Deaf Ministries Update
Bringing the Gospel to the Deaf
June 2003
Current dormitory in Davao
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that we are already half way through 2003. Much of the year has been spent in Africa and Asia but I am now back in Australia for a few months at least and am anxious to do as much deputation as possible during this time.
New Office
We have just moved our Australian office into new premises in Mitcham Victoria. Our home office was too small from the start but as the work grew and more and more people began to help us in the office the worse things became. We were falling over each other and spilling out onto the dining room table so something had to be done.
We were led to office space in a converted large double garage at 505 Mitcham Rd. Mitcham. There are two offices actually, a kitchenette, toilet and shower. We decided no one needed a wash so that space is now paper storage. Hope no one turns on the water though. Our new telephone and fax number is: +61 3 8802 4550.
Prayer Points
- Funds for building in Davao
- Daniel and his move to Tanzania
- New believers in Uganda
Office Administrator
Our prayer and dream is for someone who has office experience who can work in our new place on a full time or part time basis. There is only one problem: he or she would have to have their own support as we have no money to pay for the position. A retired person who would like to serve in this way or someone who has so much money that they don’t need a salary is the kind of person we are looking for! So if you are loaded or just want to serve please let us know.
Philippine Project
59 kids in the dormitory in Davao
We are ready to commence on our second major project for 2003, the dormitory, church and centre in Davao. We finally have an acceptable plan, a good engineer/architect to see it through, land to build it on, but no money to do so. This fact has never hampered us much in the past as we have a great God and this is His work so we know that He will provide. Most of the time He does so through His people so we are letting you know of this need now.
The cost of the building will be about US$136,000. We have about $36,000 or so on hand to start the foundation construction with, but need some US$100,000 more. For us this is an impossible sum but for God there is no problem. Will you pray that this money will be found in the very near future.
Old dormitory site
The need is pretty desperate. Our current facilities are rented and we have been under the threat of eviction for the last couple of years. We are in a flood area so in heavy rains the place is subject to flooding. We have 59 children at the moment in extremely cramped conditions, some are three to a bed. As well as the kids there is the Asuela family of 6, and a handful of workers in what really is a small suburban house with rooms and additions sticking out of it in all directions. The place is a firetrap and how we have not been closed down by the authorities is beyond me. As well as the living facilities the place serves as a church, a mini basketball court and counselling and fellowship centre. Help!!! We will keep you informed as funds come in.
Uganda
A couple of weeks ago at a workers meeting in Kampala another 11 were baptised. The growth of the work in Uganda is staggering and we can only praise the Lord for what he is doing there. Pray for these new believers and the workers who are labouring with very low salaries or none at all.
Daniel in Tanzania needs a lot of help too at this time. His wife and children are still in Kenya and need to move to Tanzania to be with him. Please pray over this problem too.
Thank you all again for your support both practical and prayerful. Without your backing this work could never succeed.
God Bless,
Neville