• about us
• missionaries
• countries
• sponsorship
• conference
• newsletters
• support groups
• news
• projects
• donate

• newsletters >
• Deaf Ministries Update

Deaf Ministries Update

Bringing the Gospel to the Deaf

May 2008

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Myanmar

What is filling our minds here at DMI at the moment are the horrible pictures and reports coming out of Myanmar following the destructive path of Cyclone Nargis which tore through the country in the early hours of the morning on May 3rd. If you have been following news reports and internet reports you will be aware of the indescribable suffering of people there, especially on the Delta and in Yangon.

Disasters of this nature are always disturbing but, when they involve people we know and love, they are even more so. Although our school in Kalay was well out of the way of the storm, the church, Centre and most of the deaf people we work with were not. At the time of writing we have not heard a word from anyone, which is not surprising as all the power is out, as are telephone lines and e-mail contact. A call to the Myanmar Embassy in Canberra was not of much help either as workers there too, cannot contact families and friends in Myanmar.  Information that we do have indicates that many of the townships around Yangon have been flattened.

Most houses there are made of flimsy wood with bamboo walls and would blow over if sneezed on! Most of our people live in these areas hence our great concern.

In anticipation of tremendous need in the weeks to come we have opened another disaster fund, so if you should care to help in any way, we would all be so thankful. Most of the large agencies and governments will have their funds open too but, as so often happens, the deaf are overlooked. Any money sent through DMI or Deaf Action will be dedicated to help deaf people in their time of need.

These are some of our people who were in the path of the storm and with whom we cannot make contact or get news of; please pray for them

Fundraising Activities - The Great Port Philip Bay bike ride:

To continue our efforts in raising funds for the My Sign Dormitory in Chiangmai Thailand, some of the energetic in our group are planning a two day bike ride around Port Philip Bay, lead by Kerrin Lee our cycling chairman. David and Kay Van Namen, Donna Worrall and Trevor Petersen make up the team of five fit people who are looking for sponsors to spur them on their way.  Others have also indicated a desire to join in the ride.

Would you like to sponsor a bikie?

Philippines

A highlight every year in the Philippines are our camps. The kids look forward to them so much but, this year we had to let most of them down as funds did not permit us to hold the 3 camps that we have been accustomed to holding. We hope to make it up to Davao and Bicol next year.

We were able to hold one camp in Bacolod, thanks to a couple of extra gifts designated for the camp there. Rod Chapman was able to go as guest speaker from Melbourne and was greatly used by God to minister to the 155 deaf young people who attended. These camps are always very fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

48 decided to follow the Lord, 13 returned to the faith and 19 were baptized. Money invested into these camps is not wasted. Pray for these new believers as Albert and Kim teach and nurture them.

Sponsorship

School has started up again in Kenya following the holidays. We are expecting 50 kids from this term. Our guys have worked so hard in building up the school after all the traumas but remnants of the old administration have still been trying to make trouble for us. We are so thankful to God though; that he gave us favour with some government officials who are speeding up our official registration. Also, the lies deliberately being told about our workers are backfiring. God has a way of defending His people and caring for orphans and the oppressed. We are still desperately in need of sponsors for the school as it grows. 

$35 a month helps provide these needy kids with an education and care. Many are AIDS orphans.

School is supposed to start in Myanmar too this month with 10 new kids expected. My Sign in Thailand starts up again with yet another 10 new kids so the need is constantly increasing. Would you consider sponsoring a child or sponsoring a school?

New Office

DMI and Deaf Action have been on the move. Thanks to the wonderful provision made by one of our board members, we now have ample office space in lovely facilities about 10 minutes from home. We have loads of work space, desk space, storage, little kitchen and of course washroom and toilet. If only we had a shower someone could move in and live here. If you are in the area drop in for a cuppa. We are at Lot 1, No 1 Treloar Lane (John Street end) in Pakenham. Treloar Lane is the service road down behind the shops in Pakenham. There is plenty of public parking opposite the Pakenham library, so welcome!

We have a new phone number: (03) 5940 5431 and a new fax number (03) 5940 5432. 

Meet the team at DMI/Deaf Action Australian office

{right}

New Web Page By the time this letter reaches you we will have a new web page up and running for Deaf Action (I hope). It is ‘under construction’ at the moment. Keep checking www.deafaction.org.au

Thank you for your continued prayers and support Neville & Lill