The 6th Deaf Christian Conference was held at Living Waters Camp near Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal (about 45 kms away in Mid-Illovo) for the long weekend of 1 - 4 May 2008.

The Conference Camp is situated in the beautiful valley, surrounded by sugar canes and lush forests. As it is Autumn, it was cold with drizzle on the first day (Thursday) and freezing cold that night. The weather started to improve over the next few days.

About 75 Deafies, including 3 “Hearies” and 2 kids, from all over South Africa attended. (Gauteng: 38 from Jo’burg; 8 from Soweto; 2 from Pretoria; 9 from Kempton Park; Kwa-Zulu Natal: 12 from Durban; Cape: 4 from Cape Town & 2 from Port Elizabeth). Many drove down giving some Deafies lift and the others went by bus. Three deaf ladies flew down from Jo’burg to PMB. Four deaf men flew from C Town to Durban.

It was the camp with a difference as Heinrich Kutzner (HoH) of Durban, the organizer of the camp, felt led by the Lord that no deaf speakers would preach. But each deaf leader would lead a group. So 11 deaf leaders (husbands & wives) from different churches led 11 groups in the mornings. The Deafies, who had something on their hearts to ask questions or share, could do that in the groups. It was an excellent opportunity for us all. The Deafies said that they were truly blessed this way when the Holy Spirit ministered to one another through the Body of Christ.

The afternoons were free and the Deafies did what they liked - they especially chatted with each other whom they haven’t seen for a long time! Some deaf youngsters and not so young men had a great time playing volley-ball.

We started Thursday evening with worship in the hall in different languages (English, Afrikaans and tribal languages) in Sign Language which was wonderful to behold!

On Friday night different groups did dramas which were very good. Saturday evening ended with games with much laughter.

We had three big sumptuous meals every day! Tea, coffee and hot chocolate were served too.
On warm Saturday afternoon 26 of us hiked to the waterfall, led by Leon (H), the owner of the camp - a 2-hour round walk through the forest with Frank Moran (H) as an interpreter. Really beautiful - especially God’s creation!

On Sunday morning some of the Deafies left early before breakfast before the mad rush from Durban to Gauteng. The others left after breakfast for home and some of us went on to Durban for an extended holiday.

The oldest deaf woman, who attended the camp, is Thea Brandmuller of De Deur near Vereeniging. She is 82 years old. She enjoyed the camp! It was a blessed camp!

The next conference will be held in Gauteng in March / April next year.

SO START SAVING NOW!!! Bev W.

COME AND JOIN US NEXT YEAR :)

Bev Warmington (D)