Bob Kohr's Imago Dei Story
Bob Kohr's Imago Dei Story
Bob Kohr is a child of deaf adults (also called CODA). His parents were almost entirely non-verbal. Even though he was hearing, Bob didn’t learn English until he was in grade school. His only way of communicating was American Sign Language (ASL).
While growing up, Bob was surrounded by a culture that called Deaf adults “deaf and dumb.” Often, while interpreting for his parents or their friends, hearing people would look at him and say, “They’re just deaf and dumb, aren’t they?” This spurred him to spend his life defending and advocating for the community of people he loved.
Even as Bob grew up, he remained involved in the Deaf community (his extended family) in which he was raised, and he continued to advocate for them. He was always around and helped his parents and other Deaf friends by interpreting and providing practical help around the house and yard.
Bob eventually became connected to the Deaf ministry at Calvary Church. For more than 20 years, Bob has supported and helped the Calvary Deaf community! He has assisted his new-found family by setting up the video feed and sound for the interpreters and always providing coffee and donuts for the Deaf family. He is known as “Mr. Fix-it” for the Deaf ministry! Bob loves the deaf ministry like his own family, and they love him, too.
We write this story to honor Bob Kohr who has spent his life using his Imago Dei to make a difference in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community—a group of people who are often overlooked and under-served. Bob has shined the light of God’s love and been an ambassador of God’s mission (Missio Dei) here on earth.
We asked Bob one question: What is one thing you would want all hearing people to know about the Deaf community? Bob said, “I want hearing people to know that Deaf people are smart. There might be a communication barrier, but if you would stop to actually meet them and get to know them, you’d realize how great they are. They are also children of God! Don’t ignore them; just be patient with them, and you’ll find a deep and rich relationship.”
While growing up, Bob was surrounded by a culture that called Deaf adults “deaf and dumb.” Often, while interpreting for his parents or their friends, hearing people would look at him and say, “They’re just deaf and dumb, aren’t they?” This spurred him to spend his life defending and advocating for the community of people he loved.
Even as Bob grew up, he remained involved in the Deaf community (his extended family) in which he was raised, and he continued to advocate for them. He was always around and helped his parents and other Deaf friends by interpreting and providing practical help around the house and yard.
Bob eventually became connected to the Deaf ministry at Calvary Church. For more than 20 years, Bob has supported and helped the Calvary Deaf community! He has assisted his new-found family by setting up the video feed and sound for the interpreters and always providing coffee and donuts for the Deaf family. He is known as “Mr. Fix-it” for the Deaf ministry! Bob loves the deaf ministry like his own family, and they love him, too.
We write this story to honor Bob Kohr who has spent his life using his Imago Dei to make a difference in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community—a group of people who are often overlooked and under-served. Bob has shined the light of God’s love and been an ambassador of God’s mission (Missio Dei) here on earth.
We asked Bob one question: What is one thing you would want all hearing people to know about the Deaf community? Bob said, “I want hearing people to know that Deaf people are smart. There might be a communication barrier, but if you would stop to actually meet them and get to know them, you’d realize how great they are. They are also children of God! Don’t ignore them; just be patient with them, and you’ll find a deep and rich relationship.”
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