, Ali from high school who came to visit

Gr aduation Day:

This was such a special day. It was truly beautiful to see how God worked in the lives of the students during the DBS to transform them more into the image of His Son. This day meant a lot not just to students, but also to our team of staff. We had two students from South Africa, one from Brazil, three Jamaicans, and five Americans. Most of the graduates are leaving with the plan to become missionaries in Jamaica, South Africa, or Brazil. Others are going back to the U.S.

Click here for 1 minute Graduation Day Testimony Video

WHAT’S NEXT?

As we celebrate God’s work in the past, we look forward to what He has in the future, knowing that there will be joys and hardships along the way. I recently arrived home from Jamaica for my summer break. I am excited to be in Illinois until August 10th. In August, I will be going back to Jamaica for our staff training and to prepare for our next DTS (Discipleship Training School). I will be leading the DTS starting in December 2025 alongside other staff. I’m very nervous, but also so excited!

Another important update: I was recently asked to take on more leadership responsibilities which would include staying for another year in Jamaica. I am now committed to stay in Jamaica for two more years until Summer 2027. I have been seeking the Lord’s guidance in this decision through prayer and wise counsel, and I am excited for this opportunity. I know that God will use this extra year for my good and His glory.

It has been so fun to see some of you already this summer, and I am looking forward to seeing more of you! Thank you so much again for making this year possible!

Love,

Ellie

PRAYER REQUESTS

*Please pray for my family, specifically my younger brother’s, Dallas behavior & interest in God.

*Pray for all of our incoming staff to be fully supported with prayer supporters, mentors, financial givers, interpreters, etc.

*Pray for a sweet time of rest this summer with family and friends. For wisdom for my team and I as we start a new DTS in the fall and navigate difficult leadership situations.

PRAISES

*We're sending out eleven Deaf students who know God's story and character! We're grateful for the transformation we've witnessed and look forward to seeing God's continued work in their lives.

Baby Asher has added so much joy to my life and our team during this season!

I was able to spend two amazing weekends with my cousins in Jamaica who came on a mission trip to CCCD Kingston and Jamaica Deaf Village.

Click Here to Join My Team or to Learn More!

Gambia Outreach Recap

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:56:49 GMT

God’s perfect timing and provision was the theme from our six weeks in Gambia. At the start of outreach, I felt nervous about leading a team into a country I had never been to before. I did not know how we would meet Deaf people, navigate cultural and religious differences, and work out day-to-day logistics. But, I am here to say God showed up every single day. Leading a group of Deaf students in a Muslim country was stretching in so many ways; an experience that allowed me to grow immensely.

Bible Translation Conference

GAMBIA OUTREACH RECAP

We ended our time in Gambia going to the first ever Bible Translation Conference for three days. We were able to share the gospel, testimonies, and Bible stories with a group of about 100 Deaf people, mostly Muslims! We could have never planned that if we tried. I saw God provide in abundance in the area I was most apprehensive - meeting and finding Deaf people.

Deaf Gambian Teacher & his Wife

Another example of God’s perfect timing and provision was when we went to our first Deaf school. There, we met a Christian teacher fluent in ASL and Gambian sign language. The fact that he was a Christian surprised our whole team. In Gambia, Christians are a VERY rare find, let alone one who is Deaf and knows ASL. We were able to spend the last week with him and his wife, training them in a simple Bible study method. I will never forget the day I showed him an app on his phone with the Bible in American Sign Language. Shocked, he immediately jumped up and gave me a hug. He acted like he had just won the lottery! It was such a beautiful reminder that the word of God is truly alive and active. We pray that he continues to get involved with a church that provides sign language interpreting and will continue to teach what he has learned.

Graduation - February 22, 2025

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:12:57 GMT

Original Posted Date: February 22, 2025

We came back to Jamaica for our final week of DTS - debrief and graduation week. It was incredible to come back together with all of the students and staff to hear stories of what God had done in the Deaf community globally.

Deaf World Staff & Students

Full Circle Moment - Damion & Dante (Students from CCCD) who I met the first time I went to Jamaica in 2019 now graduating from the DTS

WHAT’S NEXT?

What’s next for me is DBS, which stands for Discipleship Bible School. In this program, we have 12 students who are going through the entire Bible in American Sign Language in the next 3 months.While most of the staff team focuses on running the DBS, my role looks a little different. I am preparing for next year’s DTS. My day-to-day looks like interviewing students, making the schedule, preparing curriculum, and assigning different roles. I am looking forward to this season! It will be a time of increasing my dependence on God for ideas and strength to continue the next 3 months before coming home for a summer break.

Kenroy, Peta-Gay, and Baby Asher

Hello from Gambia - January 25, 2025

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:51:47 GMT

Original Posted Date: January 25, 2025

Hello from Gambia! I can’t believe we are already over halfway through our outreach. God has been moving in ways I could have never imagined and growing each one of us individually as we face different challenges. He has been SO, SO good to us! Our team has created a Deaf worship song based on Psalms 23 that goes like this: “Even though I walk through darkness…. I am not afraid. WHY? God’s Close, God Protects, God Comforts Me. I am not afraid.” This has been the theme of our outreach. We sign this everyday as we boldly share the name of Jesus in a country where few people trust in Him.

For the first two weeks of outreach, we started in Banjul where our team had amazing opportunities with students at two Deaf Schools and with a group of Deaf adults where we got to dive into the differences of Islam and Christianity. For most of these Deaf Gambians, it was their first time ever communicating with a Deaf Christian, and they were open to allowing our team to share with them about Jesus. Then for the last two weeks, we have been in different villages (6 hours away from the city). Our team had an amazing experience living with a Gambian family, learning their culture, eating their food (all from the same bowl, which was a stretching experience), sharing a “bathroom”, and showering using our buckets. In the midst of this experience, God has continued to open doors for us and show us HIS favor.

In the village, there is a Deaf School, started by the Catholic Church and attended by 75 students. Only one of these students believes in Jesus. We had the opportunity to teach the kids for 3 days, using our dramas in sign language. Then, on the last day, we showed the newly released Deaf Jesus film. These Deaf Gambian students were captivated by the story as it was the first time most had ever heard about Jesus. However, the story does not stop there! Near this school, there is a YWAM base where one of the students, S, lives. He used to go to the staff at that base everyday, asking to be healed from his deafness. But, when he met our team’s Deaf students, the YWAM leader shared that day was the first time he didn’t ask to be healed. Why? This student felt loved, included, and understood as people on our team could communicate with him. Through this encounter, two men on our team were able to show S what relationship with Jesus could look like.

My friends and family often ask me how our outreach trips work as most often we have few connections beforehand with Deaf people. I can testify it is all God! He arranges the encounters when we just obey and go. Here is just one story from the many I could share. In early January, we arrived in a small village, partnering with a hearing pastor who did not know Deaf people and a YWAM base that is in the process of being built. Upon arriving, this pastor was eager to show us a place with many monkeys. As we were on our way, our team realized we needed to buy bananas. The taxi driver pulled over to a stand, and said, “Oh I know a Deaf person that works back here at a welding shop.” Of course we said “GO!” There were two Deaf workers that came to meet us, and the one was the boss and the leader of the Deaf community in that village. The next day he called his friends and we had a gathering of 18 Deaf people where we shared the gospel, and the following day, many came back to watch the Deaf Jesus film. The group was entirely Muslim, but again open to hear from us. Then we connected his friends and him with the new YWAM base in the village, believing that this could be the beginning of this YWAM base welcoming Deaf people to be discipled. Please pray for the leader of this Deaf community, L, that God will open his eyes to the truth. I am sure that our meeting through the taxi driver was not an accident!

As we come to the last weeks of our outreach, we are expecting God to do even more! Today we are going to the first Deaf Gambian Bible Translation Workshop with over 100 Deaf Gambians hosted by a team from the U.S.! Our team will have the opportunity to share about our work with YWAM Deaf World and our students will be able to share testimonies of how Jesus has changed their lives. Honestly, I can’t believe the timing works out for us to attend. Again, it is all God! As we go to this conference, please be in prayer for our team that God will use our team’s testimonies, dramas, and interactions to bring His truth to others.

Love, Ellie