I was doing some research trying to learn the latest literacy rates for the Newcastle, South Africa area and was truly surprised by something. I did a google search for literacy rates for Newcastle, South Africa and to my amazement two of the six listings that showed were our own blogs from our missions hub blog page (the other four had little to do with literacy).
Two frames of thought struck me as the information popped on the screen. One it stated very clearly to me that literacy or illiteracy issues in that part of the world isn't at the top of the news and something not too many people are worried about.
Second, I could not help but be saddened that a group 500,000 people living in abject poverty and in dire need are so forgotten. On the other hand I feel honored and privileged that God has chosen us to bring encouragement, hope, love, light and divine attention to these wonderful Zulu people. No other missions organization at present are doing anything in this particular region a region that is desperate for the hand and love of God.
We are so grateful to Into All the World for believing in us and coming along side and ordaining us in this important mission. Would you please ask God what you can do to help us get there and fulfill what the the Lord is sending us to do. Whether it be prayer, monthly financial support, telling others or providing encouragement, we need you!
Blessings!
Dan
Help Needed for the Forgotten
Simmons 4 Africa
About Us
We are Dan and Deena Simmons who are currently serving in Newcastle South Africa for two months along with our sons Josiah and Micah. We will be leaving in March and hope to return as long term missionaries here by the end of 2012.
What are we doing?
Deena has 21 years teaching as a primary school teacher and she also has 11 years experience in reading curriculum development. She is working with a new Christian school here in Newcastle and is assisting with developing their reading curriculum, remedial reading and teacher training. When we return on a more permanent basis Deena will continue to assist the school with whatever is needed in regards to academic development, teaching and/or training. Dan has teamed up with local pastors in developing a youth soccer organization that will be centred around promoting the gospel to potentially thousands of children and giving these kids an avenue to improve their soccer skills and development. There are currently no soccer leagues or formal competition opportunities for youth in this area. Additionally, literacy in South Africa is low, especially in the more rural areas. Because of this we feel the Lord is leading to start a mobile reading workshop ministry we can take to mission schools, townships and rural locations in the northern KwaZulu Natal region. This workshop would provide reading materials, parent training and tutoring for youth free of charge.