Summer camp brings the Bible to deaf children in MoldovaCHISINAU, Moldova — Working with children has become a top priority for the Interconfessional Bible Society of Moldova as the country’s weak economy continues to cause great hardship for many people. The number of children living in poverty is rising, and this in turn leads to many being denied education, food and clothing.
Within its mission to children, the Bible Society has been placing particular emphasis on those who are deaf or hearing impaired, recognising that these children can often feel excluded from mainstream society and that understanding the Scriptures may be more difficult for them than for hearing children. One of the main initiatives under the special Bibles for the Hard of Hearing program has been an annual summer camp for deaf and hearing impaired children from across Moldova. Since 2001, the camps have been providing these children with the opportunity to encounter the Bible message within a fun, friendly and caring environment. Many deaf and hearing impaired children find the long summer holiday difficult. They miss the contact with other deaf and hearing impaired children which they enjoy at their special schools, and often cannot communicate effectively with family members, many of whom do not know sign language. This is why the Bible Society’s summer camp is so valuable: it provides deaf and hearing impaired children with something interesting to do and brings them into contact with others in similar circumstances. Interspersed with activities including sports and games are sessions at which the children study Bible stories, learn about prayer and perform Bible-based dramas.
The success of the first two summer camps ensured that this year’s 10-day camp was very eagerly awaited by deaf and hearing impaired children across Moldova. Invitations had been issued to the children who had been chosen to attend, but on the day of departure others also clamoured to be allowed onto the buses sent to bring them to the camp. Many were turned away, but others managed by sheer determination to arrive at the camp. In total, 116 children participated in the packed program of events under the supervision of 24 volunteer leaders. The volunteers included 19 young people who are themselves deaf or hearing impaired and therefore fully understand the challenges the children face in everyday life. Each day was divided between sports, competitions, games and Bible teaching sessions, all designed to fill the camp with God’s Word and to meet the children’s physical and spiritual needs. Each child received a New Testament in modern Russian or Romanian, and those who committed their life to Christ also received two children’s Bible story books. A worship session every evening focused on the themes ‘The Promises of God and the Promises of People’ and ‘Meeting Jesus Changes Hearts’. “All the children were radiant,”
reports Bible Society Executive Director Anton Placinta. “The leaders
shared the love of Christ and helped the children feel special and taken
care of.” (WR 381/2 - 11.03) |
