God listens: Reed & the Ecuadorian Deaf community
By Rebecka King | Ecuador in South America
Reed and Zoila
Reed Redding, an audiologist student from the U.S., carried out a two-month internship in Ecuador working with the Deaf community. Through God’s work, Reed raised awareness for hidden needs among the Deaf.
Both SIM and Reed’s university, Corban University, facilitated the internship. It allowed him to serve at Centro de Audición y Lenguaje (CEAL), the hearing and speech centre in Loja. CEAL has one floor devoted to audiology and three to speech therapy.
Reed said: “It has been remarkable to see how audiologists work outside of the United States. While there might not be as many resources available, they are capable of making what they have work for the needs of their patients.”
Reed spent most of his time on the audiology floor, where he observed hearing tests, ear cleaning and hearing aid maintenance.
He said: “The team has welcomed me into their family. They've even put me to work filing reports when there aren’t any patients to work with.”
Meeting Zoila
Reed also built relationships with the Deaf outside the centre. One Deaf woman, Zoila, the sister-in-law of an SIM Ecuador worker, met Reed when her family invited him over.
Zoila is a Christ-follower, but she doesn’t have access to the Bible or other Christian resources. That’s because there aren’t any faith-based materials translated into Ecuadorian Sign Language, which is her primary means of communication apart from reading her parents’ lips.
Reed was able to listen to her perspective as a Deaf Christian and encourage her as a fellow believer.
In his internship, Reed was able to research the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and find out what resources they require. He was able to witness how God sees every person in their daily challenges and hears when his people call to him.
SIM Ecuador is seeking more people like Reed to work with the Deaf community in Loja, encourage believers and share with those who live and die without hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. Are you interested in ministering to the Ecuadorian Deaf community?
Pray with us for:
• God’s work among the Deaf community in Loja, Ecuador.
• people to work with the Deaf.
• the Bible to be translated into Ecuadorian Sign Language.
Related stories
In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom
When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.
What might God do in 2025?
As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.
How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society
France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.
