Let the Little Children Come!

(for pictures from these months click on the embedded links!)

August found us back to school – with two new little ones – a brother –sister pair. This year we kicked off the school year with a vacation Bible school week brought to us by a team from Ridgewood Bible Church, Lockport New York. The BASIC training theme got our students off to a good start spiritually.

Then we settled into classes. In September the older four students participated in an oratorical competition for Deaf youth of the island.  We were proud of each one for their participation. Especially proud when James took first place!

Everyday is an adventure when you are working with children and working for a Wonderful God Who works in mysterious ways to bring about His ends. PRAY for the challenges that arise and the wisdom needed to deal with them biblically.

Our new students have already gotten their XS sized gloves sweaty as we practice for events to happen in December. PRAY for the opportunities we have to present the handbell  and signing choir, the Deaf and our Lord Jesus Christ to church and secular groups in the coming months.

PRAY for our mid-winter work teams coming from Hanover PA in February and from New Jersey in March as well as several other visitors flying in from the North.  

PRAY for a multi-purpose worker to cover things like meal prep, errands, and lawn care. At this time, we are without a cook so we look forward to our visitors preparing meals head to be frozen for later consumption.  We are thankful to the mothers, grandmothers and kind friends who come to cook or who carry in meals for us.  

Thank Jehovah-Jireh – the Lord Who Provides!

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October 16, 1959 is the official incorporation date of the Evangelical School for the Deaf.  One weekend in early June, we were honored to have Gene Orcutt , one of the founding fathers of the ministry, return for a visit. The kickoff event of the weekend was a dinner in honor of E.S.D.’s 50^th anniversary on Thursday evening, June 11. There were many sweet moments including having former E.S.D. directors Pam Eadie-Mowbray and Roger Rawlings as well as former worker Fred Boldt along for the visit. My favorite was seeing our youngest student (at the time) present his teacher with an award – the future of the ministry is in good hands.

We don’t know exactly how many students have passed through the classrooms at E.S.D. or how many Deaf people attended summer camps or how many have ‘heard’ the Gospel because of E.S.D. and faithful workers led by God.  We have spent much time looking back - at the old building, the classroom building being built, the faces of the students then and now.  And we have spent much time praising God for His faithfulness.

E.S.D. is still growing and changing; facing new times with a God Who is not bound by time constraints leading new workers and new students into the classrooms. Every time we accept a new student, we accept a new commitment to provide a Christian education.  Our smallest and youngest student this year, Saúl, is 4 years old.  Our oldest and tallest student, James, is 17 and has been at E.S.D. since he was 6 years old.  Saúl should graduate sometime around 2023.  James hopes to graduate in 2011. It is our prayer that both boys will honor Jesus Christ with their lives.

                With your prayer support, we are trusting God that E.S.D. will be around to see Saul graduate. Thank you for praying with us.  Thank you for the part YOU have played in E.S.D.’s past, as well as in the present and future by serving our Lord Jesus Christ and each missionary and student through prayer and giving.

WORLD MISSION TO THE DEAF

celebrated 30 years of service to the Deaf community at their annual meeting on June 13.  Pictured at the top right are World Mission to the Deaf board members Frank Crampton, Don Smith (president), Harold Bennett, Kirk Dupre and Ross Ward. The meeting was held at the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf in Toronto and was a blessing to all in attendance.  W.M.D. continues to serve E.S.D. in forwarding funds and workers and providing counsel in ministry.

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Includes pictures of the students and their favorite Bible verse or a snippet of their in-class prayers.  We thought you may enjoy a glimpse into their spiritual development

"God dear,  Samson was strong and he pushed over the pillars.
 I see clouds.
Please help my mom.
Amen!"

Kioneyshka  (red shirt, third from left) age 6

My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11.  In the future, I hope to go to Gallaudet University.  I will get a job.  I will say to the Lord, "Thank You!"   - Kevin  age 14

"Dear God, Take care of me and my familky and the new baby too.  And please bring a friend my age to my class.  Amen!"  Larimar,  age 9

"Dear God, I like to ride bikes today. On Saturday there is no school.  The doors will be shut and locked and the gate will be closed.  Amen!"  Mizael age 6

*HANDS TOGETHER* "We went swimming and we cut the grass.  We wash our hands then we eat lunch!  Amen!" Saul age 4

My favorite verse is Psalm 88:1 & 2. Prayer is important because that is how we talk to God.  I love God; He gave me a new heart.

Kristian  age 13

My favorite verse is Deuteronomy 31:8.  God is always living in me.  I can be brave with God.  I will not be afraid!

James  age 17

My favorite verse is Psalm 32:11.  At school we sing praises to God and it makes me joyful.  I love God and Jesus is in my heart!

Johanely  age 16

Page 4 includes a reminder to PRAY.

And reminders to SAVE SOUP LABELS as well as BOXTOPS.

And to use GOODSEARCH and GOODSHOP  to bring in additional funds for the ministry.