July 2008
Dear Friends,
Now that schools are out, the weather is
hot, and people are looking forward to vacations, I am
reminded that the ministry here never takes a vacation.
Nine times in the Bible the words "summer fruits" are used.
Summer is a busy and fruitful time around Silent Word
Ministries. We are grateful for friends like you, whose
support helps us reach into the Deaf world throughout
the year.
Go Where No Missionary Has Gone Before
-- This week we received a letter from a Deaf man
incarcerated in a Missouri prison. He has gotten saved and
is avidly studying his Bible. He has graduated from SWM’s
Deaf Bible Institute and is looking for additional
correspondence Bible training. Also, an e-mail arrived from
a chaplain in another prison in Missouri, requesting help
learning sign language so he can teach the Deaf prisoners
there. We were glad to send study materials for both of
these men. Your gifts are helping people like this get
the training they need.
Teaching and Training (T.N.T.) Institute
- The T.N.T. is a correspondence program using
books and DVDs to teach the Bible and practical ministry
skills. This much-needed ministry will help Deaf people and
deaf ministry workers worldwide. These courses can go where
no missionary is able to go. Now under development are
courses for Bible doctrines and a survey of the
Old and New Testaments. One course is ready to print and
has already been filmed. Others are nearing completion.
Teachers include SWM missionaries Ted Camp, Jim
Bracelin, David Bennett, Reed Condra, and
me. Deaf Pastor David Mason from Columbus,
Ohio, has also agreed to teach. The Upper Room is now
finished, and it will be used for lodging for T.N.T. annual
meetings and other SWM events. Your gifts are helping
make all of this possible.
New Bible Atlas for the Deaf - For
several months Ted camp has been working hard on a new
Bible atlas for the Deaf. He is excited it is almost
done and ready to print. It is filled with pictures,
outlines, lists, charts, graphs, and much more, and will
be the largest manual at SWM! Supporting SWM helps get
good Bible materials to Deaf people.
Summer Meetings - This summer SWM
missionaries will conduct American Sign Language
Institute (ASLI) and Deaf Bible Conferences in NY and
GA, preach in deaf camps and retreats, present their
ministries in churches, and much more. Your support helps
us "go into all the [Deaf] world."
New Van - Thanks to Calvary
Baptist Church in Trenton, GA, for recently donating
a cargo van. This will greatly help with transporting
the Silent Word Newspaper and with many other chores around
SWM.
Salvation Decisions - To date there
have been 72 salvation decisions through all areas of
our ministry. Our goal is to reach and to teach Deaf people
with the Gospel. Your investment in SWM helps accomplish
the Great Commission with the Deaf world.
As you can see, summer is a busy time at
SWM. We realize it is through your sacrifice and prayer that
our unique missionary ministry is possible. Thank you for
partnering with us to reach Deaf people for Christ!
For Deaf Souls,
Jon Barr
Help Silent Word Ministries
Visit our website:
www.SilentWordMinistries.org
Recommend this newsletter to a friend!
SWM Missionaries -
April
Report
Praise Reports
Jon and Diane Barr
are praising the Lord for a new supporting church!
Also Jon has been teaching several students from Harvest
Deaf College in Ringgold, Georgia about starting a Deaf
ministry.
David Bennett just finished filming a
doctrinal class for Deaf people. The subject is Angels,
Demons, and the Devil. This is one of several classes being
prepared for SWM's Teaching and Training Institute. Also,
Samuel Ngumthawn, whom David trained for Deaf ministry in
India, has been able to minister to many people in Myanmar
after the cyclone.
Reed and Donna Condra's
son, Ben, and the "M" Battery Marines
in Iraq are always tired from their very busy schedule,
but they are safe and well.
Mike Green preached the Gospel at the
Fantastic Saturday in East Northport, NY. It was a blessing
to see five Deaf people accept Jesus as Savior!
David and Cathy Harrison invite you
to visit their new website - www.lipreadingacademy.com.
They have been teaching lipreading, visiting many new
churches in the area, and attending meetings concerning
people with a hearing loss.
Marcie Rosales is praising the Lord
for a rent-to-own home in the Trenton area, and also
a reliable and economical car. Her old van gave up
the ghost.
Allen Snare had one person saved in
his meeting in Clinton, MD. Also, this summer he is
preaching several weeks of deaf camp at the Bill Rice
Ranch. There were 4 Deaf saved in the first week.
Paul and Rachel Strosnider saw the
Lord bless through the recent revival meetings with Dr.
Bob Shelton at their Deaf church in Missouri. One person
surrendered for service.
Bill and Eleanor Towner had 13 saved through their
field evangelism in the month of May! Please pray for
his three areas of ministries: Building construction, field
evangelism and Deaf Bible Institute program.
Prayer Requests
Jon and Diane Barr
will teach and train in the ASL Institutes in
GA and NY in July. Please pray for the Lord to
bring many who will learn ASL principles to improve their
skills and their ministry. Pray also that souls will be
saved at these meetings.
David Bennett is to teach a Deaf
Leadership Conference in South Africa in
September. Please pray for funds regarding this ministry
trip. He plans also to help start a one-year Internship
Program for missionary church planters this fall. Pray for
wisdom and direction. Continue to pray also for Christa
(daughter) who is in Brazil helping a newly - planted
church with children's classes, visitation, and music
program.
Mike and Kim Green ask your prayers
for Kim's parents who are having health problems. Please
pray also for Mike and Kim as they lead the Deaf Bible
Conferences in GA and NY. Pray that Deaf people will
learn to "Stand Strong for God."
David and Cathy Harrison plan to
attend the International Federation of Hard of Hearing
People in Vancouver, British Columbia, in July. They
will witness and share the Gospel through field evangelism
with literature distribution. Pray they will also learn more
knowledge in reaching their mission field of
hard-of-hearing people.
Allen Snare needs your prayers for
his busy schedule of summer camps for the Deaf. He is
preparing for a missions trip to South Africa in
September. Please pray for the needed funds and
for the Lord's working in hearts of people there.
SWM Missionaries needing more support:
Jon Barr, David Bennett, Jim Bracelin, Nicole Condra, Reed
Condra, Mike Green, David Harrison, Marcie Rosales, Paul
Strosnider, and Bill Towner.
Ted & Carlene Camp are strengthening the home base by
upgrading publications, writing new materials and preparing
the new T.N.T. ministry.
