Dear Family and Supporters,

Before I fly out tomorrow, I wanted to send you a quick but exciting update and testimony—especially since some of you have asked how God led me to support the Bonfire team, and how many Deaf and CoDa youth are involved. I’m so excited to share what He’s been doing!

Quick Glossary:

YWAM – Youth With A Mission

DTS – Discipleship Training School

CODA – Child of Deaf Adult

Scripture:

 “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised Moses.” 

Joshua 1:3

My journey with the ministry school was groundbreaking—stepping into new territory without knowing all the details. By God’s grace, that first step paved the way not only for me but also opened a door for Deaf youth to be part of Bonfire for the very first time. This breakthrough reminds me of God’s promise in Joshua 1:3. Sometimes, God calls us to step into unknown places, and as we do, He prepares the way ahead—even when we can’t see it yet. If you are in a season of uncertainty, be encouraged: your faithful step forward matters, and God is already going before you.

It All Started with a Stirring…

Before I flew to California for ministry school, I sensed something about going to Mexico—but the details weren’t clear. I surrendered that stirring back to God, trusting Him to reveal the next step at the right time. So, I only booked a one-way ticket to California, waiting for His confirmation.

While in school, someone mentioned The Bonfire—a two-week discipleship experience for high schoolers (ages 14–18), followed by a one-week outreach to Mexico. It’s like a mini-DTS, designed to help youth experience God and make Him known. As soon as I heard about it, something tugged deeply on my heart. When I asked more and heard that the outreach would be in Mexico, I sensed God saying, “This is it.”

So I prayed, “Lord, if You’re calling me to join this team, please confirm it by sending Deaf youth or signers.”

God Answered… Through a 15-Year-Old

In week 5 of our 12-week school, a new interpreter arrived. During introductions, she casually mentioned her 15-year-old daughter—who is Hard of Hearing—was staying with her.

BOOM. I felt electricity through my whole body. God was speaking!

I immediately shared about Bonfire. Her daughter was hungry to know more about God and felt so welcomed by the YWAM California community. We quickly connected. I introduced her and her mom to the Bonfire leader—and within days, she applied and was accepted!

Becoming Bonfire Staff

After that confirming moment, I prayed again and clearly felt prompted to take the next step. I approached the Bonfire leader and asked if I could serve as staff to help bridge the gap for the Deaf youth.

She was stunned—in the best way.

She openly admitted she had no experience working with Deaf youth and didn’t know how to lead in that space. But she was thrilled to hear I felt called to support the team. She welcomed me with joy. We both recognized that this was God’s doing—He was building a bridge of communication, culture, and unity.

She even asked if I could invite more Deaf and signing youth. I said yes—and began praying again.

And God Kept Opening More Doors…

I reached out to a friend in Minnesota and shared about Bonfire. A few days later, unexpectedly, a Deaf mother told her how much she longed for her daughter to attend a YWAM DTS—but her daughter was only 13. My friend shared the Bonfire opportunity—and the mom was thrilled!

Her 13-year-old CODA daughter quickly applied and was accepted. Even though she’s not quite 14, the Bonfire leader felt deep peace about welcoming her.

Then I prayed again: “God, just one more Deaf youth—and two interpreters willing to serve the full three weeks.”

And God moved swiftly.

Two interpreters—both fresh from DTS and DBS in YWAM Jamaica—said yes to serve all three weeks! As a bonus, they both speak Spanish and know some LSM (Mexican Sign Language)!

Finally, one of my faithful newsletter readers reached out about an 18-year-old Deaf girl from a Deaf family who was spiritually hungry. He introduced her to me via Zoom, and I felt immediate peace. A few days later, she applied—and was accepted!

Sharing Deaf Awareness

To prepare the team, I asked the Bonfire leader if I could lead a Deaf Awareness session. She immediately said yes—and warmly supported my request to invite Dan and Carole, the founders of YWAM Deaf World, to share a word of encouragement beforehand.

They said yes—and their message deeply moved us.

God’s presence was so tangible. Their words reminded us that it’s okay to make mistakes—we just need to be ourselves and live out God’s love. As I shared facts and stats about how the Deaf remain one of the most unreached people groups in the world, the team’s eyes and hearts were opened.

Several are now learning ASL on their own. It’s beautiful to see their eagerness to grow and connect in love and humility.

Final Youth Team Breakdown:

  • 2 Deaf
  • 1 CODA
  • 9 Hearing

= 12 amazing youth ready to encounter God and share His love in Mexico! ??

Our staff team includes six passionate leaders, including myself. Everyone will arrive tomorrow, and the Bonfire will run from July 5 to 27. We’re eager to serve, disciple, and walk alongside these youth in what we believe will be a life-changing journey.

After Bonfire ends on July 27, I’ll fly out that evening and arrive in Pittsburgh on July 28. I’ll stay in a hotel for four nights to rest and seek the Lord—a generous couple has already blessed me with a donation to cover the hotel costs.

Then, I’ll travel to Mercer, PA, to visit Dan and Carole and reconnect with the YWAM community there. They’ve graciously offered to host me in their home from August 1–10. I’m really looking forward to this time of fellowship, refreshment, and rebuilding relationships with the YWAM family in Pennsylvania.

Please Pray With Us:

  • For all of us—staff, interpreters, and youth—to arrive safely at SFO and travel smoothly to the YWAM base
  • That our six staff members lead with authenticity, grace, and God’s heart
  • That each youth experiences deep transformation and intimacy with Jesus
  • That our outreach in Mexico brings hope, healing, and joy
  • That we live out Galatians 3:28 — becoming one in Christ across every difference
  • That this pioneering effort lays a foundation for future Deaf youth in missions
  • For sweet reconnection and encouragement during my time with the YWAM community in PA
  • For clear direction about where God is leading me next after August 10

I believe God is writing a new beginning—not just for these youth, but for YWAM as a whole. I’m deeply humbled that He would allow me to play even a small part in it.

More than anything, I simply desire to be His vessel—walking in obedience, bridging cultures, and pointing others to His love. May Jesus be the One lifted high in every heart, every language, and every place we go.

Thank you for praying, giving, and walking this journey with me. You are a vital part of what God is doing.

With love and deep gratitude,

Kevlasha Humphrey
A disciple of Jesus

Isaiah 42:16 | Joshua 1:9 | Galatians 3:28