Abé and Vanessa Vos, hearing elders of The Fireplace Church, organised a weekend camp from 13th to 15th June away at Youth for Christ in Hekpoort. The purpose for the camp was for relationship and friendship-building as we were a 8 month old church.

There were about 60 of us altogether, including 4 Deaf people (William & Beverley Warmington, Wendy Gouvea and Kathleen Griffin). Jessica, a 11-year old girl, joined us, as she wants to learn Sign Language.

On Friday night there was an ice-breaker by getting everyone of us included in singing songs, karaoke and games, which was fun.

On Saturday we did nothing but play games of volleyball, soccer, cricket, table-tennis, going for walks and watching movie.

Delicious meals were served every day.  (A nice break from cooking for the women!)  After dinner we all gathered outside around a big bonfire, singing songs. Although it was cold (wintry night), the fire gave us warmth.

On Sunday morning we worshipped together.  After that it was back to more games and fun. After mouth-watering lunch we all packed to go home, well acquainted. We were blessed with warm fellowship and a warm weekend (hot during the day but cold at night.)

By Beverley Warmington (D) - Johannesburg, 2003