August 2008

Dear Friends,

This morning as I drove up to the office and saw the land and buildings, I paused again and thanked God for all He has given us. It has been a great blessing for Carlene and me, after being gone for thirty years, to return and have a ministry in our hometown. Trenton is where Carlene and I attended high school, dated, married, and began our ministry.

Today, we realize more than ever the leading of God to return to Trenton. It is here that a friend gave the land for the ministry. It is here that area volunteer teams built our three different buildings. It is here that friends and supporters nationwide provided for the ministry. It is here that the ministry is debt free and growing beyond our expectations. It is here that other missionaries became a part of our team. It is here that our many different ministries are head-quartered. It is here that we are now preparing for a new Teaching and Training Institute. It is here that God has provided for our every need in the ministry. Today, as I look back and reminisce, I feel that perhaps this ministry would not have been possible in any other place. God directed Elijah to the brook, "and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there" (I Kings 17:3). It was important for Elijah to be "there." Notice also that "there" is used several times. God directed Paul to Philippi and not Asia (Acts 16:6-7). I feel that the Lord also directed us to this place. I am so glad that we followed His paths. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). I am grateful that we are "there" - "here."

We’ve just finished our Trenton annual "American Sign Language Institute (ASLI)" led by Jon Barr and the SWM team. It was a really good conference with 105 in attendance from nine states. The SWM team will travel next to New York to conduct a camp for the Deaf as well as our annual Northeast ASLI, July 21 - 26. Missionary Jim Bracelin will conduct the camp and host the conference.

Pray for our Annual SWM Retreat, August 13-16, at Ft. Bluff Christian Camp in Dayton, Tennessee. This year we have three new families attending. They are considering joining our SWM team. This is always an exciting time for our missionary families to come together for fellowship, training and planning for the coming year. Our theme verses are, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Our mission board continues to flourish with a team that shares the same love and burden for reaching Deaf people. It is amazing to see the Lord using ordinary people who specialize in the unique ministry to the Deaf. As of July 15, we have had 121 professions of salvation from our many areas of ministry.

Thank you for your support and prayers which enable us to "give ourselves to the ministry of the Word."

Yours for the Deaf,

Ted Camp, Founder

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Praise Reports

Jon and Diane Barr represented Silent Word Ministries at the 29th Annual "World’s Largest" Silent Weekend in Orlando, Florida. Jon presented nine hours of workshops (most ministry interpreting related). The Barrs also made available many of the SWM Christian materials to help these workers become more effective in their local Deaf ministries.

Jim and Terry Bracelin are praising the Lord for the 130 they have seen saved so far in 2008! Recently five were saved during a Fantastic Saturday in New York, and eleven more were saved the next day in the morning services. Amanda led a girl to Christ in the home church’s youth camp. They also taught Sign Language via satellite for Virginia Baptist College. About 20 students from four different states attended. God continues to open doors for ministry and to give safety in travel.

Mike and Kim Green led the Deaf Bible Conference associated with the ASL Institute in Georgia. Twenty-four Deaf people enjoyed the conference and learned to "Stand Strong for God."

Marcie Rosales was involved with a missions conference in Alabama and updated some supporting churches in Georgia and Michigan on her ministry.

Allen Snare has been preaching for Deaf camp weeks at the Bill Rice Ranch. Through the third week, there had be 25 Deaf campers saved! His son, Justin, learned more about missions through a recent missions trip to Mexico.

Paul and Rachel Strosnider praise the Lord for a great Third Year Anniversary for Ephraim Baptist Church for the Deaf. Reed and Donna Condra helped with the special anniversary events.

-- Mark 16:15.