Michael & Diane Chase

Mike & Diane are preparing to return for their third term of service in Taiwan. During their first term, they were part of a team that planted a new church (New Life Assembly of God) in Taichung. During their second term, Michael co-pastored this church which has two congregations: Chinese and Filipino. He has also taught courses for the Assemblies of God School of Theology in Talchung and Tainan. Diane led Bible studies with women in their home and developed a children's ministry.

About the size of Connecticut and New Hampshire combined, Taiwan (formerly Formosa) is an island lying 100 miles off the southeast coast of China between the East and South China Seas. The majority of Taiwan's 21 million people are ethnic Chinese. Taiwan is a spiritually needy nation. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are Eastern religions inherited from China and adhered to by the majority of the population.

Only 2 percent of the population are evangelical Christians. The Assemblies of God currently has 20 churches in the country. About 1,450 people gather for worship in these churches. Many others are being reached through home Bible study courses distributed from ICI University learning centers. The Assemblies of God School of Theology is located in the city of Taichung and is training future ministers and church workers.

Prior to missionary appointment, the Chases pioneered a church in Durham, New Hampshire and pastored there for 6 years.

Duane & Carri Somero

I believe God has called me to help pastors and churches establish Deaf ministries in the Northern New England District. There are approximately 800-1000 Deaf people in Northern New England. Worldwide 2% of the Deaf are saved. In America, per A/G Deaf Culture Ministries, 8% of the Deaf are saved. American Sign Language is the second most used foreign language in the U.S. If no one reaches them, who will?

It is my desire to:
Educate pastors about Deaf people and its culture.
Explain the different types of churches related to Deaf Culture ministries...

There are four:
Self-supporting Deaf churches;
Deaf church within a hearing church (independent);
Deaf ministries with interpreted services,
and Integrated Deaf Ministry.

Share with Pastors and their churches how to establish a Deaf Ministry so the Deaf can become leaders.
When Deaf ministries have been established, the next step will be facilitating and networking among the leaders in each ministry to encourage and build up others.

I currently work part time in architecture that pays to support my family. I cannot advance the Kingdom of God in such a way when I have to do architecture to support my family . The need to be in full time ministry is very great and much work needs to be done. The Deaf community is a lost people group and they desperately need to hear the Gospel. The harvest is ripe but the laborers are few.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting me with your prayers and financial support as home missions? It will enable me to advance the kingdom of God among the Deaf community in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.