On December 18, 2004, the God's Hands of Praise (GHOP) gospel sign language choir celebrated ten years of ministry at the City Temple Church in Detroit, Michigan. The unique ministry of this dedicated choir provides a worship experience incorporating American Sign Language (ASL), under the leadership of Kim Logan-Nowlin, director and founder. With this resolve, they have impacted the deaf and hearing-challenged community throughout this country and around the world, with over 300 presentations.
Kim began the choir ten years ago with just eight members. Since then, 101 members, ages 5–69, have been a part of this marvelous ministry. GHOP was the first gospel sign language choir to travel to Bermuda and to tour across Europe. They have traveled throughout Michigan, Illinois, Canada, and many other parts of the country, ministering to both deaf and hearing-challenged individuals. They have sung and signed at churches, campmeetings, revivals, retreats, nursing homes, schools, radio interviews, and cable television programs.
"I believe every Christian can do something, with the gifts and talents God gives each one, to bring individuals to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to help build up His church," Kim said with conviction. Her experiences have convinced her that individuals of all ages need to learn a second language to empower themselves to communicate with others and to enhance employability skills.
As other individuals, groups, and choirs witnessed God at work through God's Hands of Praise, they also desired to be used in a sign language ministry. God has used Kim and the choir to help start over 12 new ministries since its inception.
Thousands of individuals of all ages are fascinated with learning sign language. ASL is one of the most complete sign systems in the world and is used throughout North America. Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way to communicate. It not only ministers to the deaf and hearing-challenged, but many hearing audiences have also seen God's invitation and have responded to His call.
For the past ten years, GHOP has been planting seeds for the harvest and will continue to do so. Their desire is to invite others to come to Christ, looking forward to the day when together they can go to Heaven when Jesus comes.
In addition to her career as a family therapist and communication professional, Kim Logan-Nowlin, a certified ASL instructor, also serves the deaf and hearing-challenged as interpreter. She is involved in training other City Temple members to use ASL to help spread the gospel.
As GHOP members become interpreters and teachers for church services, concerts, television ministry, and other programs, they truly enjoy their outreach ministry. GHOP members say they look forward to sharing their ministry because “praise is what we do.”
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 108:8)
Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor, as shared by Kim Logan-Nowlin, God's Hands of Praise director and founder
