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I Cannot Help But Smile
By an unnamed writer—country undisclosed
A ready smile, a joyful spirit, and a heart full
of love for the lost describes Ruth. 1 We find
this little lady (standing just under five feet
tall) every Sunday at our church welcoming
visitors, mentoring younger ladies in the
faith, or giving words of encouragement to a
struggling Christian.

Ruth has been coming to our church and
ministry for the Deaf since its inception. She
was 17 years old. She has faithfully attended
our church and was our first female church
member, choosing to make a stand for Christ
among her family and Muslim community
when she was 21.

Ruth met her husband, David, 1 while
attending our church. They became close
friends and eventually began dating. They
put off marriage for a long time because
Ruth and David knew that as soon as they
married, Ruth may not be as free to come
to church functions as she was as a single
woman. That has proven to be true; however,
they have taken a stand in their family that
4 BIMI Number 1, 2024
both would be in church every Sunday. That
has also proven to be true.

Ruth is seemingly fearless in her witness for
Christ. She often puts me to shame as she
tells me of her stands. Since being married,
she has taken every opportunity God has
given her to be a light for and an example
of Jesus Christ in her new home. (They live
with her husband’s parents and brother’s
family.) I have the privilege to meet with Ruth three
or four times a week via video-chat. She
and I take these times to read and study
God’s Word together. We both leave these
conversations encouraged and energized.

Recently, we finished studying the topic
“God’s Plan for Marriage.” Even before
Ruth was married, she told me one of her
greatest desires was that her family follow
the Bible. She desires that when children are
added to their family, they are trained and
guided by God’s Word. Many times children
of deaf couples are essentially raised by