Dear Friends,
Although school is in summer session, Director Shukuru brought a few of his students to a work co-op at a nearby Methodist church in Baraka, DR Congo. With the help of a couple of interpreters, the deaf students were able to sit in on several classes for tailoring and computer training. We would love to add similar vocational classes to our formal curriculum. It’s a critical aspect of preparing our deaf students for self-reliance and integration with the local economy. Since we don’t have electricity at our school, we wouldn’t be able to provide any computer classes, but most sewing machines in the area are manual pedal-operated machines, so that would definitely be an option. Pray with us that this dream will come to fruition.
We usually have our Congo Bible Camp in August each year, but the presence of the militia group, M23, is making it very difficult for regional travel, and nearly impossible for Westerners to travel into the region. We had to cancel our 2025 camp, much to the dismay of those that would have attended. This year, two of our directors in the area are looking to see if they can put together a small Bible camp with participants coming in from just the Kivu region. Given the rise in Ebola and the increase of civil unrest due to M23, we’ll not be bringing in participants from more than 50 miles or so. It’ll be much smaller than usual, but better than nothing. Pray that directors Pilio and Nanza can put one together in time before school starts back up in the fall, and continue praying for civil tranquility in the region.
Director Yves has traveled from Chad to Benin to meet up with Victor Vodonou, an old friend (and student) of my father’s from the 70s and 80s. Victor is putting on a two-week training conference at his mission facility in Cotonou, Benin, and has invited Yves and a couple of American missionaries to teach some advanced doctrinal classes. I think the last time I was in Benin was back in 1976, and I was a child, so I barely remember Victor. It’s exciting to see the flourishing ministry that he’s been able to set up in Benin. Although I won’t be able to attend the conference, I’m looking forward to hearing more about it and the impact it will have on the deaf in Benin.
Truly, your prayers are coveted.
Tim Foster
Director
