June, July, Aug 2012 Mission Update

Left: Two workshop participants try a polio victim’s mobility aid. We also said farewell to Katie (inset), who is returning to the USA. We’ll remember her great singing voice, leadership, creativity & acting skills, sense of fun and compassion. J

                                                                                                



   Dear friends and partners.

     Ad: We hear that the UK has had plentiful rain, like Arua! Village fields are now thriving. Here, the Pastor’s Inclusive Communication Course was one of our highlights. The pastors and our team of deaf/hearing sign-language instructors  were ready to try fresh approaches to teaching. They also willingly but cautiously tried  different experiences of sensory loss. See their feedback on slide 4 inside.

     Some of YWAM Arua’s deaf-hearing DTS students devised activities and psalms based on creation which are included. Helen’s brother, Graham, his wife Karen, and their children Jasmine and Danielle, came to visit. Whilst here Graham ran some business excellence seminars. Two deaf attended. Karen spoke about their enlarged family whist Jas and Danny explored the base and explained what UK kids love to do!  I look forward to seeing family & friends in the UK in Sept.

In This Update..

New sign-language resources for building character/faith

Inclusive Communication: Fresh thoughts on disability..

Forty pastors enjoy 3 day Inclusive Communication Course

Mixed deaf/hearing Interschool Sports Event Surprises many

YWAM Arua 2012 signed Discipleship Training School starts

Signs & Wonders: The Grass hopper..

In the Refinery: Only a Shadow        News from the family. 

Looking ahead to September -– see last page

New sign-language resources

for building faith and developing interactive teaching was enjoyed by pastors  from many areas of NW Uganda. Also included were church leaders from five different denominations across Arua Municipality. This Inclusive Communication Course was run jointly  by Madi & West Nile Special Needs Ministry and YWAM Arua Deaf Connections. It was a fantastic team effort. Most participants, including deaf and hearing instructors expressed much greater understanding of the topics covered. See above right

    This was the first time many deaf and hearing had been trained and resourced with biblical sign-language vocabulary material. Signs for the Lord’s Prayer and Apostles Creed were  included thanks to our deaf/hearing resource development team which included Rev. Allan Aviah (above left) Special needs coordinator for West Nile.

     Pastors attending our Inclusive Communication Course agreed that the resources  were valuable, because nothing similar was available beforehand. Many said that they can now make their services more inclusive  of deaf/mute people  in their communities.   

Inclusive Communication Course: Experiencing disability..

Deaf/hearing inter-school sports event surprises many..

YWAM Arua 2012 signed Discipleship Training School (DTS) starts. Katie, Hellen & Jonathan help with planning/signing

Many of our partners work with deaf to perform dramas:...

Such as the. Rich man & Lazarus; Jesus washing his disciples feet, God tests  Abraham. Our  partners include pastors,YWAM Arua DTS students, local youth, Karen, Jas, &Danny

Sign Workshop for three neighbouring families with deaf members

        On the invitation of deaf youth, Edmond and Doreen (circled) and their families we teamed up with local sign-language instructors, a hearing DTS student and local youth to run our second home sign workshop. About 10 adults and 30 children attended, giggling noisily as they showed each other the sign-names their instructors had given them and learnt everyday signs that they could see would improve communication with their deaf relatives and neighbours.

   Doreen and Edmond, circled were very appreciative and we look forward to learning what long-term impact it has. David, a hearing youth whose family hosted our first home sign workshop, teamed up with Godfrey, chair of the Arua Deaf Association to make a large, portable sealed sign-language display for the families to refer to afterwards. 

In the Refiner's Fire:......Only a Shadow.......

…  I recently asked fellow staff and their children to pair up and trace the outline of the shadow cast by the side profile of each other’s head. The idea that evolved amongst Some of these pairs then asked if the rest of their family could also included so that a display could be made. It then struck me that if these side profiles were created for each YWAM Arua staff’s family, they could make an attractive, low cost visual introduction for visitors entering the base dining hall.

   The finished displays, developed by the ladies above, are much appreciated by the base’s many visitors and most staff. But a few staff members were initially disappointed because 1. the drawer was either not attentive or not gifted enough, or, 2. the model too fidgetty, or  c. because the person was shocked to see what their side profile was really like.   

   As I thought about these reactions & references to shadows in scripture I felt God remind me again that...

1.… my study of his character determines the accuracy with which I present him to others.

2.… in the same way shadows mark time as they move, God numbers my days.

3.… in the same way shadows can only shield me from the sun’s glaring heat if stay within them, God can only protect me to the extent that I live under the guidelines he’s provided for my health, relationships and growth spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.

4.… if God is likened to an agile eagle whose wings its young need to stay under, then likewise I believe I

need to grasp and move with the panoramic vision and plans God longs for all his creation to embrace.

. Psalm 36:7
How priceless your faithful love is!

Important and ordinary people alike find safety in the shadow of your wings    

Signs & Wonders – The Grasshopper

News from the family:

Laurence couldn’t write this as he was en route to England when I needed his contribution. Loz  really enjoyed his cousin’s visit. He’s now in the UK with old friends. He has enjoyed YWAM Wildfire in the Olympic atmosphere in Coventry. Now he’s at Soul SurvivorMaria: In the last 2 months I've completed all my exams and received my results - I passed! We had our End of Year Ball which was a nice chance to dress up and go out as a group of friends to celebrate the end of first year. I stayed longer than most in Hull as I worked until near the end of June. In June I completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition on the North Yorkshire moors without a drop of rain in sight.
     Half way through June I moved into a friends house as my halls contract was up; I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to moving into my house in August! It will be much more convenient as its nearer to uni, town, work etc. -technically should be cheaper...
     Matt and I are now on our holidays, I went up to Scotland for 5 days where we visited his sister in Stirling, went to Edinburgh
     Matt and I are now on our holidays, I went up to Scotland for 5 days where we visited his sister in Stirling, went to Edinburgh      Matt and I are now on our holidays, I went up to Scotland for 5 days where we visited his sister in Stirling, went to Edinburgh etc Then travelled down to Bedworth to see old friends and my old running club which was great :) Visits to family and friends in London, East Grinstead, Brighton and then Bangor (N.Wales) followed. Soon I go to Austria with a friend and family. :)Jerome:  Did the Yorkshire 3 peaks with my friend Joel. We finished in the dark due to lack of fitness, wet ground and late starting. Really good fun and well worth the effort.    Broke up for summer a couple of weeks back and I've had my holiday before working on a farm near Howden for harvest. Hopefully I won’t get too tired working. 

April/May 2012 Mission Update

    Dear friends and partners.

The last two months had some exciting events and encour-aging developments - see our update summary below.

   In April we were visited first by our older children, Maria and Jerome for a short but very special stay, followed shortly after by our good friends Paul & Christine.

   We are also thankful for the gift of our long-standing family friend John Binge, left, who died  on Sun. 13/5. He partnered us in our mission. I shared many interests and travels with him and loved his inventive spirit. John was often filled with awe for God as he studied wildlife.  John was a good listener, teacher & an open man. He’s trusting  Jesus . 

     YWAM Arua’s deaf-hearing Discipleship Training School,   has just started. We’re excited  that two deaf students and one deaf staff member. Helen’s co-leading.  Ad

In This Update..

New Illustrated Carpentry & Discipleship signs produced

Workshop for staff/ families of deaf students well received.

First Monthly Home Sign Workshop for families of local deaf.

Community Sports Discipleship Tournament for D&H United

Signs & Wonders: – Six deaf in paid building work…

In the Refiner’s fire: Angtuli- an Emotional healing course

News from the family.  

Katie, an American YWAM ‘Year for God ‘ intern joined us in March for a four month placement.

Photo: Katie, an American YWAM ‘Year for GoPhoto: Katie, an American YWAM ‘Year for God ‘ intern joined us in March for a four month placement.

She has quickly got involved in many aspects of our work.

Katie is bringing  talent in the areas worship-leading, song, dance. She has a passion to address the emotional and spiritual as well as the practical needs of families with members with sensory or mobility challenges.

Photo: Katie, an American YWAM ‘Year for God ‘ intern joined us in March for a four month placement.

She has quickly got involved in many aspects of our work.

is bringing  talent in the areas worship-leadi

New Illustrated signs produced for Carpentry

Our partnership with West Nile Ecumenical Vocational Training Centre (WNEVTC) continues. One new partially deaf building student, Kennedy, has enrolled. We have just recruited Moses, a hearing  carpentry instructor with sign-language skills, whose mobility challenges have strengthened his determination to achieve and serve.

 Our sign-language resource development team has  developed what appears to be Uganda’s first illustrated carpentry signs. This has allowed one of last year’s deaf building graduates, Wilfred, to join WNEVTC’s carpentry course for the first time.

    

We also ran a half day sign workshop for all WNEVTC  new student intake, are setting up sign-language displays and alongside deaf instructor, Temia, we continue to provide communication support and optional sign-language teaching in other useful topics at their student fellowship once a week. We have provided sports equipment and some sports sign teaching too to help the deaf and hearing students relax and compete together. Thank you WNEVTC for your  continued willingness to train deaf and hearing students alongside one another.

Workshop for staff/ families of deaf students well received ..

.. at Arua Primary. It attracted well over 100 participants for each of the four Saturday mornings it ran. Its success was a fantastic team effort resulting from a strong set of agreed expectations, team production of many new illustrated signs, and training of trainers in new sign vocabulary and teaching skills. 

Our team had over 20 deaf sign language instructors/assistant instructors. Many hearing staff, classmates,  relatives and deaf students themselves testified to more effective teaching/social relationships.

 A police officer and girl guide leader (circled) came because they support isolated deaf We put up a sign-language display in the school compound which students studied! 

Home Sign Workshop for local families with deaf members

        On the invitation of local pastors John Toburo (circled) and his wife Alice, we co-led our first home sign workshop in their home. Their deaf nephew Samuel, and deaf neighbour, Vilma (both boxed), helped us teach their 15 relatives who all enthusiastically squashed into the small room. John and Alice have temporarily adopted Wilma because her family support network is almost non-existent.

 YWAM Deaf Connections support is helping this arrangement to continue. David, one of John’s sons has produced a wall-display of everyday signs to help everyone practice, including our UK friends Paul & Christine, inset!

       Alongside this support, we have worked  with John & Alice and the local deaf association, to set some personal, social and vocational development goals for Wilma.

 Our long term goal is that Wilma’s close relatives are willing and able to see her potential and will eventually welcome her back fully. Samuel, partially deaf/sighted/lame,  has also benefitted from YWAM DC support to attend local school Eruba Primary deaf unit. His cousins have marvelled at how his self-esteem, confidence, self-motivation is growing. 

Community Sports Discipleship Tournament for Deaf & Hearing United

Signs & Wonders – Six deaf in paid building work ...

… alongside their hearing colleagues is ongoing at a new building site at YWAM Arua since April, I was so delighted to see this .  Team adoption of interdependency was the the key. All are developing new skills and growing in their love and understanding of God. We have enjoyed watching each work to his/her potential capabilities alongside a hearing employee, on a separate task.. Bernard, their boss praises them and their teamwork mentality.

  

Temia, assistant building instructor‘ for  deaf students, was giving sign support at the construction site. She is highly regarded and she is thriving.  Back in 2009, on Bernard’s advice, and with our help, our partner vocational training school (WNEVTC)  was able to accommodate Temia, a speech impaired partially deaf woman at where she gained a credit in building. She’s now employed there.

 Deaf DTS graduate Philliam and Deaf Go-Camper Herbert were also on the construction assisting  two new deaf -building student, Kenny ,and labourer Edmond. Neither Kenny or Edmond had sign language skills 6 months ago but thanks to Bernard , Temia, Philiam & Herbert they are picking up. Edmond, hopes to have gained the communication skills to earn a place there next year. We think this is very likely and thank God for these developments. We’d love to share the video clips with you.

In the Refiner’s Fire: Ang Tulay…

… is a Philaippino phrase that means “the bridge”. It is an emotional healing program that was originally developed for traumatised children/youth in the Philippines to help them  journey from their pain towards healing. YWAM Uganda leaders were so impressed that they asked  Its founders, a ministry called Precious Jewels to come and teach their YWAM staff about it. So, in the month of April, an Ang Tulay, came to Arua to run this program for staff and students. Because Adam and Helen had to prepare Laurence for his exams I, Katie, went to the week-long session in their place.

   
Each day was a new subject that unwrapped the dark, hidden, and hurting parts of our hearts to bring healing through Jesus Christ. We worked through our problems with various activities, talking in small groups, and prayer.  I realized that I had more grief, sadness, and pain in my life then I was aware of.  It has pushed me to seek deeper healing in my Saviour.  The purpose of my going was to gain more knowledge of how to mentor youth that are deaf because many of them are often rejected the community and their families. There were many lives that were immensely touched that week and will continue to be touched through the program of Ang Tulay.               Katie

News from the family:

 Maria:  This month I've had a lot on in terms of uni. I've had 2 exams so far and my last one is on the 24th so I'll be glad when they're over! It's amazing how fast my first year has gone! Modules for next year have been chosen and i have a house sorted for next year. Had a fantastic time go-karting with friends last week and am enjoying a relaxing break visiting Matt in Dundee. I had lunch at St Andrews gold course - student budget didn't reach to cover a round! Looking forward to my end of year ball, then travelling with my boyfriend in July :)

Jerome: Well I'm writing this on the 1st sunny day in England for quite a while. Its beautiful, but for some reason I'm inside. I've got my stockmanship parade coming up next week its hard getting the sheep clipped and trained to show. It looks very unimpressive! I've been doing a lot of tractor work recently cultivating for planting maize. I'm looking forward to harvest time & a summer break from assignments.

Planning what to do right now. 

Laurence:  Hello. I am about to do my last exam. For the past two weeks I have done the exams for my three IGCSEs English, Maths, and Geography.  Apart from that, our football team have had are first two tournaments. We lost all our games but not by a big margin, I don’t think it is too bad, considering they were our first matches. I am looking forward to going back to England on the 27th of January. Now the premiership has finished I am really missing watching matches, so I’m looking forward to euro 2012 where England only have a chance if we are as lucky as Chelsea.

Feb./March 2012 Mission Update

Arise; Let your light shine. Isaiah 60:1

Photo: YWAM Arua Deaf-Hearing Go Camp team ran a healthy drink workshop in Labone town market-place, S. Sudan. Here, camp outreach leader, Rita, shows the local community how to make a fresh lemon juice cordial. The team explained its greater health, social & economic benefits when compared to home brewing

Dear friends and partners. 
Are you in the UK looking forward to Spring as much as we
are to the rainy season? In January we were both heavily
involved in the planning/leading of YWAM Arua’s Go-camp,
for deaf/hearing16-25year olds. On outreach in South Sudan
God really helped us live, love, learn and laugh as a mixed
hearing-deaf team and to understand, adapt to & serve
Labone’s community there - through daily bible readings,
each other & the community. More news inside.
Helen thoroughly trained staff and planned much of this
programme and another, King’s Kids, for 8-16 year olds
with some deaf on staff. Both programmes left many
involved with a much clearer understanding that disability is
not inability. Interested? -Then please apply to join YWAM
Arua’s next deaf-hearing DTS here in Arua in June! Adam









In This Update..
YWAM Arua mixed deaf-hearing Go-Camp
Kings kids 2012 - “the life of Noah” deaf-hearing programme
St Phillips deaf youth join Arua Youth Camp for first time.
Signs & Wonders: Boniface & Clodine.
In the Refiner’s fire: The “For tomorrow” Tribe
News from the family. March-April Focus: See last page

YWAM Arua mixed deaf-hearing Go-Camp

 We were really happy to welcome Kampala volunteer Hellen, circled, as sign translator and our partially-deaf friend Walter, above centre, from England who brought lots of passion; puppets from his church and laughter! 

Our local training was very well planned by Helen. The outreach preparation included bible study & practical exercises to know God more and make Him known better. We also learnt more about living with a physical disability Although we had five deaf (inset) at first, lack of parental consent/ support meant only one completed the outreach.


On the YWAM Arua deaf-hearing Go-Camp 
we investigated the production costs of home-brewing…

…with the help of one brewer and agreed it is unprofitable. Then our team went to Labone market-place where the local alcohol is traded. There we performed a drama about ploughing to encourage onlookers not to give control of their lives to alcohol any more. We then practically showed the financial losses home brewing brings. Then, with the willing help of local brewer women we showed how a fresh lemon cordial can be easily made in minutes rather than days, is profitable and has far greater health benefits to children,. We closed with a song that was later broadcast on local radio.

YWAM Arua Kings kids 2012

“I have fought the good fight, 
 I have finished the race, 
 I have kept the faith”
2 Tim 4:7

Welcome, worship, word, work it out was the order of each day. To develop personal survival skills swimming skills were taught. Only  5 of the 60 children could swim before. Five more learned that day.

     We celebrated at the end of the week by inviting parents for a  celebration and opportunity to see the activities and work of the kids. 

Adventure Day before the trek of discovery on the base and to personal survival swimming 

Sign language workshops for those wanting to support their deaf neighbours

Ad: At the end of December we enjoyed two day visits at the ‘Arua Youth Camp’. The deaf have not previously been involved with this event and we thought they were missing out so offered to take them for a couple of taster day visits. We took turns to offer communication support. Another local signer, Jonathan, circled , helped too.






Several hearing youth asked for a sign workshop so Lydia, inset, and Jonathan, circled, gladly obliged. The deaf, Lydia, Godfrey and Molly interacted well throughout the teaching. We hope more of the deaf have the motivation to join a similar programme next year. We want to thank the camp organisers for being very inclusive and we hope more of the hearing participants will have be as inclusive as their leaders have. 

Community Sun Run and Walk

In the Refiner’s Fire: The “For Tomorrow” Tribe..

…leader, Alfred, was introduced to our Go Camp team because he provided the land on which YWAM Labone has founded its new base. His gesture was only gradually accepted by his tribe members, and he has had to defend it many times. His own tribe wanted quick results. He swiftly led us up the mountain above.
The ‘For Tomorrow’ tribe are key partners for YWAM Labone and their name has made a big impression on me. Here, systemic poverty forces the vast majority, who live at subsistence level, to focus on today’s needs -a “For Today’’ tribe mentality, despite dwindling reserves. Personal needs of adults are often met at the expense of their children’s - tomorrow’s adults.

YWAM Labone staff want to partner for long-term solutions to deep issues. I’m realising even more now that a “For Tomorrow” Tribe way of thinking is vital amongst deaf and hearing educators, community and political leaders with vested interests wherever we live. I have also felt challenged to have even more of a tomorrow tribe mentality.

If I as a guest here in Arua, take today what is meant for tomorrow I steal my future. I have to keep seeking sustainable choices in our diet , fuels & plans. Scripture reminds me of the living God’s invitation for us to go further and join His ‘For eternity’ tribe– a tribe who wants to be transformed and to be life transformers, by His Word & Spirit. Ad

Titus 1v 1-2 
Greetings from Paul, 
a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. 


I was sent to help God’s chosen people have faith 
and understand the truth that produces a life of devotion to God. 


This faith and knowledge make us sure that we have eternal life. God promised that life to us before time began
—and God does not lie.

Signs & Wonders – Claudine & Boniface

Helen: Panic stricken Boniface left home three days before his wife, Claudine, experienced the traumatic birth of their son Isaac. The next day her father in law, Benjamin (centre picture) received a call saying “he’s relapsed, you’ll find him in a ditch on the Congo border.” Before leaving, Benjamin pleaded with the hospital to take his son in - again!

Katie and I visited the baby first. He was perfect and mum was doing fine after her ‘section’. Mother in law Benedicta, was so proud and we took photos of the three generations nestled together perched on the bed. Then the trauma…

Benedicta led us to a nearby small room where her son lay, with Benjamin caring, in cramped conditions. Boniface slipped in and out of consciousness as he panted for air. The battering was evident across the whole of his body.

Katie felt called to pray aloud and I was most grateful. She described a picture of Jesus carrying Boniface and as she did so I felt he had two stark choices; to accept Godly guidance in his life or die.
Boniface is still in a critical condition. His parents are YWAM staff who have supported their son over three years of drug addiction. They have sought help for their only son and continue to support both him and his wife. Our heart goes out to them.

News from the family:

Jerome(dictated to dad): 
Hi everyone. I’m really glad I’ve finally passed my driving test because it opens up more paid and varied farming work opportunities for me. I’m really looking forward to warmer weather because working for long spells in cold temperatures has gone on for too long now! I’ve lambed quite a few sheep on my own now. It’s quite messy and often a tight squeeze the ewe often needs help with to deliver the new-born lamb. I’m glad to assist.

Laurence: 
Hello. Firstly, the rabbits are breeding better now, with two out of three successful litters this month. This is because we have let them burrow naturally in their two new enclosures. Dad’s friend Hamid gave us a pair of special breed rabbits this week.

We have a made a deaf-hearing football team with kids from the base and Eruba primary, and have registered for some tournaments. We are not very good but we are trying to learn to stay in our positions.
Maria & Jerome come this w/e which should be good.

Maria: 
Seems incredible how fast the term is passing by! My exams went fine. I've already been given new essays to write! One of my modules this semester has been about Comparative Politics (looking at different forms of government etc around the world). I've found that more interesting then previous ones. I've recently started a new job which involves market research and its definitely been pushing me out of my comfort zone!

Next weekend will be my birthday and so the various parties along with a visit from my boyfriend should make it a fantastic week :) Looking forward to my Boat Club rowing camp and my Uganda visit in Easter. it'll be nice to get away, even if it is to see the rest of the family :P x