Two Deaf Ministry Interpreters From the Philippines Head to GC Session

Lychel and Cheard Lyzz Gabuco believe in the inclusiveness of the gospel, leaders said.

June 17, 2025 | Philippines | Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review

For sisters Lychel Lee Gabuco and Cheard Lyzz Gabuco, ministry has never been about the spotlight. It’s about showing up—often behind the scenes, often in silence—and building a space where Deaf individuals can see, feel, and live the love of Jesus.

Now, after more than 15 years of full-time service in Deaf ministry, the two are heading to the sixty-second General Conference (GC) Session as representatives of the Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) and Adventist Deaf Ministries International–Philippines. For them, it’s more than an event. It’s a milestone in a journey defined by prayer, perseverance, and purpose. “We never imagined we’d be part of something this global,” Lychel Lee Gabuco shared. “Most of our work happens in small churches, local communities, and Deaf spaces that people don’t always see.”

The sisters have spent years seeking the Deaf in various regions of the Philippines, establishing Deaf ministries in churches, training volunteer interpreters, and empowering Deaf leaders. Although the number of Deaf members is still small—approximately 200 members and 20 interpreters across seven churches—their impact continues to grow. “It’s easy to feel like we’re behind compared to others,” Lychel Lee Gabuco said. “But God doesn’t count size. He looks at faith and vision.”

The chance to participate in the GC Session was entirely unexpected. Applying for a U.S. visa felt daunting because of the lack of a sponsoring institution and a formal employment record. But after months of prayer, they were both approved—along with their senior citizen mother, who has supported them through every mission journey. And through the generosity of supporting organizations aligned with the APM vision, their travel and accommodation needs were fully covered. “That kind of provision comes only from God,” Lychel Lee Gabuco said. “We saw each answered prayer as confirmation that He’s sending us—so we can grow, learn, and share what we’ve experienced.”

Their story is more than personal, regional church leaders explained, as it’s a glimpse into what it means to be part of a truly global and inclusive church. “Their presence at the session signals a shift: of a church that doesn’t just make space but invites everyone to lead, contribute, and be seen,” they said.

For young people navigating purpose, calling, and identity, Lychel Lee Gabuco and Cheard Lyzz Gabuco’s story is a reminder that mission is not defined by platform or prestige but by faithfulness, leaders added.

“We’re not here because we’re special,” Lychel Lee Gabuco said. “We’re here because God is. And He wants everyone—hearing, Deaf, abled, and disabled—to be part of His mission.”

Now, as the world church gathers to worship, plan, and dream at the GC Session, the sisters carry with them not just the hopes of a small community in the Philippines but a vision of a church where no one is left out, regional church leaders said. “They believe that’s the heart of the gospel, and that such gospel is fulfilled only when everyone is seen,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.