(DCMA = Deaf Christian Ministry Africa.)

The aim of the outreach was to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and His grace to the Deaf. We saw how great the need for spiritual care is in the Deaf world. We were heartily welcomed everywhere we visited and when it was time to go, it was very hard to leave. We realized that God was waiting for us at each place we visited. We praise the Lord for the fact that He stays with the Deaf even after departure.

After a long three hour drive to Stilbaai, we were relieved to arrive at Rev. Schalk and Esther Viljoen’s house. We stayed the night there and watched the rugby game between the Sharks and the Bulls with them. On Sunday morning we staged the drama that we had planned to perform in George, for Rev. Viljoen and his visitors. Rev. Viljoen gave us some valuable advice on how we could improve the drama, after which we departed for George with great expectations and enthusiasm.

Deaf in George
It was a wonderful experience to preach the Word of God to the Deaf in George. Hennie Burger and Christopher Galada performed the drama which we had practiced earlier that day. It told the story of the Loving Father Luke 15. Anthony Salie did the preaching.

In George we prayed for a family whose daughter was sick and afterwards we sang together. After the service we visited together and chatted. We realized that we would need to return to George to do follow-up work. Come, let us pray for the leaders, that the Lord will lead them to know and do His will.

Team building
In Hermanus we stayed at Aunt René van Zyl’s guest house and started immediately with our team building activities. The team building was necessary in order to gain a deeper understanding of the Word of God and also to get to know each other better.

We looked at how the Bible writes about the Tabernacle. We learnt that God wants to be with us and that He wants to meet with us. This touched us very deeply.

As we had planned, we put the tents up in Gordons Bay. It was a great adventure. The Southeasterly wind came to visit and blew so strongly that the canvas flapped furiously throughout the night. It felt as if clappers were exploding right beside us. Naturally we then realized that Guy Fawkes day is held on 5 November. The Lord held us in His strong hands the whole time. The tents did not tear apart. Rev. Jan marketed DCMA in the church hall of the DR Church Gordons Bay, Hennie Burger and Elsabé Döman explained the picturesabout the Wordless Book. Then we all sang together.

Christopher Galada preaches at Noluthando School
On Friday 31 October we went to NoluthandoSchool for the Deaf where Christopher Galadaenthusiastically delivered the message. Hehad to preach the same message three times because the school sent us three groups. There, the Lord showed us that we do the Lord’s work not because we are strong in ourselves, but because His Spirit is with us. Zachariah 4:6 - ABD.

All the children were so excited at hearing the message of God’s love, they wanted to learn more and more! Many of them became converted. Together, we prayed for them. God is so good. On Sunday 2 November, Christopher Galada preached for the adult Deaf in Khayelitsha.

Dr. Rocco Hough teaches us
In Bellville we met with Dr. Rocco Hough (H), Mrs. Serfontein and Mrs. Alta van der Berg where, together, we thought about the responsibilities of a scribe and social worker. Dr. Hough escorted us to the Old Age Home for the Deaf where he presented Bible Study. The following day, we worked in pairs and had personal visits and chats with the elderly Deaf. We prayed for them and encouraged them. They really appreciated it!

Visit Wittebome School
On Wednesday 5 November we visited Wittebome School for the Deaf in Wittebome. There, we staged a drama, sang and delivered a short message. Unfortunately we would not stay there for very long and we could see the disappointment in the children’s eyes. What a shame! We will definitely make a plan to visit them again and to stay longer next time.

We then visited the Bastion in Newlands, Cape Town. DEAFSA’s Western Cape office is situated there. They told us what they do, it is wonderful to know that there are people who care about the Deaf. They gave a T-shirt to each DCMA member.

Back in Gordons Bay we attended a ward prayer meeting led by Dr Hough. DCMA led the singing. On Sunday morning we attended De la Bat Belville where Dr. Hough served Holy Communion. A festive meal was prepared for us after church and we really enjoyed the time together with the seniors and other members of the congregation!

After this tasty meal, the road back to Worcester seemed very long and we were all feeling sleepy and tired. We are so grateful for everything God did during this outreach, we can only give a big smile and say “thank you that we have arrived home safely!” We thank the Lord for protecting us from evil.

A word of thanks: We say thank you …
that the Lord watched over us and protected us,
that we were able to bring the Good message of great joy which is meant for the whole human race, also to the Deaf,
that we could help a few people with guidance,
for precious people who found salvation and For the DR Church De la Bat Belville for financial provision for the outreach.
We thank the Lord for the R8000 collected by Bellville congregation for the outreach. To the church council and congregation, our heartfelt gratitude.

May each and every one enjoy a Blessed Christmas - 2008.

Soli Deo Gloria, DCMA regards