What is Evolution? The word evolution comes from the word “evolve.” The dictionary defines evolve: to develop gradually (slowly); to unfold; by natural process; to open out. Evolution means gradual unfolding or developing; growth; the scientific theory according to which the higher forms of life have gradually developed from simple and rudimentary forms. Rudiment means beginning; germ; imperfectly developed; or formed organs. An evolutionist is a person who accepts the evolutionary theory of evolution. The evolutionary theory is a belief that man evolved from a simple and beginning form of lower life.  Evolution is a scientific theory that man possibly could have evolved from a lower animal form (as an ape or monkey). Evolution still remains an unproven theory. Time periods are never stated exactly but evolutionists  use words as: possibly, perhaps, about, it could have been, maybe, it is thought and approximately.

After hundreds of years, the basic source of evolution still remains only in the mind and theories of man to explain the existence of life without a Creator. An evolutionist denies creation and  rejects the Creator. Evolution presents the first man as a cave man. Well, men have always lived in caves even until this day. Evolution presents dinosaurs and large animals that no longer exist. The Bible states the existence of several large animals which became extinct. “Dinosaur” is a modern-day name given by Evolutionists, but it is not the Bible name given by Adam. By the way, Noah did not need to put full grown animals on the ark.  Also  evolutionists continue to look for the missing link, and it is still missing.

What is Creation? Creation is from the word “create.”  The dictionary defines create: to bring into existence out of nothing; to originate; to make. The word “make” means to form things from things, but create means to make things from nothing. Only God can create; man can only make things from existing things. Creation was the act of bringing the world into existence.

Creator means One (God) Who creates.
To believe in creation you must also believe in a Creator. Without  God there would be no beginning.  The Bible is the only source to find creation. The Bible does not defend or try to prove creation. It simply states it as a fact, “God created.” The creationist believes in a Creator who created life. A creationist denies  evolution. 

Evolution vs Creation.
Since evolution is “a theory” that  states what could have or might have happened, we do not have any proven evidence  to print concerning evolution, but we do have the Bible to prove creation and disprove evolution.  What does the Bible simply teach?

Did Heaven and Earth Evolve?  Bible: “In the beginning God created (made from nothing) the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). 

Did Day and Night Evolve? Bible: “And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:4-5).

Did Land and Waters Evolve? Bible: “And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10).

Did Grass, Trees, and Plant Life Evolve? Bible: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass... and the fruit tree yielding fruit...and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10-11).

Did the Sun, Moon and Stars Evolve?” Bible: “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also....and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:16-18).

Did The Birds, Fish and Animals Evolve?      Bible:
“And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth... and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good... And God made the beast of the earth ... cattle...and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:19-25).

Did Man and Woman Evolve? Bible: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).

Bible Fact: God Created All Life. “And God saw every thing that he had made... it was very good....the heavens and the earth were finished...on the seventh day God ended his work...and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made” (Genesis 1:31- 2:1-2).

God created all life. Without God there would be no life. God created you with a living soul that will never die (Genesis 2:7). God created Heaven and Hell. God created a way for you to go to Heaven (John 14:6; John 3:16). You have the right to choose evolution (no God) or creation (God).  Choose God!

Write to me for more free information about how you can go to Heaven. I will send you some free helpful literature.    SWMinistries - PO Box 889 - Trenton, GA 30752

What’s Up?  SWM’s Paul Strosnider, Florissant, Missouri,  is engaged to be married to Rachel Pendl. The wedding will take place in January 2008. Congrats!

What’s Up? Deaf Pastor Kit Carson and his wife, Connie, have stepped down from their position at New Testament Baptist Church, Tucson, AZ.  Pray for them as they seek future ministry. E-Mail: Kitconnie@aol.com

What’s Up? Missionary Steve Parker and his family have established a church for the Deaf. It is Maranatha Baptist Deaf Church, 821 S First St, Austin, TX 78748.

What’s Up? Congratulations to Nick and Lydia Ng. They are parents of Kody Issac, born on June 16, in Greenville, South Carolina. Grandparents are Pastor Mark and Jan Coleman, Bethel Baptist Church, Schaumburg, Illinois. These grandparents, Mark and Jan, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 6.   E-M: mjcoleman77@juno.com

What’s Up? Trent Michael was born to Chris & Joy Waters on September 11, 2007. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. His grandpa, Allen Snare, and two sisters, Nikki and Rylie are very excited!
What’s Up? Pastor Brian Lievens  reports that after a year, the Deaf ministry at East Delavan Baptist Church in Delavan, Wisconsin, is doing well.  They have separate worship service for the Deaf. Twelve have been faithfully attending, and two have been baptized. Brian has established a web site, colossians110.wordpress.com, to encourage Deaf Christians to grow spiritually. The site has video clips of Bible lessons, sermons from Deaf preachers, sermon outlines, and written articles. Check it out! E-Mail:  Blievens@eastdelavan.org

What’s Up? Faithful Deaf friend, Earl Houston McCabe (57), Cleveland, TN, went home to be with the Lord on July 24, 2007. He, along with his devoted wife, Julie, was an active member of Shenandoah Baptist Church with deaf leaders, Dale and Cindy  Gillespie.  Even though Earl suffered many physical problems, he actively served the Lord and was a great example to all who knew him. Many Deaf friends attended the celebration of Earl’s life.

What’s Up? Pray for Jonathan Chevalley who went to serve in Iraq on August 28, 2007. He is the  son of  deaf  leaders, Don and Sherry Chevalley, Capitol Baptist Church, Annadale, VA. 

What’s Up? There  were 55 campers at the Deaf camp, directed by Don Cabbage, at Pot O’ Gold Ranch  in Texas. Thirteen accepted Christ. The attendance at Apache Creek Deaf Ranch, directed by Craig and Debbie Lang, in New Mexico, was 90 with 4 accepting Christ.

What’s Up? Deaf missionaries, Damian & Felicia Campbell, Jamaica, are praising God for safety from Hurricane Dean. Even though there was a lot of destruction and no electricity for two weeks, no one was hurt. Everyone joined together to help one another. They survived on canned food.  Pray for them as their lives return to normal.
What’s Up? SWM has  a lot of new merchandise and equipment for Deaf ministries. (See page 6 this paper). Visit web site for much more merchandise. You can order on line with credit card: SilentWordMinistries.org

What’s Up?  Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, TN, reports Summer Deaf Camps - Total number in Deaf Weeks - 194;  Total Deaf youth salvation decisions - 44. Their First Annual Deaf College and Career Retreat had a good attendance. Three Bible Colleges for the Deaf were represented. Make plans for next year, Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2008. Contact: billriceranch.org

What’s Up? Tampa Baptist Deaf Church will host their First Annual Deaf Women Conference, November 2 &  3, 2007.  Speaker - Sharon Bordean, Columbus, OH. E-M Jona Feliciano -  tbdc@tampabay.rr.com

What’s Up? SWM’s Jon & Diane Barr taught at the first Baptist International Outreach (BIO) Deaf Missionary Training week. The purpose of the training is to help Deaf missionaries in all areas of their ministry.

Fingertips For Interpreters
By Jon Barr, CT

How To Use An Interpreter - Using an interpreter for communication can be awkward for many people.  Most people have not been trained how to use an interpreter.  Here are some helpful tips that can be used and taught.

Meet with the interpreter beforehand if possible.  For group meetings, give the interpreter copies of the agenda or outline, and a list of difficult words or names of people to be used.

Allow the interpreter and Deaf person to suggest any changes needed in interpreter seating, lighting, or setting before the meeting.  Locate the interpreter so that Deaf people can see both the speaker and interpreter at the same time.  Avoid windows or bright lights behind the interpreter.

Provide good lighting for the interpreter.  If a darkened room is necessary for the presentation, a small lamp, spotlight, or flashlight is helpful.

Realize the interpreter is expected to keep all information confidential.

Limit communication with the interpreter.

Do not ask the interpreter to give his/her personal opinions while he/she is interpreting.

Do not ask the interpreter to omit anything.  Do not say things that you do not want interpreted.  The interpreter ethically must interpret everything he hears.

Realize that when the interpreter voices the word "I" or "me," he is voicing the words of the Deaf person and not the interpreter.

Be aware of the interpreter's needs, such as comfortable seating and access to drinking water.

Teach these guidelines to anyone in your church or business who uses an interpreter.  More helpful guidelines will be in the next issue.  

Carlene's Corner
By Carlene Camp, SWM Co-founder
           
Women in Leadership (Part III)

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” -- Colossians 1:10.

In today’s world there are many women in leadership roles, in politics,  in the home, in corporations, in the community, in the church and in Christian ministries.

Being in Chistian leadership is a great responsibility. Those looking to you will be effected by  the way you live your life, the decisions you make, and the example you are in all of life’s situations. In the first article we talked about women in leadership being women of distinction (special) which requires devotion to our Heavenly Father.  In the second article we focused on discipline. To be a successful leader, it is important that we learn to discipline our emotions, our tongues (speech), our conduct  and our bodies.
In this final article on women in leadership we will discuss dress and duty.

The late Dr. Lee Roberson was famous for his quote, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Certainly the way a woman in leadership dresses will influence those who follow. Christian women, especially leaders, should desire to glorify God in every area of their lives and most certainly in the manner in which they dress. The Bible has a standard for the way women should dress. I am not an authority on the Bible or an expert on women’s styles but I can understand what God expects of women and their dress. It’s all right to dress in nice clothing and to look attractive. I think God expects that. If we want to dress to glorify God, we must dress the way He has taught us.  Glorify means to give honor, reverence and praise. Here are some Bible guidelines that will help in making decisions when it comes to dress and appearance.

1. We are to dress according to our gender.  God made us female. We should dress that way.  In Deut. 22:5, Moses warns against cross-dressing. Neither men nor women should wear anything for the purpose of looking like the other. 
Our clothing should be such that no one would need to ask, “Male or female?”

2. We are to dress modestly, with shamefacedness and sobriety (I Timothy 2:9). The word modest simply means “decent and orderly.” A woman’s clothing should be decent, orderly, and in good taste.  Shamefacedness means to avoid extremes. A woman who has shamefacedness is ashamed to dress in any way that is not decent and proper. Sobriety comes from a Greek word that means having a sound mind and good sense.  This describes an inner self-control and a “feeling” that tells a person what is good and proper. In other words use common sense.

3.  “Abstain (avoid) from all appearance of evil” (I Thess. 5:22). Our dress can give an appearance of evil. In Proverbs and in other parts of the Bible a description of dress is given of a prostitute. Look on the city streets. You will see girls and women dressed in an evil, seductive way. Do you dress like them?

4. Realize that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God in our bodies. (I Corinthians 6:19-20). After all, no one can see our  hearts  so whatever we communicate with our bodies (includes the way we dress) is the message that is received. When getting dressed or shopping for clothing, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Is it feminine?
2. Is it modest? 
3. Does it have the appearance of evil?
4. Does it glorify God?

If you will answer these questions  honestly and dress accordingly, you will be a leader who dresses to glorify God.  
A leader should be a person of duty. First of all you have a duty to yourself.  Often leaders are so busy taking care of others and their responsibilities that they fail to take time for themselves.  Everyone needs  some personal time.  Failing to do this, will lead to burnout and even health problems.  Be careful not to neglect your duty to yourself.

If you are married, you have a duty to your husband. He has needs that only you can fulfil (Eph. 5:21; I Cor. 7:5). Be careful not to neglect your husband. He should be first in your life and your very best friend. No career or leadership role should come before him.

If you are a mother, you have a duty to your children. Love them and train them. (Titus 2:4; Proverbs 22:6).

The Bible also teaches that we have a duty to our homes. We are to “keep” our homes and tend to the needs of our households (Titus 2:5; Proverbs 31:27).

Leaders also have a duty to their local church. Faithfulness is required in attendance, giving and  involvement (Hebrews 10:25).

Duty in a personal ministry is both rewarding and satisfying.  This could include mentoring, listening, visiting shut-ins, letter writing, encouragement, discipleship, etc. The Bible speaks much about personal ministries (Proverbs 31:20; I Corinthians 16:15).

If God has placed you in a leadership role, thank Him and give Him your best (Luke 12:48). 

This is written because I care!

Diamonds from Diane
By Diane Barr
           Gift

Do you remember how fun it was as a child to wake up on Christmas morning and rush to the Christmas tree?  You knew that soon you would get to open those gifts that were for you.  You would soon be playing with new toys and wearing new clothes.  Perhaps your memories of birthdays are similar.  You felt so much more grown up since you were a year older.  Maybe you dreaded everyone singing to you, but you surely looked forward to the cake and ice cream and,  most of all, the gifts.  How did  you respond when you opened those gifts?  Did you pout or fuss because you did not get the exact thing you wanted?  Did you get really excited about some gifts and then basically ignore others?  Did you sincerely thank those who gave you those gifts?  How sad it is that children today often respond without thankfulness. They have not been taught.  How much more sad when adults do not express thanksgiving to those who have given.

The Bible has many examples of people who gave.  The Queen of Sheba gave very valuable gifts to King Solomon to honor him (I Kings 10:10).  A widow gave her last two mites into the Temple offering (Mark 12:42-44).  Another widow gave sacrificially of her last meal and oil to make a small cake for the Prophet Elijah (I Kings 17:12).  Many from the early church sold their homes and lands and gave the money to the church (Acts 4:34-35). Abraham’s servant gave many gifts to Rebekah and her family (Genesis 24:22, 53).  Jesus gave sight to a blind man (Mark 8:23), hearing to a Deaf man (Mark 7:32-35), ability to walk to a lame man (Mark 2:11,12), healing to ten leprous men (Luke 17:12-14), and salvation to all who would receive Him (John 3:16). And how were these gifts received? Some responded with great joy, appreciation, and thanks; but others ignored or even rejected the gifts.  So, how do you respond when people give you things or give you their time to do something for you?   Be thankful and express that appreciation.  How have you responded to God’s gift of salvation which is still freely offered today? 

Accept Jesus and thank God for His gift of eternal life and sins forgiven.

Needed More Good Deaf Leaders
By Dr. Reggie Rempel
           
“BE A GOOD SHEPHERD”  Part I – “The Security” - John 10:1-6

Introduction:  I feel that I need to share with you about a deaf ministry.  I have been a Pastor for six years and I have noticed some things about deaf leadership.  It is very important to be like the Shepherd. The Shepherd will lead His sheep in the right way, God’s way.  Jesus is a caring Shepherd Who takes care of the sheep (his people).

I.  The Shepherd knows the sheep (vs. 1-2).
  A.  Sheepfold – Place of security (Matt. 19:23-24).
  B.    Thief or robber (Pharisees). The devil tries to destroy the sheep (Christians). 
  C.    The shepherd is the Lord  (John 9:36-38).

II. The Shepherd calls the sheep (vs. 3).
  A.    Watchman – Holy Spirit.
  B.    The sheep will listen to his voice.
  C.    The shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out  (John 10:14-15).
  D.    When you are saved, the Holy Spirit will be in your life to care for you. He will lead you (Isaiah 40:11; Psa. 23:1-4).

III.The Shepherd leads the sheep (vs. 4-6).
  A.    His sheep follow and know him (I Jn. 1:1-3).
  B.    Christians need to help one another follow the voice of the Shepherd  (John 10:27-28).
  C.    Be followers of Christ.  Follow means to listen to His words and His guide.
  D.    Shepherds are good leaders  (Ps. 100:3).
  E.    Leaders learn not to follow strangers.
  F.    Jesus wants leaders to follow Him and lead the sheep as a good shepherd (I Thess. 2:13).

Conclusion: Sheep cannot defend or protect themselves but depend upon the shepherd. Sheep need a shepherd to lead them to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23).

What Means Words?
By Missionary Allen Snare 

Jubilee - In Israel every 50th year was to be celebrated as the Year of Jubilee (Lev.25:28). A special trumpet blast called the people to stop all work for one year and devote that year to worship. It was a year to remember that God is owner of everything.

Judgment - It is used in the Bible as a time to judge things done wrong. A judge would decide the punishment for crimes. At least seven judgments are mentioned in the Bible: Judgment of sin upon the cross, Judgment of Christians, Judgment Seat of Christ, Judgment of self, Judgment of nations, Judgment of Israel, and the Great White Throne Judgment of the unsaved.

Justification - An act whereby the grace of  God declares a guilty sinner to become righteous (made right) because of the shed blood of Christ (Romans 5:9).

Lamb - The lamb is used as a symbol of Jesus Christ who became the Lamb of God, a substitute sacrificed to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Law - A rule or principle established and governed by authority. God is the Authority who establishes and governs His law. Law is a word appearing at least 200 times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, it also refers to the Mosaic Covenant and the Ten Commandments. The opposite of law is grace (Romans 6:14).

Deaf Teen Talk
By Dr Bruce Kelly - Deaf Pastor

What About Tattoos and Body Piercing?

The Old Testament view of tattoos is simple: Don't have them!  “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28). These words simply mean: Don't get a tattoo or body piercing.  This has now become a teen fashion as some have pierced eyebrows, belly buttons, lips, tongues, and noses. By piercing your body, you put yourself at risk for infection, disease, allergy, or long-term cancer, so please avoid it. Also, many later have regrets about tattoos and cannot erase them. A tattoo can be permanent. When I  was a teenager  I didn’t see much tattooing or body piercing. Now in  some churches I see many teens have body piercing. One reason is that it is now cool.  Another reason is that some teens want to be like those seen in movies or TV.  A few years ago as I was waiting for our boys at a Christian school I saw some teens in the parking lot. One teen girl was showing her lower back tattoo to some boys. Can you imagine? They attended a Christian School! Tattoos and body piercing can also hurt your testimony and influence for God. Christians should look and act like Christians. Naturally, there are some who do not have tattoos or body piercing who are wicked. Christians should guard their testimony and influence in all areas of life not just tattooing and body piercing. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (I John 2:15).   “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (I Corinthians 6:19-20). The Christian must ask, "Will this be harmful to my body? Will it hurt my testimony?" If the answer is yes.......it is wrong.  Don’t Do It!

Deaf Missions Report

Missionaries to the Deaf - Send Us Your Reports
We will share Them with Our Readers!
You Respond  -  We  Report!

Mexico- Jim Walterhouse - Jwalter@prodigy.Net.mx  Reports that they have finished their annual camp for the Deaf.  Attendance was nearly 100 with many new campers.  Some rode buses for two days to come to camp. Four received Christ as their Savior. Pictures are on website www.Deaf4Christ.org.  Also they need $5,200 to finish the roof on their new building.

USA - Jim Sloan - EM: Jsloan1@aol.com - Reports that he has now arrived in Varna, Bulgaria. Pray for two important meetings concerning the future of the Deaf ministry in Varna. He plans to go to Plovdiv next week.  Pray that God will call more Deaf workers into the field in Bulgaria.  He gives a special thanks for your faithfulness in prayers and financial support of his ministry.

(Join a SWM mission foreign team - Contact: Office@Silentword.org)

SWM International
With Missionary David Bennett

WHAT DO THESE MEN HAVE IN COMMON?

Barnabas, Titus, Silas, Timothy, Epaphras, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Luke, John Mark, Erastus, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Trophimus, and Crescens.

Each of these men worked as missionaries with the apostle Paul. However, they had different backgrounds, spoke different languages, had different levels of education, had different vocations, had different gifts and talents, and had different personalities. Yet God used all of them as missionaries.

The apostle Paul put together teams of men to travel with him to various fields and preach the Gospel. Their talents and gifts were all needed. Luke was both a doctor and an author and God used him on those missionary journeys. Paul, too, was very educated. However, John Mark was much younger when he began to travel and did not have as much education, maturity, and experience. Thus, he had some problems on his first trip but God used a humble missionary named Barnabas to work with John Mark and train him to later be an effective missionary.

God needs different kinds of people to do different kinds of ministries in different kinds of places. God wants to use YOU. He wants to use your talents, gifts, and abilities.

Where can YOU be used? There are several places around the world that are crying out for laborers to help them reach the Deaf of their areas. Maybe God wants to use you in one of those areas to preach to the Deaf and disciple them. Many Deaf  are still lost and needing Christ.

Maybe you could visit a mission field and see the needs that are represented there. Would you be interested in going with me to India, Brazil, or South Africa in the next year sometime? I am making plans to go to these places in 2008. Would you like to go along and see the “mission field” for yourself? Would you like to see the work that God is doing on these fields among the Deaf? Would you like to meet Deaf Christians in these countries?

Also, in the summer of 2008 there will be opportunities for you to get some experience working with missionaries in Peru, South Africa, and India.

Let me know if you are interested!

The Deaf Can
By Ronnie Rice

The Deaf Can Serve God

How Can the Deaf Serve God? -- Why Should The Deaf Serve God?

The Deaf can serve God. I believe that God has a purpose for the different deaf to be used in different ways.  God can use the blind, deaf and blind, crippled, handicapped, and Deaf people.  Deaf people are serving the Lord in many churches across America. Deaf men and ladies are being used of God.  The Deaf are good leaders in Christian work. Some are missionaries, evangelists, teachers, preachers, singers, ushers and faithful Christians.  Sometimes hearing people seem to be surprised that a Deaf person can preach.  Deaf people can serve the Lord in full time service the same as the hearing. We now have Deaf missionaries to foreign countries.  Vernon Miller (now with the Lord), a Deaf missionary established a Deaf church and school in Peru, South America. He was Deaf but he did it. If Vernon Miller did it, so can you. The Deaf can do it!

The Deaf can attend Bible colleges (see Deaf college ads in this newspaper).  I am Deaf and I finished Bible College.  If I can do it, so can you.  We need more Deaf people to give their lives to fully serve God.  God has a purpose for you.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).  You can do it.  Do it heartily with joy.  Be excited to serve the Lord. “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (verse 24). The Bible says “Ye serve the Lord Christ.”  Do it heartily!

This is an exciting time to serve the Lord. We are grateful for Deaf leaders who are good examples.We are thankful for John Clark, Allen Snare, Earl Brigham, Gilbert Branagan, Reggie Rempel, Fred Adams, Terry Buccholz, and many others who have been faithful.  If they can serve the Lord, so can you.  Do it!  Do it heartily, as to the Lord!

Because We Are Deaf We Can't
By Mike & Kim Green (Deaf Couple)

Booklet(D28) “Because We Are Deaf We Can’t...”

65. We can’t hear slamming doors. Sometimes, a Deaf husband slams the door hard as he runs to work. The neighbors hear the slam and watch him run and think he must have been mad and arguing with his wife.

66. We can’t hear plane announcements. The pilot announces that the plane is flying 600 MPH and it just passed over Grand Canyon on his left. You wonder why everyone is looking out the left windows.

67. We can’t give good instructions to hearing people. A stranger asked a Deaf woman for directions to Starbuck’s coffee house. She tried to speak and finally pointed to a store where he could get help.  He went into the store to buy coffee. It was not a coffee store. He did not understand the Deaf woman.

68. We can’t hear  voices.  The bank clerk asks you something which you don’t hear or understand. The clerk repeats very loudly, alarming other customers so that everyone looks as if you were about to rob the bank.

69. We can’t hear sounds or loud voices. While playing golf, you can’t hear “FORE” from the players behind you. So you wonder why others are ducking and there is another ball, just missing you and rolling on the green. 

70. We can’t hear hearing aid whistle. During church, people keep looking at you.  You smile and watch the interpreter. Finally, the interpreter points to you that your hearing aids are whistling.  Oooops! Sorry, pastor.

Search the Scriptures
By Reed Condra

EVE

Her name “Eve” means “Mother of all living”
First woman (Gen. 1:26-27)

Made in God’s image along with Adam (Gen. 1:26)
Blessed of God (G en. 1:28)
To be fruitful and multiply; have children (Gen. 1:28)
To be husband’s “help meet” (Gen. 2:18)
Made from Adam’s rib (Gen. 2:21,22)
Brought to Adam by God (Gen. 2:22)
Bone of Adam’s bone (Gen. 2:23)
Flesh of Adam’s flesh (Gen. 2:23)
Called “Woman” (Gen. 2:23)
Was “taken out of man” (Gen. 2:23)
Talked to serpent (Gen. 3:1-5)
Reasoned with serpent (Gen. 3:2-3)
Listened to serpent’s lies (Gen. 3:4-5)
“Saw” that the fruit was “good for food” (Gen. 3:6)
“Saw” that the fruit was “pleasant to the eyes” (Gen. 3:6)
“Saw” that the fruit was “to be desired” (Gen. 3:6)
“Saw” that the fruit was “to make one wise” (Gen. 3:6)
“she took of the fruit” (Gen. 3:6)
“and did eat” (Gen. 3:6)
“and  gave also unto her husband” (Gen. 3:6)
“Woman being deceived was in transgression” (I Tim. 2:14)
Blamed serpent for sin (Gen. 3:13)
Sorrow multiplied greatly (Gen. 3:16)
Would bring forth children “in sorrow” (Gen. 3:16)
Desire would be to husband (Gen. 3:16)
Husband would “rule over” her (Gen. 3:16)
Nakedness covered with coats (Gen. 3:21)
Sent from the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:22)
Mother of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:1-2)
Mother of Seth (Gen. 4:25)

Chicken Soup For The Deaf
By Jim Bracelin, Vice-President

When is it the right time to tell people how to go to Heaven?  I am told that the first thing my grandfather, Earl Franklin Gable would say to a person he met was, “How is it with you and Jesus?” My grandfather thought every person should think about his relationship with Jesus Christ. One day every person will confess that Jesus is Lord, but it would be nice if they would decide it today!  Many people struggle with witnessing for the Lord (I don’t think it is right to be combative,  when asking someone about Heaven).  Our answering machine gives the same message as my grandfather.  Then I quickly explain how you can go to Heaven. The phone is another way you can present the Gospel.  (It’s great for telemarketers too). Eleven years ago I played on the church softball team and became friends with one of the players.   One day as we were eating Chinese food, I asked him if he was on his way to Heaven.  I was able to lead him to the Lord.  I have also used funerals as a time to witness.   It is a great time to ask people where their souls will be when their bodies are lying in a casket.  I have seen many people, including a Funeral Director, respond to Christ at funeral services!  Weddings can be a good time to witness. Praise the Lord, we saw at least two people trust Christ during the wedding of our daughter and her husband.

The answer to the question about the right time to tell people about Jesus is … All The Time is a good time to witness for the Lord! As you witness look for openings to become a soul winner. Remember, you could be the last person to witness to someone before they go into eternity. 

Anytime is a good time to witness.

For Your Information
By Jon Barr, President

Commitment To Deaf Ministry

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

When I first learned Sign language and started in the deaf ministry I was involved and active in the bus ministry, the choir, and other church ministries.  It did not take long to realize that the deaf ministry takes a lot of time and effort.  After juggling several ministries, I finally realized the importance of Paul's words, "This one thing I do."  I resigned from the other ministries and committed to the deaf ministry.  Even though it would be several months before God called me to full-time deaf ministry, that day the deaf ministry became a priority in my life.

The deaf ministry requires commitment.  Pastors must  commit to the special needs of a minority ministry.  Workers must learn a new language and culture.  Attending Deaf social events is required to build trust and gain respect in the Deaf community.  Workers must enter the Deaf world, much the same as a foreign missionary does on his field.

A heart for the Deaf is required to have an effective ministry.  Having a heart for the Deaf means more than learning their language and culture.  It means fellowshipping with Deaf people before and after church.  It means attending Deaf social events.  Deaf ministry workers minister to the Deaf outside of normal church times.  They commit to the deaf ministry and seek opportunities to teach and train Deaf people.  Successful deaf ministry workers do not give up, but continue with the deaf ministry during difficult times.  
The deaf ministry requires sacrifice.  People often ask how long it takes to learn Sign Language.  There are quick “crash” courses to learn vocabulary.  There are two-, three-, and four-year college courses to become a professional interpreter. But the real answer is that learning Sign Language is a life-long commitment.  Sacrifice is required to learn the language effectively.  But just because a person knows Sign Language does not mean he will be successful in the deaf ministry.  Sacrifice of resources is also needed.  Often a church must provide transportation to the services.  The deaf ministry is a missionary ministry in your local area.  Some workers are helpers.  Thank God for helpers, but just as a missionary is called to a certain field or group of people, deaf ministry workers should have a call from God to the Deaf.  Many hearing people love Sign Language, but an effective deaf ministry requires a love for Deaf people.  Workers often sacrifice time to minister to Deaf people before and after church instead of fellowshipping with other friends.  Such sacrifice is joyful when there is a love for the people.  Successful deaf ministries are built with sacrifice.

The deaf ministry requires endurance.  Deaf people know that many churches have started deaf ministries.  But continuing is needed.  Sometimes Deaf people wait to see if a church will continue before they join the deaf ministry.  Some of the “old” deaf ministry workers never became skilled in Sign Language, but they love the Deaf and have continued faithful for many years.  The Apostle Paul said, “I have finished my course,” (2 Timothy 4:7).  The deaf ministry needs “finishers.”  Needed:  1) Workers who will commit to the deaf ministry,  2) Workers who will sacrifice for the Lord,  3) Workers who will not quit, but who will continue faithful until the end.  Worker, will you commit to the deaf ministry?