Simmons 4 Africa
Literacy Outreach
We have an open invitation to work with the School of Industry While serving and living in Newcastle, we gained valuable insight into the urgent need for English literacy outreach among the children and youth of the area. Many of the children in Kwa-Zulu-Natal grow up speaking a prevalent language…
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Soccer Rules!!
It didn’t take us long before we realized that among the Zulu children and youth, soccer is king in South Africa. Seemingly everywhere you went, there were children playing soccer; in parks, vacant lots and in the streets. We were amazed to learn that there were virtually NO formal soccer…
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Ministry Highlights: Education
Our primary focus when we arrived was to discover what God had for us to do in South Africa. Our first contacts were with Shekinah Christian Academy and the Newcastle Baptist Church. Deena assisted the school in developing a comprehensive reading program for grades 1st through 3rd. Deena also…
MoreReflecting on South Africa
As our vision trip to South Africa comes to an end we have gained a fresh first hand perspective of the country and a far greater understanding of why God has called us here. Before we departed on this journey, many asked why South Africa. One gentleman even questioned why we would go the…
MorePraise the Lord!!!
Had a wonderful Sunday yesterday at Wycombe Farm Village. Deena was supposed to present to the children for Sunday School however, There were only a few children so she presented to the whole church. There were probably 15 children at this outdoor…
MoreBusy and Exciting Times
Two weeks to go here in Newcastle South Africa on this particular trip. So many exciting things are happening and lots to do before we pack up and go two weekends from now. tonight we are having the three teachers and their families from Shekinah Christian…
MoreOpen Door
On Thursday Feb 16 Pastor Seeva and I met with the Vice Principal and four others at the School of Industries here in Newcastle. This is a State operated school that educates high school age students with serious behavioral issues and those who have committed serious crimes but are not old enough…
MorePreparing for Full Time Ministry, By Dan Simmons
Our time here for this vision trip is coming to close in a hurry as so it seems. We only have three weeks left in Newcastle and we have a lot to accomplish before we leave. Deena is working frantically on ensuring the reading curriculum is in place prior to March 10, our last day in Newcastle.…
MoreGod's Work is Usually not Easy but Always Rewarding.
In John 6:28-29 the disciples asked Jesus what work the Father had for them. Jesus answered saying The work of the Father is to believe in the One He sent. On January 30, 2012 after being here four weeks, found out first hand that God's work is not always easy as we endured probably the most…
MoreOur Missions Blog is up and going!!!
We are happy to announce that our missions blog is operational. We will post ministry updates regurally along with pictures, videos and other information that applies to our mission in South Africa! Please stay tuned!!!
MoreSimmons 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.
Where are we?:
Working on Children & Youth with Into All The World in AfricaMonthly archive
- February 2012 (6)