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Gulf Shores custodian finds his calling in deaf ministry - al.com
Being deaf has never stopped Boyd Eggers from following his dreams. From winning the Big Splash Award at Gulf Shores High School twice to holding several positions with the Alabama Baptist Conference for the Deaf, Eggers is staying busy these days.
"I was born in Fairhope and grew up in Robertsdale," Eggers said in an interview conducted via e-mail. "I graduated from Robertsdale High School and Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, and I wanted to own my own woodworking business or be a truck driver."
His path took a different course, however, when Eggers became involved with the deaf ministries at First Baptist Church of Robertsdale.
"I have been a member of FBCR since 1998, with a short absence while my wife and I lived in North Carolina," he said. "I took some classes at Tri-State Theology School for the Deaf in North Carolina, and in August 2007 I was ordained into the ministry."
Eggers became the church's lay pastor for the deaf, and in that position, he helps with outreach programs for individuals like himself.
"I lead Bible studies, preach in the deaf worships once a month and minister to the deaf in our membership and community," he said. "I also line-up special guests (like) deaf pastors to come and preach or lead in a Bible study on the weekends or at retreats."
It's all part of his desire to serve God by ministering to others who share his physical challenges.
"I knew what it was like for me when I was saved and there was no one to disciple or teach me more about God's word in my 'heart language,' sign language," Eggers said. "In some places there is no one to teach the deaf. I realized that God could use me to help others to know Him, to grow and learn more about God and his Holy Word."
As part of the Alabama Baptist Conference for the Deaf, Eggers has held many positions, and in March he was elected vice president of the conference to help plan meetings and organize the conference's 50th anniversary celebration in 2009.
"I have worked alongside the auditing committee and on the committee for Camp Shocco for the Deaf, which meets at Shocco Springs in Talledega every summer," Eggers said. "I also serve as Deaf Missions District Coordinator No. 7 for Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties."
And though he stays busy with the church, Eggers is a full-time custodian at the high school and has been honored twice for his dedication to his job.
"I have worked at GSHS since 2004. I was excited the first time I won the Big Splash Award for being noticed. The second time I thought, 'Wow. This means a lot,'" he said. "I am glad that people believe I do a good job. We always try to work hard and do our best to keep the school clean and looking nice."
In his downtime, Eggers loves being with his family and has many hobbies.
"I play darts, I like woodworking and I read the Bible," Eggers said. "My wife Jennifer and I met in the Deaf Ministry at FBCR where we serve God together. We have been married seven years, and we have a beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Grace."
And to others facing challenges, he has good advice.
"Stay positive, and don't give up. Believe in yourself and trust in God to help you," Eggers said. "I had parents who encouraged me, a God who never gave up on me and a wife who supports me to dream and work toward those dreams."
Being deaf has never stopped Boyd Eggers from following his dreams. From winning the Big Splash Award at Gulf Shores High School twice to holding several positions with the Alabama Baptist Conference for the Deaf, Eggers is staying busy these days.
"I was born in Fairhope and grew up in Robertsdale," Eggers said in an interview conducted via e-mail. "I graduated from Robertsdale High School and Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, and I wanted to own my own woodworking business or be a truck driver."
His path took a different course, however, when Eggers became involved with the deaf ministries at First Baptist Church of Robertsdale.
"I have been a member of FBCR since 1998, with a short absence while my wife and I lived in North Carolina," he said. "I took some classes at Tri-State Theology School for the Deaf in North Carolina, and in August 2007 I was ordained into the ministry."
Eggers became the church's lay pastor for the deaf, and in that position, he helps with outreach programs for individuals like himself.
"I lead Bible studies, preach in the deaf worships once a month and minister to the deaf in our membership and community," he said. "I also line-up special guests (like) deaf pastors to come and preach or lead in a Bible study on the weekends or at retreats."
It's all part of his desire to serve God by ministering to others who share his physical challenges.
"I knew what it was like for me when I was saved and there was no one to disciple or teach me more about God's word in my 'heart language,' sign language," Eggers said. "In some places there is no one to teach the deaf. I realized that God could use me to help others to know Him, to grow and learn more about God and his Holy Word."
As part of the Alabama Baptist Conference for the Deaf, Eggers has held many positions, and in March he was elected vice president of the conference to help plan meetings and organize the conference's 50th anniversary celebration in 2009.
"I have worked alongside the auditing committee and on the committee for Camp Shocco for the Deaf, which meets at Shocco Springs in Talledega every summer," Eggers said. "I also serve as Deaf Missions District Coordinator No. 7 for Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties."
And though he stays busy with the church, Eggers is a full-time custodian at the high school and has been honored twice for his dedication to his job.
"I have worked at GSHS since 2004. I was excited the first time I won the Big Splash Award for being noticed. The second time I thought, 'Wow. This means a lot,'" he said. "I am glad that people believe I do a good job. We always try to work hard and do our best to keep the school clean and looking nice."
In his downtime, Eggers loves being with his family and has many hobbies.
"I play darts, I like woodworking and I read the Bible," Eggers said. "My wife Jennifer and I met in the Deaf Ministry at FBCR where we serve God together. We have been married seven years, and we have a beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Grace."
And to others facing challenges, he has good advice.
"Stay positive, and don't give up. Believe in yourself and trust in God to help you," Eggers said. "I had parents who encouraged me, a God who never gave up on me and a wife who supports me to dream and work toward those dreams."