It is with a slight sense of trepidation that I introduce myself as the new ‘Editor’ of Re:Action! Having joined BibleLands as press and PR officer just three weeks ago, I am still learning the ropes so writing this newsletter will be a good learning curve for me.
How did I end up at BibleLands? Well, just over 6 months ago I got married and moved to London with my husband. I was hunting for jobs and came across BibleLands and the rest, as they say is history – I look forward to getting to know you all! Please do keep in touch with me via emma.boucher@biblelands.org.uk.
I now hand you over to Jennie so she can explain where she is disappearing to….
As you may know, Caroline Rance, who used to write this lovely newsletter, went off to have baby George earlier this year (who, incidentally, seems cuter each time he visits us!). Well, I’m soon to follow suit.
My tummy is getting fatter, it’s harder to sit close to my desk… and don’t ask how I get my socks on each morning! I will therefore soon be leaving – but don’t worry, Emma Boucher, see above, is bravely taking on the responsibility that is Re:Action.
However, if you fancy trying your hand out at my job, we are currently advertising for maternity cover. Take a look at our website for the job description (it’s not all about writing this newsletter, you know!), and how to apply.
You’ll have to be quick though, as the closing date for applications is Monday 19th November.
Jerusalem
Volunteers’ Reunion:
Last Saturday, 10 November, saw most of the people who volunteered in
Jerusalem this July reunited for an all-too-short day. They had fun
reminiscing about the special people they had worked with and for this
summer, and laughing at funny memories.
If you were there and would like to return to either the Spafford
Children’s Centre, to do some more practical work, or the Princess Basma
Centre, to run next summer’s camp… you know what to do!
If you have not been on one of these mission trips before, and would
like to join us next July, please contact Jennie Watts, on
jennie.watts@biblelands.org.uk.
/ 01494 897931.
Or log on to our website,
www.biblelands.org.uk/volunteer
for more information.
The Deaf Unit in Cairo was founded by Clair Malik in 1982. The school began with only four students and two staff but soon grew to include a Deaf Club and Vocational Training Centre. BibleLands has supported the Unit since 1987, and gives a grant of £8,232 each year.
About 60 hearing-impaired students, aged between 4 – 6 years, study at the school. They all come from Christian families and most board at the School during the week and return to their families at the weekend.
The School teaches Egyptian sign language and spoken Arabic, followed by lip-reading and speech therapy. Parents are also taught sign language in order to communicate with their children, often for the first time.
The Vocational Training Centre is run mainly by deaf people for deaf people and offers the opportunity for young adults to be taught quality trade skills. The Deaf Club meets twice a week, providing a place where families can meet, help one another and pray together.
With BibleLands’ support the Deaf Unit created the first Egyptian Arab sign-language CD in 2006, which is now used internationally.
Right: A student at the Deaf Unit’s school, a man studying at the vocational training centre, and the club’s annual holiday
Greenbelt:
If you went to Greenbelt this August Bank Holiday, and if you visited
our stand – it was lovely to see you. If you didn’t go, or you did but
couldn’t find us, maybe next year…?
The weather held out, our intriguing display sparked lots of questions,
and all in all we had a great time. Roll on Greenbelt 2008!
The A-Z of Fundraising Ideas: I is for…
I’ll try and make these festive… somehow….
Icing – how about holding a Christmas café with some specially
iced cakes? You could personalise them for those coming along, or you
could even try and get the BibleLands logo onto them.
Ivy – as in ‘The Holly and the Ivy’. No doubt many of you will be
going carol singing – make sure you do so with great gusto! That way you
should be able to raise even more money.
Igloos – if the suggestions above seem somewhat tame, then how
about waiting for the snow, building an igloo and getting yourself
sponsored to sleep in it overnight.