Tashaena Young, 1st Runner-up; Zorina McCoon, Miss Teen Cayman Brac 2008; and
Samantha McLaughlin, 2nd Runner-up.
A ten-member “Hands in Praise (HIP)” team from the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) in Jamaica performed for the students at the Cayman Brac High School on Wednesday, 7 May 2008. This was followed by a performance for all the primary and day care students at the same venue.
The group’s visit to Cayman Brac was the first in a series of Child Month activities planned for Cayman Brac, and was made possible through the efforts of the National Parenting Programme (NPP), which is responsible for this year’s Child Month activities. This visit to Cayman Brac was the second of two visits to the island by the group who noted that visiting for the second time made them feel like they were returning home.
The Motto of their school is “Deaf Ears, But Hearing Hearts” and traveling where opportunity invites, the deaf students present the Gospel in churches, schools, and colleges. A typical presentation includes signing to taped music, sharing personal testimonies, and presenting short skits. Their dedication and commitment is an inspiration to all that see them.
The HIP team was organized in 1982 to allow people to know about CCCD’s deaf children and their ability to demonstrate the character of Christ in their daily lives.
HIP’s first performance was seen by the high school students and Principal Adrian Jones was given the marvelous opportunity to welcome the team. HIP did mimes and signed touching gospel songs, which the students thoroughly enjoyed.
The Managing Director of CCCD, Donville Jones, gave a brief overview of the school’s activities in Jamaica and “taught” a little sign language as students were shown how to show their appreciation to the special group by hand waving with hands pointing to the skies.
The CCCD ministry began in 1958 with eight students and three staff near the present Knockpatrick campus in Jamaica. CCCD now ministers to over 250 deaf students and employs over 25 deaf adults. The schools are residential since most of the children do not live within close proximity to the institution. Dedicated Christian teachers trained in deaf education, many with years of experience, teach to the minds and hearts of the students and over 90 percent of CCCD graduates have given their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. Mr Jones said the students were special; however he was quick to note that they are normal in their thinking as any logical human. In citing one of his most memorable experiences, Mr Jones shared that what was most memorable for him occurred when one of his students graduated, and decided to pursue his career in becoming a pilot.
“The occasion was very touching as I heard he was a pilot for a particular airline and when I travelled with that airline I deliberately asked if he was the pilot for the flight and to my surprise he was,” he said. He further commented that he sent his former student a note and he told him to join them in the cockpit. “Everyone is made unique in the eyes of God and each person is special; you do have a particular role to play, but never forget to always give God thanks for how he made you,” said Mr Jones in his closing remarks to the children from the primary schools.
The team was taken on a brief tour of the Island, which ended with a visit to the Light House on the Bluff by Frances Jackson, a “Bracker” herself who volunteers her time with the group and plays the role of a liaison person for the group which operates in Jamaica.
‘They hear only with their Hearts…will you listen with yours?’
Anyone interested in supporting the school by sponsoring a child or financial support can visit their website http://www.cccdjamaica.net/  or for local contact please call Frances Jackson 925 7986 or email frani@candw.ky | 
