Tim Foster
Author's posts
Oct 30
October 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Emmanuel Ilabor, the director of our center in Ibadan (Nigeria), ran into health issues immediately after returning to the US a few weeks ago. His doctors initially feared he had Ebola. Thankfully it turned out to be something less malicious: Malaria – albeit a pretty severe case of it. After a 5-day hospital stay, he was able to rejoin his wife and children. We thank the Lord Emmanuel’s speedy recovery. Due to the blessings of many donors, construction has continued steadily at our new campus just outside of Ibadan. Two operational water wells supply water for construction crews, and several buildings are nearly complete.
Yves Beosso, our N’Djamena (Chad) director was invited to attend an international deaf conference in Seol, Korea. He gave a presentation on the work that the Lord is doing in Chad. We’re thankful for this excellent opportunity to share our Lord’s faithfulness.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Director
Sep 25
September 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
We’re excited to hear that electricity is now available in the Walia community, just outside of N’Djamena, Chad. We have a primary school for the deaf located in Walia, and the prospect of not having to use a generator as our only source of electricity is very exciting. On the down side, the cost of getting electricity to the school will exceed $500 – more than their budget allows. Pray with us that God will provide for this need.
Our annual summer Congo Bible Conference meets in various cities in the eastern Congo region. For 2015, we’d like to see if we can meet in Bujumbura, Burundi. There are many deaf there that are unable to attend the conference when we meet in the Congo; hopefully we can bring the conference to them instead. Pray that God will open doors as we explore this option.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Aug 28
August 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Please be in prayer with us regarding a seminar opportunity in N’Djamena, Chad later this fall. In my discussion with Yves Beosso, our school director there, we feel there is a strong need for a leadership training conference at his campus. We’re still in the exploration phase, so we covet your prayers regarding finances for the conference, attendance and participation.
We’re excited to see the launch of two new schools for the deaf in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. One is in the town of Rutshuru, and the other is in the town of Fizi. Both schools are being led by young deaf men who have been educated at Congolese schools founded by CMD. Shukuru Heritier and Chance Bakunzi are the deaf young men heading up these schools, and are currently raising funds in preparation of the new school year. There are many deaf people in these towns in need of an education so they can hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray with us that the Lord will provide the resources, material and additional staff for these schools.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Jul 30
July 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
It was truly amazing to see how God has been nurturing the deaf that attended our annual Congo Bible Conference in mid-July. Attendance was higher than expected, and the volume of feedback we received was strong evidence that they’ve been growing both in their appetite and their knowledge of the Scriptures. What a joy it is to see how God has been keeping them firmly rooted in Him as He continues to shape us all into the image of His Son!
A special treat for us this year came in the form of a mission team from Harvest Bible Church in Westland, Michigan. Not only did they help with food and games, but they also performed drama routines throughout the week covering the material we were teaching in Colossians. We’re deeply grateful for their assistance! In addition to our conference, they also helped Tom and Kathy Lindquist with 3 other conferences in the area. Truly, they were a hard-working group.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Jun 25
June 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
We’re down to the wire as plans finalize for our annual conference in Bukavu (DR Congo). We’ll be teaching through the book of Colossians and demonstrating how the supremacy of Christ mandates that disciples pursue both comprehensive doctrine and faithful Christian living. To that end, Lord willing, we’ll be addressing particular issues that have come up in recent months on matters of Biblical faithfulness. Pray that our words will be faithful and well received.
A short-term mission team from Michigan will be on site, finishing up a 2-week trip to the eastern DR Congo region. We’ll be putting them to good use as we are expecting a larger turnout of attendees this year. Pray for unity and charity as we work together for His name’s sake.
In Him,
Tim Foster
May 28
May 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Fall enrollment is now underway for our center in Ibadan, Nigeria. We’re also in the process of hiring some new staff members and teachers. Please pray with us that we’ll find the right people, and that our school will stay filled to capacity.
Construction at the new campus is moving along nicely. We’re thankful for the recent donation of a solar-powered well and elevated water storage tank. This gift will greatly help both the construction and use of the new campus. We’ve also received a generator. It won’t replace the ailing primary generator, but every little bit helps!
In Him,
Tim Foster
May 21
Spring 2014
We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. – Col 1:28-29
It’s truly a joy to interact with deaf Africans who have a robust understanding of the word of God. Seeing them take on a leadership role and guide others in a spirit of humility and grace is truly a beautiful thing. But regrettably, it’s not a very common thing. This is our ultimate goal and passion: to prepare the deaf for spiritual leadership roles within their communities, and equip them to make disciples for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Meeting with deaf Nigerians
18th Annual Chad Bible Camp
Donated solar-powered well &
First Foster grandchild graduates from college |
Nigeria
Every year, our deaf high-school students in Ibadan participate in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). Students with high scores are able to proceed to universities in Nigeria and beyond. Recently, a few Nigerians have been able to enroll at SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) in Big Spring, Texas. As it turns out, SWCID is located about 4 hours west of our CMD headquarters in Texas! Last week, my wife and I drove there to visit the deaf Nigerians. It was a good time of fellowship and encouragement. Pray that more graduates may be able to attend SWCID in the future.
Construction of the new campus steadily inches forward. We’ve received a grant for 100,000 Euros from Siegworks Construction. Praise God! Another fantasic blessing came from a supporter who installed a solar-powered well. Having water on site will help greatly as construction continues at the new the campus.
After many years of service and numerous repairs, our center’s electric generator is now in dire need of replacement. The Commissioner’s for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare has kindly donated a 6500W generator. It’s not powerful enough to run the entire facility, but we’re thankful that it helps take a load off the aging primary generator.
Chad
Over 220 people attended the 18th Annual Easter Camp for the Deaf. Most attendees had to travel to get to the city of Doba. Although the facility had a shortage of utensils and ran out of water on the 1st day, God showed His loving kindness by having local churches bring in water and utensils to meet the needs of the campers. We praise God that 19 people made a commitment to follow Christ. Pray that they will continue in discipleship.
When some village officials heard about the camp, they brought in 50 deaf people from outlying villages in the region. These deaf villagers had never received a formal education, and were stunned to see so many people, deaf like themselves, yet with advanced education and the ability to read, write and communicate about things they read in a Book. Pray that these deaf villagers will be able to attend a proper deaf school and learn to read, write – and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
As in Nigeria, our Chad school has recently received financial support from some unlikely sources. The US Embassy visited our school in the capital city of N’Djamena one week before the Easter camp, and promised to help with the reconstruction of some deteriorated buildings. Most of the buildings at our center are made of mud-brick (as are most buildings in that part of town). The embassy delegates want to replace four of the deteriorated mud buildings with concrete buildings. Pray that they will follow through on their commitment when construction gets underway this August. While the embassy will be carrying the majority of the costs, we still need to raise several thousand dollars to complete the projects. Pray with us that the Lord will provide.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Staffing at our annual Congo Bible Conference will be interesting this year: A team of 15 people from Michigan – most of whom have never been to Africa – will be traveling in the Kivu region (eastern DR Congo) to help with two hearing conferences, as well as our deaf conference in Bukavu. There is also a possibility that a deaf American from Colorado will join our team. This year, we’re going through the book of Colossians, and placing more emphasis on small-group discussions to help the deaf assimilate the material we’ll be teaching. We want to capitalize on the additional help by increasing our budget so more deaf Congolese can afford to come. Pray that the Lord will provide mightily, as local transportation is the largest line-item in our conference budget. Pray also for the Michigan team: Traveling in the DR Congo is not exactly safe, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
Our school in Uvira has had some changes in staffing. Director Pililo Amani has added a young deaf high-schooler as a teacher for the primary classes, and so far, he’s doing well. They still have a need for sewing machines to teach tailoring and to make uniforms. Pray that God will meet this need.
Our school in Likasi, led by Director Mwamba Pascal, has a pressing need for a computer. We have several laptops on hand that I will be brining to the DR Congo this summer, but because our Likasi school is so remote, it’s far cheaper for our director to travel several hours south to Zambia and buy a computer there. Our missionary friend in Likasi, Ruth Willenbrecht, has helped locate a good deal. Pray that God will meet this need.
Home
Mother Berta is staying with us this week while my sister, Faith, is in New York to attend the graduation of her oldest daughter. Alessandra is the first of the Foster grandchildren to graduate from college. Following hot on her heels is our oldest daughter [name withheld]. Lord willing, she will be going overseas next year to work full-time with an evangelical ministry doing outreach to Muslims. Pray for these two as they strike out on their own, that God will continue to bless them and keep them and make His face to shine upon them, and give them peace.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Apr 28
April 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Praise God for wonderful 18th Annual Easter Camp in the city of Doba, Chad. Despite hardships due to a lack of utensils, water, and electricity, the 220 attendees patiently prayed and waited on the Lord. After two days, they found an occasion to praise God when local evangelical churches came in to assist and meet their needs. The topic of the camp was The End Times, from Mark 13 and 14. Director Yves Beosso reports that 19 people gave their lives to Christ. Praise God!
Shortly before the camp, we had a visit from a delegation of officials from the US Embassy. They responded to our request to assist with the construction of 2 permanent buildings for office and classroom. If they decide to contribute, they’ll help with about $12,000USD of a $16,000 project. We’ll need to raise another $4,000 to complete it. Pray that these much-needed building projects can go forward.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Mar 25
March 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Plans for our July camp in Bukavu are coming along smoothly. The Lindquists are helping to facilitate a leadership conference for hearing pastors at the same time. They will meet in the same building, down the hall from where our deaf conference will be meeting. The teachers for that conference are from Michigan, and they will be bringing 13 people from Michigan with them. Their 2-week trip will also include one week of work in the bush at the Berean mission facility, and one week of leadership training in Bukavu.
On our end, we’re interviewing a deaf American who is quite excited about the possibility of helping out. If the Lord works this out, it’ll be a good opportunity for deaf Africans to interact with a deaf American – something they have asked for on several occasions.
Still much to plan, so keep us in your prayers.
Tim Foster
Director
Feb 25
February 2014
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you for your continued support of the work we do among the deaf in Africa.
Please keep our Chad school in your prayers. Several years ago, we received a nice piece of property to build a new school. It’s located a few miles outside of the city, and we are waiting on the Lord for funds to begin construction. Unfortunately, a squatter came and built a small building on it. The laws in Chad are such that we must pay him for his construction costs if we want to move him off the property. A court decision has assessed the cost to be $8,000 – funds we don’t have to spend. There may be a couple of legal options that we may be able to use.
Pray for wisdom for director Yves Beosso and the elders there as they work through this situation.
In Him,
Tim Foster
Director
