Mission update: April 2010

Good news:
•First Aliocesign-language workshop well-attended . Nearly all local deaf come with at least one friend/relative
•Ugandan Sign-language Resources and Display for AruaTown Library handed over.
•Mobile Sign-language displays for Classrooms at Erubain immediate use by both staff & students
•Great support Helen received during her brief but v. fruitful Ukvisit to finalise children’s exams.
•Clearer understanding current developments in Sudan’s elections to be held in next fortnight

This Month’s Focus:
•Aliocesign-language workshop preparation and delivery
•Helping to make our base’s next discipleship training school accessible and affordable for local deaf.
•Meet AruaDistrict officials re needs of deaf.
•Maintaining family health as exams approach
•Organising our 2010/11 flights to Uganda

Come, visit us and see for yourself!

Good things are happening with the deaf here in Arua!

Today as Adam drove off with 24 deaf or hard of hearing and one hearing person on technical support I was praying not only for his and their protection in the laden truck but also for God to continue to inspire, guide and provide for all our partners and our work with the isolated deaf.




Over the past few months we have been encouraged as the numbers at St Philips Deaf church have increased. Pastor Alan (partially deaf and blind) has repeatedly encouraged us and thanked us in our ministry under him. Indeed Alan was on the back of the truck as they left for the village earlier.

What particularly delighted me was the increased sense of purpose amongst the deaf, especially the young deaf at church. They were and are all so keen to get involved.
God is transforming lives and we want to support this. Today an additional 2 Muslims, with whom we have become good friends, were wanting to join the group. Happy Easter

This Easter Saturday, we are showing ‘The Passion of the Christ’ here at the YWAM base. My concern is that there will be too many for us to accomm-odate. God knows and he will show us what to do. Jesus’ passion continues to brings us new life & fresh hope. H


Last week was the first of seven visits planned to the Aliochi village. All 27 deaf villagers arrived each with a hearing family member or close friend. They were then introduced to the deaf team and split into small groups for basic introductions and later for basic sign teaching. Many of the deaf were so very shy and timid, many cried and one boy just curled up on the floor shaking.

Adam explained that this was because many of the deaf had never met other deaf people before and so they were dealing with a whole host of emotions on this first meeting. I am pleased to say that at the end of the first session everyone was more relaxed and there were many happy faces.

At the end of the session each deaf person left reassured in the knowledge that they had someone, a hearing friend or relative, with whom they could practice signs for the following week.

For the first time local deaf people and anyone else wanting to learn Ugandan sign language have reference books. Thanks to those of you who are partnering with us and to Molly who helped me ship them from Kampala.

Mobile Sign-language displays for Classrooms at Eruba.

.. Have been produced thanks to your support. Staff had requested portable sign-language displays for three class-rooms that cannot be secured over night. The rooms have no doors or window frames. The displays have generated much excitement and interest amongst both deaf and hearing students. Two deaf students from Eruba join Alioce Sign Workshops each week to encourage those deaf from Alioce who are of a similar age. They have really encouraged them..
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The deaf students took on their hearing class-mates this Wednesday, in both football and volley ball, winning and drawing respectively.

Laurence's news: April 2010

This month I have been doing a lot of gardening.

I have planted about 40 maize seeds after ploughing and cleaning the soil at the front of the house.

Currently with the help of Jerome and someone from the base we have ploughed (and, half cleaned) some land on the base so that I can plant beetroot, carrots and maybe some cucumber and melon too.

Jerome's news: April 2010

This month my chicken business has received more demand so I need more hens to lay eggs.


I went to visit a model farm with some American friends, Jack and Jacob above, which was cool. I then biked there for seeds it must be 15km each way.

I’m gutted Arsenal dropped points to Brumbut o well hopefully we can beat Barca.

Been farming a bit growing different grains to reduce costs by feeding chickens with homegrown grain.

Maria's News
This month I had my 17th birthday. It was great to receive a few presents and messages from England so thanks to everyone who did that!

I‘ve started having motorbike lessons from Dad which has been cool, they’re not that hard, its just trying to remember everything! :P

We visited a local farm and learnt about their livestock n crops which was interesting.

On Palm Sunday we biked to visit friends and had a great time with the. From their balcony you can see Congo. I quite fancy a wander over there...