Dear Montoyas,
I want to thank you for featuring deaf missions in Africa on your website. As a
result of your website information, I went to Cameroon and met with Rev Andre Bikond
and was able to bring some school supplies etc to help him in his ministry. We will
be going to Cameroon later this year and look forward to playing a part in the deaf
ministry there. Just wanted to thank you.
I outlined the trip on our website at
www.dothemission.com on the deaf page. It
is going to be updated soon to reflect our partnership with the work in Cameroon.
My family (wife and 16 year daughter ) and I are planning on spending 6 months in
Cameroon beginning in Sept (? as the Lord provides) and are looking forward to working
with the deaf there. We served as church planting missionaries in Ukraine for almost
10 years and led many deaf to Christ. It was through this work that we developed
a burden to help reach the deaf with the Gospel as well as help them grow in Christ.
While in Cameroon I went by canoe to an island off the coast to encourage churches
there. As I left the island a deaf teen ran to me begging for help to eat. He can
not sign, read or write. I was overwhelmed to learn there are so many people like
this young man. I believe it was the Lord reminding me of the call He has put on
my life to help and reach the deaf.
About The School In Cameroon:
There are about 30 kids ranging in age from 3 and
up. There is no electricity, no running water, etc. The classrooms are wood "shacks".
They use ASL some French sign and some that would now be considered "cameroonian".
The pastor, Andrew Bikond, and his wife house and school the children. Many are
cast off by their parents who don't know what to do with them. Their goal is to
teach them to read, write, sign and to have a vocation and share the Gospel with
them.
When we return it is our desire to bring practical items for living (like clothing)
as well as books, teaching material, hopefully a computer (they can borrow a generator)
Electric Hair clippers (rechargeable type) so they can learn "hairstyling and barbing.
They currently rent the land and house they are using and hope to build on land
they are trying purchase. I am hoping to raise funds to help in the purchase of
the land (it is 10,000 USD) on which to build deaf children's home and school.
Blessings,
Rt Rev Michael Jarrett
Missionary Bishop UAC Province II