Faith
Church praises the Lord in silence
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
Among a row of homes along Kauna'oa Street in Kapahulu is one house unlike the others. Its exterior may somewhat resemble those of the neighboring houses, but inside is a house of worship.
Every Sunday, the members of Hawai'i Church for the Deaf assemble in David and Juanita Schiewek's residence, a home-turned-church where the entire service is done in American Sign Language. The congregation of about 25 people gathers to hear, or see, the word of God.
Although many kama'aina have never heard of this church, it has been around for decades.
"We've been here 33 years," said David Schiewek, founder and pastor of the church. "Actually we met first in First Assembly of God, which is on Lunalilo (in Makiki). We were there three years, and we moved into this place in 1972."
Prior to moving to Hawai'i, Schiewek and his wife, who are both hearing people, lived in Michigan. Schiewek described his desire to work with the deaf as a "calling." A church they attended in Michigan in the late 1960s had a deaf group, which is what sparked his interest in learning more about and working with the deaf community, he said.
Schiewek describes the church as a church "by the deaf, for the deaf." While other churches in the Islands provide interpreters, he said Hawai'i Church for the Deaf is the only church where "the deaf are totally involved in the service, in everything."
Deaf people not only pray and collect offerings but also make announcements and plan church activities.
"I don't do anything in the service except give the sermon," Schiewek said.
They also have the Hands of Love Choir.
"You would call it singing in a hearing church, but they sign songs together," he said.
Choir members memorize the words to songs and sign them together. Although they can't hear, music is sometimes played while they sign the songs, which Schiewek said is to benefit hearing people who may be in the audience. The choir isn't led by anyone, but Schiewek said his wife stands by to cue them when necessary.
On a recent Sunday morning, several cars were parked in front of the Schiewek's residence, where the church takes up the first floor of their two-story home. The church area consists of a space with enough room to fit five rows of five chairs, a short platform/stage and dry-erase board in front, and more seating along the sides and back of the room. A kitchen, bathrooms and a small office occupy the rest of the first floor.
On this day there were 24 people, ranging from infants to elderly men and women. Assistant Pastor Samantha Johnson gave a sermon about the gospel and Jesus Christ's resurrection, based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
She stood on the platform, signing the sermon, writing notes on the dry-erase board and asking questions. Despite the dim lighting and cramped space, the room was lively with enthusiastic participation and cheery signed-conversations between members.
James Guerrero, who is deaf, was at the service with his wife Kim, who is also deaf, and their 1à-year-old hearing daughter Amy. Guerrero, a 36-year-old resident of the Diamond Head area, has been attending the church since he was 6.
"I've grown up here (and) I've learned a lot in the Deaf Church," said Guerrero, whose words were interpreted by Johnson.
While Guerrero has "been able to learn the Word and learn about Jesus," he also learned a lot about sign language and communicating.
"I've experienced other churches, and it's not the same," he said. "It's hard ... even interpreters are not enough. Here, everyone signs in church, so I really enjoy (it)."
Johnson emphasized the importance of teaching those in the deaf community in their language.
"I feel it's so important for people to have, to hear about and to know the gospel in their own language," she said. "We can answer their questions and we can take the time to explain (things) to them."
For many, going to church is not only a time to learn and worship, but also a time to bond and socialize with others in the deaf community.
Joanna Martin of Kailua, 33, is deaf and has been going to the church since 1984. Johnson interpreted what Martin said makes the church so special to her: "The love in the church and my brothers and sisters here. To me, I feel I have a lot of love with all of them."
Schiewek described the congregation as a "close-knit family." Others agree. "I feel this is where I want to be," Guerrero said, "building my life and having fellowship with my brothers and sisters."
Hawai'i Church for the Deaf may be reached at 732-0120.
Zenaida Serrano Espanol may be reached at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
