Prayer & Praise

Pray for inspiration in fundraising ideas to support DMI’s financial needs in an uncertain global climate
Give thanks for the joyous opening of the church in Dar Es Salaam
Pray for God’s protection, guidance and wisdom for Jacob and his new responsibilities
Give thanks for Daniel’s perseverance and patience as he kept hold of God’s vision for a church for the deaf in Tanzania
Give thanks for God’s provision, especially for those hearts which have been touched and souls which have been preparing to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour
Pray for God’s continued protection to surround the DMI workers in Egypt and Syria
Give thanks and praise for God’s boundless love, strength and direction to these disadvantaged people groups

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Important Message for Australian Donors

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Twenty Seven years ago our Ian was born in Seoul, Korea. I was quite unprepared to receive a baby that had Down Syndrome, although Lill had an inkling that something was different with this pregnancy. Still, we were not prepared to have a child with that handicap. The staff in the hospital were also very embarrassed and did not know what to say to us. I think they expected us to become hysterical and blame them for some reason.

After the initial shock wore off and we settled down to raising a little baby with Down Syndrome, we soon became accustomed to having a special needs child in the family. He was treated just like the other boys however, and they in turn treated him like any normal younger brother and wouldn’t let him get away with anything! At a time when we were wondering what the future would hold for Ian we made the acquaintance of a Korean lady preparing to go to Japan as a missionary. She told us that one night she had a dream of Ian becoming an evangelist and a preacher.
We all laughed and my thoughts were “Yes sure, some chance!”

Ian and I have just returned from Tanzania. He often travels with me, and to some out of the way places at that. We had the privilege of opening and dedicating our new church building in Dar Es Salaam and Ian was in the thick of things. It came to Sunday morning and he wanted to read the scripture at the service. He made quite an impression on the Tanzanians who thought people like Ian could ‘do’ nothing. He was even applauded. After the service everyone addressed him as Pastor Ian. So it is true that even those with Down Syndrome can be used by God to bless others just as our Tanzanian deaf were blessed and, our Korean friend’s dream was kind of fulfilled.

Laurie (Bridge Building Trust - UK), 'Pastor' Ian and Daniel Njihia

The old Collingwood Christian Chapel in Melbourne closed some time ago. The building was eventually sold and the monies from the sale distributed to various Christian organisations including DMI. We promised that some of the money would be used to build some churches for the deaf in the areas where DMI is working. The large Assembly Hall in the new school in Myanmar is named after the church and this Chapel in Dar Es Salaam also bears a plaque honouring the Collingwood Church. We had a great opening and dedication, joined by representatives from Norway, and The Bridge Building Trust, UK, who also helped raise funds for the building. 150 people were fed with a meal cooked in our new “kitchen!”

Old Church

New church

The Kitchen!

Mormor continues to be a blessing

Money given in memory of Lill’s mother, Gerd Martinsen (Mormor), has been designated to help with the construction of the Bible School and Centre in Kampala, Uganda. To date some $10,000 has been received for which we are very thankful. Even in death she is continuing to bless others. The fund is still open if you would like to make a donation in her honour.

Camps

Camps are a vital part of DMI’s ministry. A recent camp in Colombia had 110 deaf young people in attendance, of whom 15 were baptised. This coming August will see a youth camp in Uganda and another in Kenya near Malindi on the coast. A few hundred are expected. The Kenya camp alone will cost about $4,000.00, as kids will be coming from all over Kenya. If you could help with this vital part of our ministry please do so.

Josephat prepares the baptism group at a previous camp

Congo - Congratulations to Jacob and Neema

This couple were just recently married in the Congo. Jacob is the pastor of our church in Butembo. Right up until the time of the wedding he did not have enough money for the ceremony. He was encouraged to know that God would supply somehow; the local hearing church pastor became aware of Jacob’s plight and announced it at the Sunday service prior to the wedding. The Church responded and took up a collection, which was enough to cover all costs. What a testament of God’s faithfulness through His church! A slight set back occurred just after the wedding; Jacob was hospitalised with Malaria. All seems to be well now and he continues to serve the church with his new bride.

Myanmar

The Cheltenham Church of Christ in Melbourne recently held a fund raising dinner. Austin Oh, our Korean Coordinator and his wife Julia, were the chefs and put on a great Korean banquet. Matt our accountant, did the presentation and $4,500.00 was raised which will be enough to put walls around the bathrooms of the school in Myanmar so the kids don’t have to bathe fully clad! The church’s aim is $10,000.00 which will finish the kitchen and put in an electric pump to replace the hand operated one.
Thanks for all the effort that has gone in to complete this project.

Remember the sponsor a cow project?

Our calves are growing up. On God’s farm 15 more are due to be born in August. Each one costs $350.00 so if anyone is interested in sponsoring a calf, the project is still running.

Thank you for your continued interest in the work and constant prayers.

God Bless Neville and Lill