November 2012: Mission update

Ad: Re-uniting with Helen after 6 weeks was like a second honey-moon! I found a place for us to chill together for 10 days. We had a super view of Lake Victoria and hired some sailing dinghies like we did when we were dating!

Laurence has reverted to home-schooling with us from half-term because he couldn’t settle at his school.

Developing our 2011 –13 strategy is underway with our local partners and will be published a.s.a.p.

This week, Deaf driving student Aziz, circled, passed his test in Kampala. The final preparations were an intensive two days spent completing medical checks and reassuring the examiners of the deaf student driver’s legal rights.

I would like to record my appreciation to what has been a team success and the invaluable support of national deaf association staff, the head of Ntinda deaf school and Jonah, our interpreter on the day. Interdependence was the key!

Encouraging Deaf boarders to know that God wants us to practically demonstrate our concern for others needs.

At Eruba deaf unit’s Sunday service I recently saw Phillam, circled, one of the deaf DTS graduates from last year leading the deaf boarders’ Sunday service and coaching them to produce a great bible drama on faith and action. His growing confidence, joy and desire to encourage younger deaf is really infectious!

Deaf boarders, like the boy, framed, also excitedly showed me his favourite passage from the illustrated bibles he’d been given. Fellow deaf graduate Godfrey has also co-produced some great bible-dramas recently.














Helen is planning a cultural exchange lesson this week as part of an on-going link with All Saints Infant school in our home town.

Encouraging Rhino Camp Parish community to value each other as God does

Ad: I went with our pastor, Rev Allan, special Needs Coordinator for our region, West Nile, and a team of deaf and hearing to Rhino Camp on the White Nile. Rev. Allan is supporting the local pastor efforts to sensitize his community to the equal value all people have in God’s eyes. All the the team members were examples of local deaf have succeeded in gaining communication, academic and vocational skills and jobs, and how deaf-hearing marriages can work.



Both pastors have asked me to plan a community sign workshop weekend to which families with deaf members or neighbours are being invited, following the first census of such families!

Equipping advocates

The deaf youth who successfully completed the IT training last year have been working on the production of carpentry, football signs. Both these topics and the driving signs should be put to use by the end Nov.

Signs & Wonders: Compost and Composure!

Well, one of this month’s memorable events was attending a seminar explaining how a newer latrine design is helping to prevent human sewerage contaminating shallow bore-holes nearby when the water table is high. Instead it produces smell-free compost fit for the garden after 12months! Handling the compost a step of faith!

Another challenge was learning to depend on our motorbike indicator light to show the way home when the headlamp failed last weekend in the pitch dark town-centre. My eyes had just enough time to recover from its dazzling flashes and get a brief glimpse of the kerb and potholes before being plunged momentarily back into pitch-black! Helen shone her phone-torch over my shoulder as we vigilantly crawled home, grateful we hadn’t had to push the bike for 2 miles over uneven tracks!

Then one sat afternoon after, we simultaneously watched Man U. and Arsenal’s matches in a bar, Laurence dropped his phone as he left. When we called Laurence's phone, the guy who answered then demanded 10% of the phone’s value in return for handing it over. Once the barman’s watchman arrived he relented. Meanwhile the Arsenal fans in the bar seemed to get more joy from Man City’s successive goals against Man. U. than their own team’s victory! – Slightly to my annoyance!

One of my final chuckles of the month was trying to work out why my toothpaste tasted like shampoo. I later discovered that in my desperation to get some sleep after 12 hours on a bus to Jinja YWAM base I’d coated my toothbrush with sun-block! Adam:

Helen in the Refinery

‘Be patient, patient patient.

Observe, pray and still be patient’.

This is what the quiet voice inside me is saying.

Reconnecting with old friends, the kids ministries and Eruba deaf unit has been so positive. However since returning to Arua I have been challenged by many things including; mosquitoes; heavy rains; some deaf community issues which I am presently unpacking; and finally there’s the challenge of good parenting.

But yesterday when I and a small team visited the TB ward at a Arua hospital and took time to listen to the patients my priorities became clear. As we prayed and I saw the patients silently suffering my eyes filled with tears and I felt the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in that place. It’s all about connections with our gracious Father. Six patients died last week in that TB ward.



The Refiner’s Fire is honing me in the areas of prayer and patience, and I am so grateful.

Helen. Ps 27:14

Newz from Our Uth: Putting down roots!

Maria: Having moved to and settled into university life things are starting to calm down marginally but are still pretty crazy!


I managed to nab myself a job in a local pub; its the first time I've done any kind of bar work and so was a bit daunting at first but I now seem to have got the hang of it and know the regulars!



At uni I've joined the Rowing and Athletics clubs and have had a load of fun with them; a lot of fancy dress has been involved!

So far, SOOOOO GOOD! :D 
 
 
 
Jerome: Hi! Hi everyone! This month has been pretty awesome. I raised about £150 through a sponsored bike ride for Bedworth youth group. It was 125 miles long and it took 10 and half hours.


I've been going to the gym regularly and doing my college work. I got a destinction in my first assignment so I'm very pleased with that. I have booked my first driving lesson this Saturday and really looking forward to it.

I'm working on a goat farm about 20 miles away from college with about 2500 goats in milk. Its a really interesting and unique farm and I'm sure I will learn a lot from it.


Laurence: Hello. I am very glad to be out of the international school. It was the social aspect which was the worst; I just didn’t really get on with anyone, and it was an extremely boring lifestyle. When my mum arrived we went sailing on Lake Victoria at Entebbe. It was quite good fun.


In Arua I’ve begun to make a small wind turbine prototype using a 10 litre jerry can and bicycle bearings. Once we find the most efficient method, we’ll move onto a 20 litre can.




I went to Jinja with my Dad and William, our gardener, for an agriculture/bible course. I only went to some of the sessions, because the rest of the time I had to do home-schooling. Some of it was interesting

As for Arsenal, if I’m honest, I was starting to doubt the future - but now even our subs are great. Thomas Vermaelen is one of the best centre backs in the world, and his return has already had a positive impact. Man. City look very strong, but I think their lead will not last. Some Arsenal fans here have converted to Man. City, but they’re not taken seriously.

Deaf Connections Ministry, YWAM Arua: Draft Programme:Nov 2011 - March 2012

Encouraging deaf and hearing Christians: Nov 2011: Bible drama and deaf biographies: ongoing Dec: Planning for DTSs in 2011/12 H/D Youth Camp tbc Jan 2012: Go Camp for 16-25s Kings Kids Week for deaf and hearing June - Oct: Discipleship Training School 2012 Empowering interdependency advocates who can support, teach, train or employ deaf/hearing: Nov 2011: Biblical Agricultural Training for future garden produce income generation scheme for local deaf/ hearing Cultural Exchange Lesson at Eruba, Footbll match. TBC Dec: IT Course for Teachers of deaf Needs Assessment Update at Paranga Developing 2011 –13 Strategy Jan 2012: 21st/22nd S/L Workshop: Rhino Camp Parish TBC Census of deaf people at Vurra Parish Feb: Weekly S/L Workshop for staff: Arua Primary School TBC S/L Workshop: Offaka TBC Equipping fellow advocates to develop sign-language resources for these new advocates Nov: Carpentry signs Football Signs Driving Signs Dec: Ad & Helen Sign-language course Bible book signs Feb: Health signs Visits/ visitors Jan: friend Walt visits from UK March: Maria & Jerome visit from UK tbc April: Friends Paul & Chris visit from UK tbc

October 2011 Mission Update

The young women will dance for joy, and the men
—old and young—will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.
- Jeremiah 31:13NLT

Ad: Whilst we were in the UK, I had such a mixture of feelings. I felt an old chapter was closing and a new one opening. Watching our children fly further from our nest and for longer periods first filled me with a huge sense of loss. I didn’t expect the era of raising our offspring to transition so fast. Letting go was hard.

Gradually, however, hope and excitement has risen in my soul, because I am starting to see what the Lord wants to do in the semi-independent phases Maria, Jerome and Laurence are now entering. Each has a clearer idea of the passions God has placed on their heart.

We are grateful to all our existing AND new partners for stand-ing with us; helping in innumerable ways to equip us as a family to be a blessing to others. Genesis 12:1-3. Thank you all so much. This is a real team effort. I know God will remember your partnership.

Helen in the Refinery

Helen: It’s been a busy 6 weeks without Adam. Sharing our vision and testimonies has helped me to see the value of developing this partnership ministry in this ministry. We are, I believe at a breakthrough point where we will start to see more deaf disciples keen and equipped to take the love of Jesus to the isolated deaf.


Seeing Maria and Jerome start to settle into University and College life has filled me with a little worry and lots of hope. My prayer is that they will be lovingly parented by the wider body of Christ and that they will mature in that way.

To close i want to thank all family and friends old and new who are continuing to encourage us. I hope I was able to bring some words of encouragement back to England. I am looking forward to seeing my special husband Adam and super son Laurence after six long weeks.

Adam In the Refinery:

“Get closer to the people!..”

….Was one key theme I felt my Maker, My Provider, My Refuge impress upon me on my return. And as if to emphasise the this instruction, my motorbike was put out of action for a fortnight, awaiting a spare part, so I had to cycle my black African bike, like our watchman’s left, everywhere. Travelling more slowly and quietly has been good all round. I can’t pack so much in! In fact I decided just to use the motorbike mainly for longer trips.

To deepen my understanding of local cultural values I am co-reading a book with two of our local staff, William and Kevin. Its entitled “African Friends and Money matters“ by David Maranz. So helpful & fascinating to read AS YOU PREPARE TO VISIT US!!



And,“Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’

there they will be called

‘children of the living God.’” Romans 9:26 Ad.

Signs and Wonders after 4 months away

I have endeavoured to follow up most of our initiatives that were underway when we left for England in April. At my request, a local police inspector Malimuno, chaired a meeting to resolve misunderstandings that had arisen between two young deaf leaders, Mauster and Godfrey, and myself. The inspectors intervention was really helpful and is now paving the way for possible future partnership with them. I have now given further clarity on our Vision /Values on slide 2.


Your support enabled me to train these deaf youth in IT skills to develop sign-language resources alongside me. Mauster (left) is holding the CD of illustrated everyday sign-language signs we co-produced, whilst Godfrey(right) is teaching the inspector signs from the hard-copy version that has blessed so many village families with deaf members. The inspector gratefully took the sign booklet away because his deaf nephew attends Eruba but he cannot communicate with him! Was that a God-incidence or what? Today I heard this material is rebuilding a mixed deaf-hearing couple’s marriage In Sudan!



The deaf primary students we co-sponsor Sam,, and Ivan, circled, at Eruba are doing well. Sam(circled) s family told me yesterday how much happier and extrovert he is, and how they all want to learn his sign-language !




The sign-language weekend we ran in Paranga has improving family relationships with parents now letting their deaf members join their siblings on trips to the market.,Rev. Gaard told me his week .The Deaf villagers were playing in community sport far more too. Hearing villagers have now been seen striking up conversation with their deaf fellow villagers for the first time. Great news!!



The deaf vocational students are doing well & look set to graduate this December. We’re promoting shared use of sign language and social interdependency with the hearing students by providing a volley ball and UNO cards.

More deaf in our neighbourhood!

Ad: Our new neighbour, Gladys, below, has just pleaded for help from us in caring for her semi- paralysed and emotionally disturbed deaf-mute 6 yr-old daughter. Grace also often chews stones, timber and soil. Shoppingis only possible by tying her ankle to a heavy log in the shade whilst her Mum makes the two hour round trip with- out having to worry if Grace has gone missing. Such on-going pleas for help makes our vision burning even stronger in my heart!


At Arua Primary Jonahansi introduced me to the 13 deaf day students he teaches there. His manager Florence, inset has asked us to partner the deaf unit in providing some sign vocabulary workshops for the staff of the 2000 pupil primary school next Feb. Deaf students who are fluent signers are being trained to teach small groups.. A few of the deaf students have additional learning difficulties. They are well catered for in as much as resources allow

Home visits took us to many places, including:

All Saints Infant School Bedworth, Coventry, Redhill, Scarborough, Farnborough and East Grinstead

News from the kidz Oct 2011

Maria:
This Summer has been absolutely fantastic! :) I've been busy travelling, going on holiday with friends and visiting people.


In August I received my A level results and was pleased to have achieved the necessary grades for my Politics and International Relations course at Hull university which I will start on 26th September. All the various things I need have been purchased or kindly donated and so the only thing I am lacking is patience!

I can't wait to start this new season of my life but I want to express my gratitude to the numerous people who have supported me over this past year especially while my parents have been away; you have my heartfelt thanks and appreciation - it would n‘t have been possible without you!

 
Jerome:
Hi! Loads of things have happened recently. I've started college in York, left Mum and Dad and am now attending the Rock church in York which is really good. I have been invited to help with the youth group which I'm happy about.
In the summer our friends, the ‘Strads’, kindly found me some more dairy farm experience. Long days, but I learnt loads and they blessed me with some work clothing at the end.

The 1st week of College has mainly been quite light work & getting to know people. The lads on the course are great. I've already made a good friend. I had my first tractor driving lesson yesterday I think that’s about all.

Laurence: (summarised by Dad, because of internet connection difficulties)
Just before we left Arua, our older YWAM friends, Jared and Remonda helped Loz, Jerome and some other base members, William Omal Mario Keliopa Ramadan and John Bosco Tuli, to make a short fiction film called “ The Woods Brighten”. It’s about two young men who are learning how to over come their fears and the issues they have. In the end they are to find their true identity. It’s on his Facebook page if you’d like to watch it. See icon below.

In the summer Loz and I visited my cousin Steph. in France, to practice our French. Thanks Liz (Blaxhall) for the keyboard you taught Loz and for putting us in touch with the Todds family in Kampala, so we can stay with them when I visit Loz me.

At boarding school Loz is doing ok - after struggling at first. Next week he has a business/geog. trip to Kenya

Coincidences? More like my Maker at work again I suspect...

Just discovered the guy I'm staying with has been involved in a family sign workshop program I read about two years ago. His observations were really interesting. Thank you to you Daniel and your wife and son, Alice and Jonathan for having me.

Signs and Wonders from Adam, a novice blogger/facebooker

Have discovered some deaf and hearing Chinese writers are following our blog. Thanks to google-  translate I now know most weren't spammers writing hieroglyphics but are giving some encouraging insights. I've discovered a few deaf who don't understand our deaf partnership work are sharing their feelings anonomously in a more constructive way.

Celebrate good times, Come on...! Fielders in new pastures

Maria and Jerome have succeeded in getting on to their chosen courses, thanks to a big individual,team and prayer effort!. Helen is staying in the Uk to help prepare them for their course in Politics and International relations, and in Agriculture .Helen will then join Adam and Laurence who have just arrived in Kampala, where Laurence is being schooled.

May-August 2011 Update A summary of the impact we have had and are now planning for.

Dear Friends and Partners,

Helen and I are grateful to the Lord and to all

who are making our shared vision become a reality.

Your essential support keeps us going, be it: prayer,

time and wisdom; finance; expertise or hospitality.

We are seeing increasing examples of deaf people

who are healthier, attending school or in paid work.

They are becoming positive role models in their deaf

and hearing community. No longer cursed and feeling

worthless they are accepted. Many for the first time

see themselves as God’s workmanship, beloved

children and co-workers.

Laurence and I plan to return August 24th, whilst

Helen plans to return late September once Maria and

Jerome are established.

Please keep on journeying with us.

Yours sincerely

Adam & Helen

 Deaf Connections Impact Summary, 2009-11

Deaf educational & vocational training implemented with your support

Program Progress, Next steps

Sign- language resources and workshops

Local deaf have gained IT skills and co-produced an illustrated sign-language vocabulary booklet with us, covering everyday topics. The Ugandan National Deaf Association has copied this for use across Uganda. Fluent signers now need to be trained to produce specialist sign-language resources for other topics e.g. health/police issues.

Twelve additional deaf youth are now teaching sign vocabulary more systematically and effectively at regular community sign-language workshops which have benefitted 300+ participants to date. Relatives attending these workshops with their deaf children have testified to improved communication, behaviour, mood, appetite and relationships.

Can you help us fund these. The need is widespread.

Education support

Three isolated deaf village children attending our workshops are now having their school fees subsidised, so they can attend a deaf-friendly unit.

Building

One determined deaf woman has become the first ever building course student to graduate from a large vocational training school in Arua. She is now paid as an Assistant Instructor and has enabled four new deaf students to enrol.

Can you help us provide deaf access to other courses .

Driving

One eager deaf Muslim young man has been sponsored to complete a driver course because one local employer will consider a qualified deaf applicant. Test date awaited .

Sport

Further signed coaching of basic volleyball and football skills and sign-language workshops covering sports vocabulary are now needed to overcome social and communication barriers to the inclusion of deaf boys and girls in competitive school sport.

 

Supporting Arua’s Pastor for Special Needs discipleship of deaf Christians

Discovery group

This has operated on a weekly basis for the last six months

All members are getting to know each other better with our support

Bible drama team

A committed group of local deaf Christians and Muslims now regularly dramatise bible stories that are accurate and well-presented, and equally enjoyed by hearing and deaf members of congregations. The drama and signed song groups are invited by pastors to co-lead services designed to demonstrate the positive contribution people with disabilities can make in communities where disability is seen as a curse.

Your support provides transport and coaching for this team. Requests for sign language workshops from these communities frequently follow the team’s visit.

Two deaf can now subtitle drama and signed-song videos to help deaf learn vocabulary.

Teaching videos need to be developed for more bible topics and songs

Discipleship

Four deaf and two hearing deaf advocates successfully completed YWAM Arua’s six month residential Discipleship Training School (DTS) They have really grown in integrity, self-confidence, social skills, time- and money –management skills etc. They have a passion to know God more and to serve those in need.

Three of these have since gained employment/further training because they impressed their employer/principal when offered trial placements. Deaf Connections contributed 50% of the DTS fees and hopes to sponsor further students similarly.

Outreach team

School and youth deaf fellowships recently accepted the challenge to host each other in turn, lead the service, then providing food,entertainment. Each fellowship volunteers at the community sign-language workshops. Joint deaf-hearing services are a future goal.

March/April 2011 Update: Milestones in February and March

WE ASK YOU TO PARTNER US FINANCIALLY …

…through regular giving, towards our 2011-14 development plans (see slide).

Together we can consolidate & develop this vital work.

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH                                           

Taste and see that the Lord is good’ Ps 34:8

Rest and Recuperation.

Joint Deaf Fellowship and Education support

Visit from Our Deaf Church friends in Coventry, UK.

Sign workshop for Eruba deaf boarders & parents

Joint Eruba Deaf Unit /St Phillips PWD Services

Training opportunity for Former Deaf DTS student

Local hearing DTS graduates reflect on partnering

their deaf peers.

Three deaf students enrol on 2010/11building

course

Addition/update of our Core Values/Mission

Rest and Recuperation .

We are looking forward to time back in England with family and friends. Plus a time to re engage with church and the deaf community for fellowship, training and guidance as we reflect and make future plans

We earnestly seek parental grace and wisdom as we work to help our children prepare for exams and their next steps.

The 20 months we have been here have raced by. We have only just skimmed the surface of the local deaf culture but God has kept and guided us through many challenges. We now have a much clearer understanding of our core values (*see slide 2), and the opportunities and challenges we need to address. A bientot!

Ad & Helen




 

Joint Deaf Services & Fellowship and Deaf education support

Deaf Youth and children from St. Phillip’s and Eruba Primary deaf Unit have now enjoyed two of these joint events. Each time the service has been followed by food and sport or a film.

As I umpired the netball it was great to see the healthy competitive spirit of the older deaf come out. They loved it.

These shared events have been super and are great for developing community spirit amongst both the deaf and hearing.

We have recently provided educational support for three isolated deaf children, two of them at Eruba – Ivan and Samuel. In both these cases the local church of the child has also given a termly contribution to the fees because of the poverty of the parents. The third deaf child, Ronnie, circled, has intermittent hearing loss so has been re-located to a school with much smaller class sizes (25 rather than 80+) It is so encouraging to see how quickly they have settled and are picking up sign-language.

Friends from Our Deaf Church in Coventry, UK, visit us.

Thank you for visiting us Coventry Deaf Church. You inspired and encouraged so many of the young deaf here in Arua Town and Eruba. The inspirational books you brought are being used all the time and Temia is now making tentative preparations for  a visit to England in 2012. We mustn’t forget to thank you  also for your critical and useful advice.

Sign workshop for Eruba deaf boarders and parents.

Senior deaf students were encouraged to teach small groups of new deaf students, sitting alongside their parents.

Shyness and lack of hope soon gave way to laughter, pride and teamwork as they gained a new shared vocabulary.

Many parents gave thanks as they left afterwards clutching their new booklet of everyday signs.

Above, Austin, chair of Coventry Deaf Church encourages them all. achieve.

Deaf DTS graduate, Gatrude, gains training opportunity

Gatrude (circled) expressed an interest in working with deaf children whilst she was on her outreach phase of the DTS in Sudan. Then an opportunity arose for her to do some voluntary care work at the Eruba deaf Unit.

She raises the children for school each day, helps them to wash and gives them love and assistance as required. She is doing really well. Here, Gatrude) is standing with the new matron (in red) in a new dormitory funded by The Lions International..

Hearing DTS graduates reflect on partnering their deaf fellow students.

Beatrice (hearing) is a smiling, short in stature, single mother who is registered disabled because of curvature of the spine, How she carries 20 litres of water is beyond me. Now Beatrice in her words ‘availed’ herself as a hearing deaf advocate and supported the deaf in communicating on the outreach. She also assisted the deaf DTS students to the many neglected deaf in Labone, Southern Sudan. Beatrice is very supportive of the deaf ministry and sees how the deaf themselves are key players in reaching more deaf with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Local hearing DTS deaf advocate Banda Elly says that learning on the DTS was the most valuable learning experience on his voyage of salvation. “By no means was working with the deaf easy” he reflected. Repeatedly Elly found himself responsible for signing for a fellow deaf student on the outreach phase and said that the hearing often failed to recognise the times when information had not been clearly communicated to the deaf. Elly concluded ‘it takes loyalty to work with the deaf people nevertheless this deaf friend has helped me to grow in the area of serenity’

 

 

The above extract is from John Toboro’s letter of appreciation to us and those who supported him on the DTS. John has since become a wonderful advocate for the deaf. His nephew Sam whom many regarded as ‘mental’ only a few months ago is now thriving at Eruba Deaf Unit. Despite Sam’s additional complications of vision impairment he has been moved up a year group. Praise God. Last Sunday I saw him actively participating in worship for the first time using sign language

Three new deaf and 13 hearing building students enrol for Feb.2010/11 course.

This was possible thanks to local deaf advocate West-Nile Ecumenical Vocational Training Centre’s appointment of Deaf  building course graduate Temia, above, as  an assistant building instructor.

Above and below, hearing students show the sign-names and everyday signs they cheerfully accepted from the new deaf students(circled) as term begins

Draft Mission Outline Sept. 2011-2014:

News from the Kidz

Maria:

Over the past few weeks I've visited several of my university choices including Leeds (Inter-national Development & Politics) 

and Hull (Politics & International Relations). It looks like these are going to be my choices, so now just to choose between the 2!

Jerome’s life: 

A pretty mediocre month. I’m learning more songs on the guitar which is good and Attempted to write one song too. Arsenal went out of 3 competitions in two weeks which was gutting. I’ve applied for 6 Olympic 2012 tickets. The best being: Tennis at Wimbledon, Football and Athletics with men's 100m. I can’t wait.

          I’m looking forward to coming back to the UK. Sadly, we’re out of water in our top tank so no showers or flushing toilets. Our only option is a latrine and a bucket wash. Found out we had 2 male rabbits and need a female so I’m going to buy one soon.

Laurence’s: This month has been okay for me. I have done a lot with our American friends, including a cycle to the Congo which isn't as far as you'd presume. Also we have played a bit of footy with the hearing and deaf at Eruba, and want to again before we go. It is the coming weeks that should be eventful as we travel to Jinja then Kampala (which will include me having a trial at my likely future school), and finally of course England. I am looking forward to this.

               Like Jerome I am planning to apply for Olympic tickets 230 quid's worth to be exact. I’m not rushing because booking them early gives you no advantage. Guitar is going okay. I think Arsenal’s being knocked out of all cups is a blessing in disguise. It is now down to luck I believe over injuries whether we will win the title. I can’t wait to go back to England  but I have several things to fill my time before.

Mission update Feb 2011

Milestones in December and January

Taste and see that the Lord is good’ Ps 34:8  

• Key findings from Educational tour of deaf units in South Uganda
• Arua deaf use their acting/IT skills to produce a new USL resource.
• Former Deaf DTS student Sam gains employment as a carpenter.
• Deaf driver training course pilot
• Innovative 2011 deaf church programme co-planned
• Mixed hearing-deaf holiday club builds scriptural understanding; friendship & leads to deaf education partnership.
• Village Outreach: Paranga, Maracha

Signs and wonders: spiral effects

Welcoming family, Marjorie and Ray, below centre, and our good friend
Netty, far right, pictured with us shortly before they returned to the UK.

The convincing proof that we were crossing the equator was observing
water in a sink draining out with no spiral effect. Five metres either side
of the Equator water drained out spiralling in opposite directions!
Please pray for a positive growth spiral between all our local partners.
Partnership, serving and enjoying each others growth is new to some.

Key findings from Educational tour of deaf units in South Uganda

By two local teachers of the Deaf, Jonahansi (022), and Fetaa (027), (pictured), were:


“the generally poor performance of severely and profoundly deaf, with only hard of hearing fairing better….

… that in games and sports

the deaf compete equally with hearing under the same rules..

… that deaf are being trained in vocational skills including salon works, baking, knitting, tailoring garden work and carpentry.

… that a few hearing staff learn USL due to the lack of trained teachers of the deaf..

Recommendations made and challenges seen are shown right and are shaping our 2011-14 development plans, with a new focus on deaf literacy.

Arua deaf use their acting and IT skills to produce a a new USL resource.

The video-drama of the story of the birth of John the Baptist was originally performed by Arua deaf to sensitize members in Vurra sub-county to the needs and abilities of those with disabilties. Raphael,(centre), worked alongside me to learn the basics of video-editing/subtitling so we could later use the video in the joint hearing-deaf Christmas Service. It was well received.

Former deaf DTS student, Sam, gains employment as carpenter

We recommended Sam,(4th from left above), because his honest, thorough and hardworking character has impressed many.


He is pictured alongside Samuel, (3rd from left above), owner of the carpentry business and a fellow deaf connections partner

Deaf driver training course pilot

Recent national law changes have enabled deaf, such as trainee driver, Aziz, below , 2nd from right, to apply for a driving licence. We are working together with Aart, (right) coordinator of West Nile Vocational Training Institute, his hearing driving instructor Bernard (left) and a Deaf Association sign language instructor to see this new right for the eligible people with a disability become a widespread reality.


We must meet now await a meeting a senior Inspector Of Vehicles before he can be tested.

Mixed hearing-deaf holiday club, King’s Kids, builds scriptural understanding, friendship & leads to deaf education partnership.

Kings kids 17th– 21Jan 2011 Psalm34:8 ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’


It was an absolute blessing to coordinate this new venture in Arua with a strong core of 4 staff and an additional 6 support staff 3 of whom were deaf. The enterprising support was just right.

In total we had 26 kids and 5 of them were deaf or hard of hearing. The aim of the week was to explore what it really means to be a Christian by doing lots of practical team building activities including our own special pilgrimage hike. Netty Hayes of All Saints Infant School Bedworth blessed events not only with her tremendous administrative support but with the wonderful parachute games which became a daily highlight. “What’s next?” Was the final request of kids/parents alike

At the end of the week we donated the parachute to the Eruba School Deaf Unit.


The Headteacher Sebastian was thrilled.

Village Outreach: Paranga,Maracha:

Local deaf /deaf advocates, YWAM Arua and St Phillips members, and Eruba Deaf Unit Staff and students joined us on this eventful but memorable weekend sign workshops based on the theme “With my own eyes I have seen your salvation (lifesaver)” Luke 2:30


This was to fulfil a promise we made to Pastor Rev. Gard to organise a future sign workshop after our first visit in 2007, when his village deaf opened our eyes to the scale of need.

Over 25 local non-signing deaf participated along with a further 75 hearing buddies and fellow villagers. Both we and Paranga Parish performed powerful dramas that all could en-joy. The village was so appreciative at the end of the weekend.


One family are now applying to send their deaf child to Eruba deaf Unit now they are aware of it and can see the life-change that partnership can bring.

Mission focus until August 2011 (updated 23.12.10)

 

Partnering locally with YWAM Arua, St. Phillips Deaf Church,  Arua District Association of Deaf (ADAD) , Eruba Primary School, West Nile Ecumenical Vocational Trg. Centre,  Arua Town Library
THE  NEED: Communities with deaf members need tools to relate to/serve God & each other, manage resources, innovate, earn
OUR VISION: Is to bring isolated deaf people to see themselves as God's workmanship, beloved children & co-workers
OUR MISSION: developing partnerships to provide: a) Sign-language workshops, sports-coaching and competition  b) opportunities for vocational/leadership training & income generation.
Focus: Aim: Date	Vocational/Leadership training Gain marketable skills Able to innovate, earn and serve others
Dec.’10	• Drama Video-subtitling workshop
Jan.’11	• Drama group (ongoing) • Drama Video-editing workshops
Feb.’11	• Next building course starts • Teacher of the deaf course TBC
Mar.’11	• Teaching skills seminar TBC
Apr-Aug	• Time in England with our family, friends, church & partners. Children’s exams. Share mission progress/future plans. USL study
Focus: Life skills training Aim: Are safer Able to manage resources   Dec.’10: • Driving/carpentry USL  resources Jan. 11: • Driving/carpentry/school USL Resources • Supporting education of isolated deaf   Feb 11: • Eruba Creativity workshop • Competitive hearing/deaf sports March 11: • Compile new USL resources. UNAD Mtg. Deaf people, formerly isolated who:· are safer, healthier, enjoy life more and achieve more. · participate more fully in their family and community · are able to spread hope themselves to others..   Focus: Relational and hospitality skills Aims: Able to communicate with God and others Enjoy life more Dec 2010 • Co-plan innovative 2011deaf church program • 6th H's parents leave, 25th N Heyes leaves • 22/23rd Village Outreach:Paranga, Maracha Jan 2011 • 11-20 Coventry Deaf Church UK Team arrive • 13th Workshop: Adalafu, 25th Feb 2011• Feb24/25th Workshop: Arua for Community Advocates in Madi/West Nile diocese    OUR GOALS: Deaf people, formerly isolated who: · are safer, healthier, enjoy life more and achieve more. · participate more fully in their family and community · are able to spread hope themselves to others.. OUR GOALS: