Let me take a moment to introduce myself to you since this is probably the first time you have ever heard about me. I’m John Pratt, and have stepped into the position of Vice President of Deaf Evangelism And Fellowship. I was raised in the mountains of Colorado in a town called Manitou Springs. I was born in June of 1959. I’m married to Ursula my best friend and lovely wife. We have five children all together - Jackie, Ben, Isaac, Jeanette and Harlan. Yes, we are a blended family and the children are all grown and gone. We live in Liverpool, New York. Ursula is a Teacher/Librarian in our school district. Originally she was born in Germany and came to America some 30 plus years ago and is a U.S. Citizen. She speaks German, French and English and to hear her say it. I speak a blend of Southern/Western and mumble a lot, as well as talk with my hands (American Sign Language).

I have an educational back ground starting in the late 1970’s with studies in Structural Welding and Criminal Justice. During my time in the Air Force, 1980-1986, I studied Aerospace, System Operation Engineering. After that, I attended - The Criswell College, Dallas, Texas, 1986-1990 for my formal ministry training in Theology and languages.

I became a Follower of Christ on October 9, 1981 during a “Lay Revival”, at First Baptist Church in Manitou Springs, Colorado. There is no doubt that I proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior and I love to tell people about Him. It is my most favorite thing to do.

Shortly after that, I began entering the ministry through music and church worship leading. Following came, Evangelist, Youth Pastor and Senior Pastor. I was blessed to have had five mentors in those first five years. They were Dr. Howard Glen, Dr. Harlan Harris, Dr. Mickey Bonner, Evangelist Manley Beasley and Dr. Lewis Adkins. Before I ever arrived in Texas, these men had trained and prepared me for God’s work. Seeing to it that I was Ordained in September of 1985. When I arrived at The Criswell College, Dr. Criswell and Dr. Paige Patterson, along with the professors there simply had to polish me up a bit.

Unfortunately, during my time at Criswell my wife of ten years decided in 1990 to leave all behind and take up life with another man. This one event changed the entire trajectory of ministry for me in the Southern Baptist Convention and the pastorate. I continued in Evangelism and also building up a construction company I had started in 1978 to pay the bills.

I have served as Minister of Music, Youth Pastor, and Senior Pastor. For over 30 years as Executive Director of John Pratt Evangelistic Association started in 1983. Some of the work done has been church planting and church restarts after crippling splits or loss of staff. Advanced preparations and planning for crusades and revivals as well as singing and preaching.

There is a lot of work to be done here at D.E.AF., and with a very broad back ground of experiences I pray I’ll be up to the challenge. Please pray for me and for this ministry as we see where God will lead us. If you have not looked at the “576” program let me encourage you to take a moment and click over there. You will understand why I have decided to join Deaf Evangelism And Fellowship. May Gods richest blessing be yours.

His Ambassador, John Pratt
Vice President
Deaf Evangelism And Fellowship

http://www.deafinc.com/576page.html