News from Development Companions International

June 2010

Greetings!

I have had an amazing visit back to America, but very different than the lemonade-sipping, deck lounging vacation I had envisioned. After the first week with family an amazing memorial for my father at Arlington National Cemetery, then
and an opportunity to perform in the wedding of some dear friends, God has provided many opportunities to share our ministry with various churches and individuals. Sadly I have been so overwhelmed with work, though, that I have missed the chance to see many of you. Let's hope for next time!

Can you read this? Half the women in Uganda can't, and they can't read at all. Here's a quick look at what we're doing in literacy right at the moment.

The literacy program is passing another milestone. We have published our curriculum. For this program I work in teams of local leaders and church members and together we actually create the content of our programs. I guide and teach, clarify vision, show them resources, and help them organize, but our local team members are essential in everything that we do. We have a few staff members, and we have our part-time literacy teachers. But we also work with teams of volunteers for each program. Our Literacy Curriculum Committee was charged with creating a fresh, original curriculum for our uniquely church-based community literacy classes.

They've done an awesome job.

On June 22 we will have an official launching ceremony of the revised curriculum, though we trained our teachers to use it this past January. We have also trained 16 teachers from two outside organizations in this curriculum and they are very excited about it. Those programs are supported by a great group in Oregon and another based in London, and we help to supervise them. These groups examined our literacy program and found that what we had created suits them perfectly. Pray that this model is successful and a great tool for extending our effectiveness.

We have needs. For the last several years I have had what I call a wish list. It includes a number of items which would greatly enhance our efficiency and effectiveness in ministry. As these items have sat on the list most have matured from "wishes" to "needs." Each item has a purpose and will help us tremendously in a specific way.

Please look through the list and see if any item jumps out at you. If it does, please consider praying that God will provide that item to us, and even if He may use you to bring it in to our work.

I can still carry things if I get them before Friday, and Alan Schell will be able to carry many items when he leaves next week (must have them by Tuesday evening.) Please call Phyllis Beggs (206-772-0203) to coordinate.

There are smaller personal items that I need, but you may contact me if you would like to see that list and are interested in helping with any of those.

We are moving ahead, fast and slow. We're ready to move fast and fast, but we need everyone's help. Pray with us, and run with us! God bless you.

May Grace and Peace be with you. -Jonathan