Mobile youth shares Christ through sign language

Deirdra Drinkard is no stranger to the stage. From singing about her dog, Germs, in a church play as a 3-year-old to putting sign language to songs during worship services, Drinkard uses her love of performing to serve God.
  
Since the eighth grade, the Robertsdale High School senior has been a member of Forward Motions, a team of seven youth from First Baptist Church, Silverhill, in Baldwin Baptist Association that does sign language to the words of contemporary Christian songs. 
  
Even though there are no deaf individuals in the congregation, she said that the team often visits local nursing homes, as well as performing at local festivals and the annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores.
  
Drinkard said she was inspired to begin learning sign language put to music by the wife of First, Silverhill’s pastor, Jeff Hunter. Stephanie Hunter signed the song “Shout to the Lord” during a worship service.
  
“It was so beautiful and inspirational that I decided I want to learn how to sign,” Drinkard said.
  
Drinkard is also taking the lessons she’s learned in front of the church and putting them to use in her schoolwork and the numerous extracurricular activities in which she is involved.
  
For instance, as a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at her school, Drinkard was ranked among the top six public speakers in the state in the 2006 FBLA-sponsored public-speaking contest.
  
“I feel that in order to be an effective leader, you need to be able to communicate your ideas, goals and vision in an effective manner,” she said.
  
“Deirdra has a work ethic that would put most adults to shame,” said Theresa Bryant, principal of Robertsdale High. “She not only has the grades and the talent to make something of herself, but she is a fine, Christian young lady. Deirdra not only talks the talk but walks the walk as well.” (TAB)