The biggest Baptist event of the year returns to Blackpool this bank holiday weekend. Around 2,000 Christians will join together to praise God and enjoy time out, relaxing by the sea
With its theme 'A hope and a future' and a focus on massive issues such as climate change, it's bound to be a challenging and inspiring time for all who attend
You can also read on the website this week about innovative teaching at church schools in Uganda and a reflection on long-term mission by four BMS workers retiring this year
Baptists' future focus
A preview of what's on the agenda for the Baptist Assembly in Blackpool this weekend
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/35070
Baptist Assembly website
You can get updates during the event by going to:
http://www.baptistassembly.org.uk
Signs of hope
Aids, ‘sugar-daddies’ and rampant female illiteracy are not problems most British parents need to be concerned about when it comes to their children’s schooling. But in , church schools are partnering with the government to protect children from just these dangers – using signs. The ‘talking compound’ at Kakira Orphanage Primary School is a simple but creative method of urging a vital message on its students, some of whom are surprisingly young for such teaching, but very much at risk. It is called a ‘talking compound’ because all around the playground, phrases and messages are posted on signs
The messages aimed at reinforcing messages children have learnt about abuse and sexual safety as well as encouraging them to read.
From 'respect is healthy' and 'say no to gifts for sex' to 'test for HIV', 'avoid bad touches' and 'education is life', students are surrounded by messages positively reinforcing what they have been taught at their Christian school.
The talking compound is situated in the grounds of Kakira school, a three-hour drive from
Kampala
.
Found in very rural surroundings, with extremely limited facilities and resources, Kakira has just seven classes; four classrooms with three classes forced to use benches, blackboard and chalk under the trees.
The school is one of many that are being visited by BMS workers, Chris and Christine Leach. Chris and Christine are experienced teachers who have been working with the Baptist Union of Uganda (BUU) in Uganda since 2004 to co-ordinate and to upgrade their education programme for schools.Most recently they were involved in training teachers at Kakira in literacy, phonics, more effective teaching methods and in how to create their own classroom supplies, like alphabet charts and flash-cards.
Chris and Christine have been working closely with Juliet Gariwango, a BMS supported partner worker. Juliet is the BUU National Education Co-ordinator and she is already making a difference to the way in which Chris and Christine can develop an effective school support programme
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/35183
End of an era
Reflections from four BMS workers retiring this year after a remarkable 144 years' service between them
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/35057
Facing transition in Nepal
Sarah Pryor tells of her experience with mission children. Find out about children who are always on the move
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/35086
Dates set for next BMS Medical Team
Could you be a part of the Medical Team going to Bangladesh in November? Discover more about this opportunity
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/35107
Prayer updates
There are new prayer requests from BMS workers in Uganda and Albania, plus daily prayers about the Baptist Assembly (this week) and Nepal (next week)
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/prayer
UK job vacancy: Financial Services Team Member (part-time)
The small but busy Financial Services team is responsible for all aspects of the accounts system. Find out more about an opportunity to join the team and to download an application form
http://www.bmsworldmission.org/34332
