I have an exciting announcement. Browncrofters are sending out our first global outreach team since the pandemic began two years ago. And it’s our first (not last) trip of our centennial year!

A focus on local and global missions have been at the core of Browncroft since its founding in 1922. It is a special part of our history. We have seen over and over again that sending teams out to work alongside and encourage our partners in the field is beneficial for them and our congregation. Sadly, the pandemic halted our ability to send out teams, and that part of our ministry has been greatly missed.

But in March, that changes. We have a team headed to Senegal… a team you can help!

Senegal is a nation in West Africa near and dear to the heart of missions at Browncroft. Our church’s passion for the unreached Wolof people there started over 20 years ago, and we are grateful for long relationships with several outreach partners who serve that community.

Rob and Marta Tawney have been Browncrofters for the last ten years, and they are active members of our church’s Deaf community. They are headed to Senegal in mid-March to teach videography, photography, and editing skills to the students at the ERS Deaf School. This is one of the schools in Senegal (along with Georges Flattery School and the Women’s Training Center) at which Browncrofters sponsor students through our partner, Go On The Mission.

Rob actually went to ERS back in 2019 with our first-ever Deaf team to Senegal. He now gets the joy of going back and visiting the kids he hasn’t seen in years — this time with his wife!

So how can you help?

Well, Rob had a fundraising idea. He wanted to host a basic American Sign Language (ASL) class at church for those who might be interested in learning. Here’s the idea in is own words:

Browncroft is committed to being a welcoming community to the large Deaf population in Rochester, and ASL interpretation has been embedded in our services for a long time. That being said, the majority of Browncroft’s congregation is hearing, and many of us do not know ASL. We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to teach some basic ASL, while also getting excited for the Tawneys’ trip to Senegal.

So we’re doing it!

This learning opportunity will consist of two classes held on two Sunday mornings — February 13 and February 20. Both will take place from 9:00am -10:15am in Room A8 at Browncroft. We are suggesting a donation of $25 to attend – gifts that will go entirely to support Rob & Marta’s trip.

We have 30 spots available for this first round of classes, so please click the button below to sign up today!.

By the way, if you aren’t able to attend this training, you can still support their trip by giving here. Also, know that we hoping to offer another such ASL training later in the year.

I am so excited by this opportunity to support both the Deaf and Senegalese communities. May the Lord be honored by this first trip of our centennial year!

Oh, and if you’re interested in learning about other upcoming trips with teams forming now, please contact me!