Meet Bruce


You know how proper introductions are in order when you meet someone new, right? So here goes it!

My name is Bruce Persons, and I am a Christian-first-then-Deaf who is also a speaker, teacher, pastor-in-training, blogger, writer, an avid coffee drinker, and an active person!

Where did you grow up?

I was born and grew up on a farm in a small rural city of Smithsburg, Maryland. During my formative years up to elementary school, I attended a small-town Lutheran church (ELCA), and beginning in middle school, I attended a Church of Brethren congregation in Frederick.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Maryland School for the Deaf in 2005 (Go Orioles!). I received my Associate degree in Business Administration in 2007 from Hagerstown Community College. In 2009, I received my Bachelor degree in Management with a concentration in Finance and minor in Economics. I am currently a seminarian at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham, AL, and I expect to graduate in Spring of 2015.

Did you worked before attending seminary?

Yes, I worked for a couple of years as an Employment Specialist (a.k.a. job coach) and also as a Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach at Maryland School for the Deaf. I was also heavily involved with his local church serving in various roles. I served as the director of youth ministry program for five years at Deaf Fellowship at Frederick Church of the Brethren and was active with the local Deaf Teen Quest - Central Maryland chapter of Youth for Christ, USA. I also helped with the media for weekly worship services at Deaf Fellowship.

What are your favorite sports and teams?

Baseball is my passion! I also love to watch college and professional football. I bleed Orange and Black (Baltimore Orioles) and Black-and-Purple (Baltimore Ravens). During winter months, I love to watch Washington Caps!

Have you traveled anywhere? What is your favorite place?

To date, I have traveled to various locations in America and across the world as a part of his seminary education, which are as follows: Houston, TX; Cleveland, OH; and even Istanbul, Turkey! I even traveled from Arizona to Florida, and Florida to Maryland in a manner of three-and-a-half days with my dad as a freshman in high school - that was fun!!!

The most favorite place I ever visited so far was the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey. The chapel, although small, was STUNNING! I also loved visiting Hagia Sophia while I was in Istanbul because it was breathtaking and simply mind-blowing!

When did you become a Christian, and when did you received your initial calling to Christian ministry?

The good Lord graciously saved me in the summer of 2003 chiefly due to Rev. Peter Myers', my Brethren pastor, commitment to mentoring me for several years. I was called to a full-time Christian ministry when, as a senior in high school (2005), I was heart-broken with how many of my classmates did not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. I am passionate about sharing the gospel to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people - the fourth largest unreached people group in the world!

Why this blog?

This blog is intended to serve as an avenue for me to stay in touch with my family, friends, prayer warriors, former colleagues, and anyone interested in following my life story. I get creative outbursts from time and time, and I also want to share my significant life events with you. I hope this blog will enable me to engage with other people across America - whether Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing. Above all things, I desire that whatever I share here - fun and serious, good and bad - will only bring greater glory and honor to my loving God and merciful Savior, Jesus Christ.

How can I get in touch with you?

Glad you asked! Click here and write something to me! I would love to meet you as well! :-)