Recently, Paul Lehto, our now retired Director of Development, and I had the opportunity to visit H*VMI’s ministry in Ghana, West Africa. God is doing amazing things through that ministry even though they have so few resources.

The thing that stood out to both of us is the incredible dedication to the ministry among the H*VMI ministry team there. That dedication blessed our hearts.

For instance:  Joanna, the secretary for H*VMI Ghana, travels 3 hours in each direction from her home to the H*VMI office, Monday through Friday, to minister there.  She has been doing this for about 16 years – always with a smile on her face.

The H*VMI staff in Ghana grabs every opportunity and does an outstanding job bringing the Truth of God’s precious Word to people with disabilities on the streets of Accra, in the deaf and blind schools, at our own camps and even in a nearby refugee camp.

Our hearts were encouraged and at the same time burdened for those who are disabled and hurting in this needy country.

One of the properties H*VMI owns and operates in Ghana is a residence for children born to women with disabilities who live on the streets of Accra. There are approximately 30 children living there who are receiving the opportunity to get an education, learn a skill and get good Biblical training by people who love the Lord Jesus. These children also learn to recognize the value of their mothers by seeing them through God’s eyes and desire to minister to them.

The concern I brought home with me is for the residential facility itself. The roof leaks in so many places that it must be replaced. The water has affected the electrical system to the point that shocks have been felt through receptacles. The estimate we received from a trusted local worker is $12,600 in USA money to replace the roof. The problem is, the rainy season begins in April.

As you can imagine, I’m deeply concerned to the point that I’ve set up a special account here at the USA office for funds that could help cover the emergency need.

Would you please join me in praying that the Lord will answer, as only He can, to meet this need?

Share:

Ghana

To begin 2012, I am delighted to share my reflections on a very successful Christmas Deaf Camp 2011. Participants in our active ministry continue to flourish each year. We had 236 campers, from various villages and towns, mostly students, between the ages of 2-50 years old.

We are very fortunate to have our dedicated staff and long standing deaf campers now in leadership roles helping with Bible classes and chapel hours providing high-quality much needed services to our campers.

In one of our chapel hours, our Board Chairman – Rev. Yeboah Gaisie, spoke to an audience of 200 campers on Ephesians 2:8, “A Gift Sent By God”, which was our theme message.  Campers were reminded that Jesus was God in the human flesh, a “GIFT” sent by God to be the Saviour of everyone who believes this, repents of sin and receives Jesus in to their lives. After his message, an invitation was given. Have you done this?

• Six deaf persons accepted Christ, on the 24th of December morning chapel.
• After the Christmas Bible Lesson on the “GIFT SENT BY GOD”, several deaf young adults responded to the invitation to receive Christ as their Personal Saviour.
• Forty campers indicated that they wanted to accept Christ.

I asked Thomas Marfo, a pastor of one of the largest deaf churches in Accra, to come and talk to those who indicated they wanted to be saved. Each day after Bible lessons/Chapel Services, Brother Marfo met with 2-4 deaf campers. Some of these deaf campers do not attend church at all and mostly first-time campers. Pray for the follow-up of these deaf campers.

See pictures from the 2011 Ghana Christmas Deaf Camp.

Read more about the Ghana ministry in the Laminas’ newsletter.

Share:

It’s so hard to believe we’re already in 2012! It seems like only yesterday we were wondering if all the world’s computers would crash as we came to the year 2000. Time has a way of slipping away, doesn’t it?

Most would say it’s what we do with the time that really counts. However, another way of seeing it would be, “how have I seen God at work in the time He’s given me?”

When I see the challenges H*VMI went through over this past year (and there were many), do I see them from His perspective or mine? One leads to rejoicing the latter to despair. It’s all a matter of choice. Will I choose to see the Lord’s provision, protection and wisdom through the difficulties and trials He brings or cling tenaciously to the hurt, frustration and anger over the loss of my “rights”? I guess it comes down to whether or not I really trust in the sovereignty of God. For if you and I do, we can look forward to 2012 and beyond with great hope and expectation. Time, no matter how short or long it seems then becomes a gift, an opportunity to demonstrate His loving control in our trust no matter what to a watching, hurting world.

Share:

What a wonderful time of year filled with all kinds of ministry for H*VMI. 

Bible studies for people with disabilities in various locations, ministry in nursing homes and prison, support groups for parents who have children with disabilities as well as parents who have gone through the horrible loss of a child

Families who are hurting through mental illness and women who are facing incredible abuse — It doesn’t seem like a very happy holiday season for so many, but ministries like H*VMI are here to encourage and help these individuals through this especially difficult time of year.

We praise God for the opportunity of serving Him.

Over Christmas week, H*VMI Ghana will be conducting a camp especially for deaf children. Through the years we have seen many come to know the Savior through this opportunity.

Yes, it is a wonderful time of the year. We’re blessed to celebrate and present the reason for the season which gives all of us hope for the present and future.

Share: