| But we will give ourselves ... to the ministry of the word --- to Deaf people --- Acts 6:4 |
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*** Making a Difference in the Deaf World, One Deaf Person at a Time *** |
 Three Great Bible Questions
This is a generation of questions.
Why? What? When? How? Where? A long time ago, I remember our
foster deaf daughter asking me for something, and I said,
"No." She quickly signed, "Why ...Why ...Why?" Who
has the answers? If you want answers for arithmetic, you must go
to a math book. If you want answers about past America, you must
go to a history book. But if you want answers about God,
salvation, Hell, Heaven, death or eternity, you must go to
the Bible. Some people look for answers from psychics and
the stars. There are many cults who promise answers for your
spiritual needs, but they only offer false hope. There
are many religions and churches, but only one Gospel,
only one God, only one Jesus Christ, and only one Bible. You
cannot believe all people, because all can lie. Even you have
lied. So you cannot trust what you think. Why? Because
you can think it is true and still be wrong. You have
been wrong before, and you can be wrong again. Don’t trust
others, but trust God Who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Don’t risk
your eternal soul on opinions of others. A bumper sticker read,
"God said it, I believe it, and it is so." The Bible is true
whether you believe it or not!
A young Deaf girl in Michigan came to me
in tears. She cried, "I want to know the right answer, but I
am so confused. How can I go to Heaven?" She was confused
because so many people had told her many different
things. She wanted to know the truth. What is right and what
is wrong? What is true and what is false? It is my burden to
help Deaf people know the right answers. I want to be
sure I meet you in Heaven. God wants Deaf people to know the
answers to the questions of life. A person can think he is right
but still be wrong. "There is a way which seemeth right unto
a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs
14:12). One time after I preached, I returned to my pew and
slowly reached over to hold my wife's hand. As I reached out,
she pulled away and moved. I looked up and saw I was in the
wrong pew and had tried to hold hands with the wrong woman. It
was not my wife! I thought I was right, but I was wrong. There
are many who think they are right, but they are
wrong. Make 100% sure about your salvation! Be sure
you are saved.
Three Great Bible Questions
Question One
"If a man dies will he live again?"
(Job 14:14). The Bible answer is "YES." God made man
with an eternal soul that does not die. "And the Lord God
formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living soul"
(Genesis 2:7).
The body becomes old and dies, but the person
still lives after death. When an unsaved person dies, he
still lives. "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in
torments...and he cried and said...have mercy on me"
(Luke 16:23-24). A saved person may die, but he still
lives. "...to be absent from the body (death), and to be
present with the Lord (in Heaven)" (II Corinthians 5:8).
The Bible has the answer! If a man dies, Yes, "he
will live again, either in Heaven or Hell."
Question Two
"How can we know the way?" (John
14:5-6). The Lord told his disciples that He would prepare a
place in Heaven for them. Thomas questioned, "Lord, we know
not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father (in Heaven), but by me." Jesus is
the way, the truth, and the life. No man (includes
Deaf) comes to God but by Jesus. Jesus is the only
way to Heaven. Don’t depend on your church, or good works to
take you to Heaven.
Question Three
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
(Acts 16:30). This man wanted to know how to be saved. He wanted
to go to Heaven. He did not want to go to Hell. He did not ask
what he needed to do to join a church. He wanted to be saved.
Saved means saved from the penalty of sin and the punishment of
Hell. Paul answered his question. "Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). Are
you saved? If you died today, would you go to Heaven? One
hundred years from now, the only thing that will be important is
that you are saved. Do not "think so" or "hope so,"
but be sure you are saved. I want to meet you in Heaven.
The Bible gives the answer to all
three Great Questions! If you die, will you live
again? The answer is "yes." How can you know
the way to Heaven? Jesus Christ is the Way to Heaven.
What must you do to be saved? The answer is to pray
now and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins.
He arose to forgive you and save you.
Good news! The young confused Deaf girl
prayed and received Jesus Christ. She stopped crying and was
happy. She was no longer confused. Don’t be confused! The Bible
answered all three great questions. Now, what is your response?
Be as the Deaf girl and be saved now. Tomorrow could be too
late.
[ ] "I now pray and receive Christ as my
Saviour. I am now saved - Amen!"
Name _________________________
Send to SWM - We will send helpful literature.
 What’s
Up? Mountain Empire Baptist Deaf School
(MEBDS) in Bristol, TN graduated three Deaf children,
Ashley, Megan and Julia on May 9, 2008. All three will go on
to first grade at the school in the fall. MEBDS had 9 s tudents
last year. The school is accepting applications for Deaf &
Hard of Hearing children and the hearing siblings for the
next school year. Contact:Cathy Metcalf:
mail2cathyterp@aol.com DeafSchool@mebsonline.org
www.YouTube.com/MEBSDeafschool
What’s
Up? Dr & Mrs Bruce Kelly, Deaf Baptist Church,
Smyrna, Georgia, are excited to announce the engagement of
their oldest son, Paul, to Jenson. They are students
at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida, and
will graduate next May. The wedding is planned for the
summer of 2009. Congratulations!
What’s Up? Send us your news -
events - announcements - You Respond - We report!
What’s
Up? Deaf Evangelist Ronnie Rice has been
preaching all summer for Deaf camp at the Bill Rice Ranch in
Murfreesboro, TN. Recently, because of an injury last
December, he had to undergo surgery for a massive muscle
tear in his left shoulder. He must remain in a sling and not
use his arm for six weeks. It is not easy since his language
is with his hands. Please pray for him. Send cards of
encouragement: PO Box 23, Onancock,VA 23417 -
EM:idmontrack1@yahoo.com.
What’s Up? The deaf ministry at
Grace Baptist Church, Middletown, Ohio, pastor Roger D
Green, deaf leader Paul Margraff, had a special
Deaf Fellowship on June 7 with an attendance of 25.
Missionary/pastor Pete Leclerc from Crossroads Deaf
Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN was the guest speaker.
Contact: pmargraff@yahoo.com – www.grace-middletown.com
What’s Up? Congratulations to
Joseph Raymond Bayona (Deaf young man). He graduated on
May 30 from Columbus Baptist College, Columbus, Georgia,
with a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries degree. Pray
for him as he seeks ministry direction.
What’s Up? Missionaries to the
Deaf, Eric & Juana Quinlan, were commissioned
as missionaries by Harvest Deaf Baptist Church, Ringgold,
Georgia, pastor Dr Reggie Rempel, on Sunday, July 20. They
will be leaving for the mission field in the Dominican
Republic on July 29. Pray for them. Contact:
ericyjuana@yahoo.com
What’s
Up? Maxie J Roddy, age 98, passed away on May
27. She, along with her late sister, Louise Stiff, were
wonderful Christian ladies and dear friends of SWM. They
invested sacrificially in this ministry in Trenton, Georgia.
We honor their memory. They are missed!
What’s
Up? Pray for Deaf couple, Ray & Mary Short,
members of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Trenton, Georgia. In
March, Mary, as a result of diabetes, lost her sight. She is
living in a 24-hour care facility in Chattanooga, TN.
Carlene Camp (in picture) and Diane Barr, SWM, are helping
Mary learn Braille. Ray is adjusting to being alone and
visits her daily. Contact: 152 Poplar Street Apt A, Trenton,
GA 30752.
What’s
Up? Ted & Carlene Camp on board Holland
America’s Amsterdam cruise ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska. The
cruise was a gift from their children to celebrate
their 50th wedding anniversary (December 28). It was
a very special time because the whole family was together.
Sailing from Seattle, Washington, other Alaskan ports were
Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. They also visited Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada. Thanks kids. You are kind,
thoughtful and generous. We love you! Dad & Mom
What’s
Up? On June 24, Dr James David Grasty of Grace
Baptist College, Newton, North Carolina, visited Hampshire
View Baptist Deaf Church, Silver Spring, Maryland, to confer
on Pastor Terry Buchholz an honorary Doctor of Divinity
degree. This honor was in special recognition for Pastor
Buchholz’s faithful and hard work as a pastor for more than
21 years. Congratulations Dr. Terry Buchholz!
What’s Up prints news, announcements, & events about
Deaf ministries and community. Send us your news!
Fingertips
for InterpretersBy Jon Barr, CT
Interpreting From The Heart
Sign language interpreting requires a good
knowledge of the source language, in our case English, and the
target language, Sign Language. The message must be faithfully
signed so it can be clearly understood. But effective
interpreting requires more than just good sign language skills.
The spirit of the message must also be
communicated. The spirit of the message is the attitude
or underlying feeling behind the message. It is the
hidden message or the way the message is delivered,
not just the words of the message. One of an interpreter's
greatest challenges can be communicating the spirit of the
message. Effective interpreters allow the message to enter
their heart. They express the attitude and emotion of the
message as if it were their own. If the message is full of
passion, then passion must show in the interpretation. Attitudes
such as being complacent, sincere, angry, happy, thoughtful,
aggressive, shy, must show in the interpretation. The
strength of the emotional message, or lack thereof, must
be clear in the interpreted message. Facial expression, body
language, posture and poise, clarity and size of signs, eye
contact, and many other methods can be used to show the
emotional message and produce an effective interpretation.
Good interpreters not only communicate the message (the
technical part), but also the spirit (the emotional part)
of the message. Even when the interpreter disagrees with the
message or the spirit of the message, he must faithfully
interpret what he hears. When interpreters clearly communicate
the message of the speaker with the intended spirit,
the interpretation becomes much more interesting and exciting
to watch.
-- Signing Off!
Loaded With Blessings
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
with benefits (blessings)"
--Psalm 68:19a.
Everyone has problems and trials. They are a
part of life. Often, however, the focus of our lives is on those
burdens. Let me challenge you to take a day and focus on your
blessings. If a problem pops up, immediately put it aside.
Replace it with a blessing. Carry a notepad with you. Throughout
the day write down the blessings that come to mind. At the end
of the day, you will have another wonderful blessing when your
review your list. "Count your blessings, name them one by one!"
"Loaded
with Blessings" is the theme for the 22nd annual Deaf
Baptist Ladies Retreat (DBLR) which the ladies of Silent Word
Ministries and Piney Grove Baptist Church, Trenton, GA, are
hosting October 9-11 at the Chattanooga Choo Choo
Holiday Inn in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They are working hard
to make this retreat one of the best ever. Excitement is growing
because ladies have already sent their registrations from 13
states: Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nebraska,
Maryland, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, California, New York,
Tennessee, and Alabama.
Along with the benefits of spiritual, mental,
emotional and physical refreshment from God’s Word, you will
enjoy wonderful fellowship and fun. On Friday we will cruise the
Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat and enjoy
a special banquet luncheon. Write for a brochure:
DBLR
PO Box 889-Trenton, GA 30752
E-M:
2008dblr@deafladiesretreat.org
Website:
www.DeafLadiesRetreat.org.


Only...
How many times have we said, "I would do
that, but I have only...." What is it you have? Will you
yield it to God? In Old Testament times, many mothers wove
baskets for their families, but we have record of only one
basket that was used to save a baby’s life. Jochebed’s son,
Moses, was saved when she yielded him to God’s care (Exodus
2:1-10). Many young boys threw stones using a sling, but the
Bible tells of only one smooth stone that killed a giant.
God used David (I Samuel 17:49). In time of famine, many widows
probably had only a little oil and flour to make their
needed food. But Scripture records only one time when that small
amount was enough to feed three people for many days (perhaps as
much as two years). God multiplied the widow’s small amount when
she offered it to God’s servant, Elijah (I Kings 17:10-15).
In the New Testament, many young boys would
have carried their lunches with them as they went out for the
day. Some may have shared those lunches, but we read of only
one lunch that was used to feed more than 5,000 people. The
young boy who offered it must have been surprised to see what
Jesus did with his small sacrifice (John 6:1-13). Many women in
Bible times would have sewn clothes for themselves and their
families. But Scripture tells only one story of a woman, Dorcas,
who was raised to life because of the good deeds she had done
with only a needle and thread (Acts 9:36-41).
When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt,
Moses gave excuses. God then asked, "What is that in thine
hand?" (Exodus 4:2). It was only a shepherd’s rod, a common tool
shepherds used to protect their sheep. It was only a rod,
but God used it in the hand of Moses to get the attention of
Pharaoh, to bring plagues on Egypt, and to part the Red Sea
(Exodus 14:16, 21). Today, the Lord asks the same question,
"What is that in thine hand?" You may have only something
small or only a single talent to offer for the Lord’s
use. Will you obey God and give "that" to Him? He will
bless it, multiply it and use it to accomplish more than you can
imagine.
Needed
More Good Deaf LeadersBy Dr. Reggie
Rempel BE
A GODLY YOUTH LEADER
-- I Timothy 3:1-7 --
Introduction: Paul gives qualifications for
youth leaders in the church. The young people will look up to a
leader who is a good example. Young people will always follow
the leader if he is following the right path of life.
I. Positive qualifications (vs. 1-2, 3c, 5-7)
A. He must be above reproach.
B. He must have one wife - be faithful to her.
C. He must be (vs. 2c):
1. Temperate -
2. Self-controlled
3. Respectable
4. Hospitable
5. Able to teach
D. He must be gentle with a well-behaved family.
E. He must be respected outside the church.
II. Negative Qualifications (vs. 3a,3b, 6)
A. He must not be a heavy drinker (vs. 3a).
B. He must not be violent (vs. 3b).
C. He must not be proud (vs. 6b).
D. He must not be greedy (vs. 3d).
E. He must not be a new Christian (vs. 6a).
Conclusion: I was a youth leader when I
was in college and church. I enjoyed working with young people.
They are very special people. As a youth leader, you can
influence the lives of young people for the rest of their lives.
I pray that the Lord will touch your heart about these verses
and apply them to your life. When you look at teenagers, always
remember that they are in their becoming years. Help them
to become who they should be for the Lord.
What
Means Words By Missionary Allen
Snare
Quench - means to put out a fire or
things on fire. The Bible warns not to quench the Spirit from
working in your life (I Thessalonians 5:19). Young
Christians can quench the Holy Spirit and seek to serve
the flesh. A mature Christian can grieve the Holy
Spirit because a mature Christian should know better. An
unsaved person can resist the Holy Spirit and refuse
to be saved. Quench also means to satisfy a thirst. You can
quench your thirst.
Quicken - This word means to make
alive (Acts 10:42; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15:36). A
person without Christ is dead. When he is saved he is quickened
by the Spirit and made to be alive in the Lord. Only God can
quicken an unsaved person.
Ransom - means to loose, set free, or
make a payment in exchange for a life. Someone may kidnap a
person and ask for a ransom in return for the person. The Lord
paid the ransom or price for the sinner so he could be returned
to God. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Saviour, God sets
him free from the penalty of sin (I Timothy 2:5-6) that is
placed on all people from Adam (Romans 5:12).
Reconciliation - means that someone has been completely
changed from one position to another. All without Christ are far
from God, but in Christ, all are reconciled, and fellowship is
restored with God. Reconciliation to God can only come through
the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ reaches up to God with one hand
and reaches down to you with the other hand. He then brings you
and God together (Romans 5:6-11; 11:15; Ephesians 2:16;
Colossians 1:20).
Deaf
Missions Report
Missionaries to the Deaf
Send Us Your Reports.
We will share Them with Our Readers!
You Respond - We Report!
Ukraine - Bob & Judy Van Sant report that
it is exciting to be home on furlough. They have traveled 6,200
miles. Pastor Slava and Robert Fuller were also in America
traveling together to meetings. They attended DBFA in Oklahoma.
The deaf church in Simferopol is under the direction of David
Sloan while the Van Sants are on furlough. Last month two were
saved, later Tatyana a Russian Jew was also saved. The church
will baptize eight new converts. The Van Sants are enjoying
having some time with their children and grandchildren. His
schedule is filled through August. Contact: Stateside Phone:
563-508-1888.
Mexico - Gary & Ann Layne report
that Gary was slowly becoming sick. One morning he awoke with
pains in his lower abdomen. He was taken to the emergency room.
He had gall bladder problems. His gall bladder had swollen and
it had to be reduced before it could be removed. Their
established church in Guadalajara continues to do well under new
leadership. They are praying about two different cities before
they start a new deaf ministry in Mexico. Pray for their
restored health and God’s direction for a new deaf church in
Mexico. Contact: annmex52@yahoo.com Tel: (304) 727-4795.
Philippines - Bob & Brenda Himes
report that they have returned to the Philippines after five
weeks in the states. They attended the graduations of their two
daughters, Danita and Debbie. They also saw Danita become Mrs.
Charles Spargur in Painesville, Ohio. Pray that they will have
open teaching doors to a large deaf school in Pasay City.
Also they hope to minister in a small deaf school in Las Pinas.
Pray for the Deaf Bible School in Manila and funds for a much
needed Riso printer. New address: PO Box 2401 MCPO - 1264
Makati, Philippines. EM:behimes6100@yahoo.com.
USA - Phyllis J. Skaggs continues
to serve the Lord after the passing of her husband, Ed. She
recently lead a woman to the Lord and also teaches a ladies
Bible class. This is her 45th year in the ministry. Send her a
card and include a special gift. Contact: 343 S. Fourth St. Apt
508 - Pekin, IL 61554 - EM: signingforsouls@yahoo.com.
(Editor’s note: Please pray for God’s
blessings and continued provisions for widows of those
who served the Deaf: Cathy (Bill) Rice - Susan (Ron)
Henson - Helen (Clifford) Smith - Sharon (Eugene) Bordean -
Velma (Vernon) Miller - Phyllis (Ed) Skaggs - Linda (Sonny)
Snell).
Ecuador - Deaf missionaries Raymond & Anita Bradley
- Now on furlough in states - During DBFA meeting Raymond
received a well deserved doctorate from Oklahoma Baptist
College - Congratulations Dr. Raymond Bradley.
SWM
InternationalInternational Director
- Missionary David
Bennett Twenty-first
Summer Deaflympics 2009
Place: Taipei, Taiwan (off the coast of
China)
Dates: September 5-15, 2009
Website:
http://www.2009deaflympics.org/en/index.php
Mascot: Taipei Green Tree Frog
Competition: 196 Events
People: 3000-5000 Deaf plus Interpreters
& Other Hearing
Opportunity: You can Evangelize Deaf from
Other Countries
Experience: You can Learn Signs from
Other Countries
Do you know where the first Deaflympic’s
games were held? In what year were the first Deaflympics
held? The answers are at the bottom of this article.
How would you like to be a part of a team at
the 2009 Deaflympics? Silent Word Ministries
International is planning to take a team of Deaf and hearing to
Taipei in September of 2009 to give the Gospel to people
attending the Deaflympics. We need you. Would you like to
give out tracts in different languages to Deaf from other
countries? Would you like to witness to Deaf from around the
world? Would you like to be a foreign missionary for 2 weeks?
"Go ye into all the world and preach
the Gospel." In Taipei, Deaf from many countries will be
involved in the Deaflympic’s games. In January 2005, more
than 3,200 deaf athletes and officials fromabout 70 nations
participated in the 20th Summer Deaflympics in Melbourne,
Australia. Of course there were many spectators there also. Many
more people are expected to be in Taipei for these Deaflympic
games! This trip could change your life. And your life could
have an eternal impact on the lives of other Deaf and hearing
from around the world. Make your plans to be a part of the SWMI
Team. Are you are interested in being involved as a team member
in Deaflympics. Come with me to Deaflympics - Join our
mission team!
Contact me at
davidbennett@swmi.org
Answer: The first Deaflympic’s games were in
Paris in 1924.

Deaf Can Depend On God
Sometimes you cannot depend on some people. Some times
salesmen will take advantage of Deaf people. I warn Deaf people
not to sign a contract until they fully understand what they are
signing. Also, I want to warn you that some Deaf and people who
understand Deaf are using the Internet to scam or trick you into
sending them money and promising to give you much more money in
return. Don’t do it! You cannot depend upon all people, but you
can depend upon God. Depend is almost the same as trust. Depend
means you can know and accept it to be true. You can depend or
trust God to keep His promises. I have learned to depend upon
some people to counsel me with wisdom. I have some people I
depend upon to help me with my car or finances. I have friends I
can depend upon to help me with work projects around my home.
Sometimes people will promise to help you, but they never do.
There are some people I know I cannot depend upon. I now leave
them alone when I need help. There are some people you should
depend upon and trust. You should be able to depend upon your
mate. A husband and wife should depend or trust one another. You
should have some good friends you can trust. One thing for sure
is that you can always trust God to do what He promises. You can
trust the Word of God to be true. "Trust (depend) in Him at all
times; ye people, pour out (tell God your problems) your heart
before him, God is a refuge (help) for us" (Psalm 62:8). In life
you depend upon a chair to hold you. You depend upon your car to
go. You depend and trust many things to help you in life, but
the greatest help is God. You can depend upon Him. I am Deaf,
and I have depended upon God many times. As a Deaf person, you
can also depend upon God to help you.
Because
We are DeafBy
Mike and Kim Green (Deaf Couple)
Booklet(D28) "Because We Are Deaf We Can’t..."
94. We can’t laugh at the same time the
hearing people laugh. The hearing laugh then later as the
interpreter explains to the Deaf they finally laugh. Then the
hearing people look funny at the Deaf because they laugh when
nothing is funny. Deaf and hearing almost never laugh at the
same time.
95. We can’t hold a
coffee cup and sign at the same time. It is a problem
to drink coffee and sign at the same time. When I talk to Deaf
friends, the coffee cup moves down and up. It spills on my hand.
Wow, it is hot! I then smell like fresh brewed coffee.
96. We can’t hear
our family speak. But Deaf can learn different ways to make
hearing family and friends understand them. The Deaf must be
able to communicate with everyone.
97. We can’t hear
the phone ringing busy. When we make TTY calls. The
operator tells us to stop typing on the TTY while she’s on the
phone. It bothers her ear.
98. We can’t hear
loud noises. You notice other people jump and look in the
same direction, but you don’t know why they jump.
99. We can’t know
when names are called at the doctor’s office. You have to
write "DEAF" on the patient application so they come to you when
your name is called.
100. We can’t understand cashiers.
The cashier will ask you for ID and driver’s license to cash
check. You are confused and think maybe your check is bad.

ISAAC
(His name means "Laughter")
His birth was promised to Abraham (Gen. 15:4)
Was born after Sarah was barren and doubted (Gen. 16:1-2)
Was born after Abraham followed Sarah (Gen. 16:2-4)
Abrahamic Covenant reconfirmed about him (Gen. 17)
Born after his father was amazed (Gen. 17:17)
God told Isaac's name (Gen. 17:19)
God reminded Abraham about Isaac's birth (Gen. 18:10)
Sarah doubted because of her old age (Gen. 18:11-12)
God again reminded Abraham (Gen. 18:14)
God kept his promise about Isaac (Gen. 21:1-2)
Isaac's name was given (Gen. 21:3)
Isaac was circumcised at 8 days old (Gen. 21:4)
His father was 100 years old (Gen. 21:5)
His mother laughed with joy (Gen. 21:6)
Abraham made a feast when Isaac was weaned (Gen. 21:8)
Isaac was mocked by Ishmael (Gen. 21:9)
Isaac's brother, Ishmael, was cast out (Gen. 21:10-21)
Isaac was willing to be offered to God (Gen. 22)
Isaac's wife was chosen for him (Gen. 24)
Isaac and Rebekah married (Gen. 24:63-67)
Isaac inherited Abraham's wealth (Gen. 25:5)
Isaac buried his father Abraham (Gen. 25:9)
Prayed for Rebekah to have children (Gen. 25:21)
Had twin sons born (Gen. 25:21-26)
Loved son Esau more than son Jacob (Gen. 25:28)
Lied about his wife Rebekah (Gen. 26)
Became very great with wealth (Gen. 26:13)
Was grieved because of Esau's strange wives (Gen. 26:34-35)
Was deceived by son Jacob (Gen. 27)
Blessed Jacob and Esau (Gen. 27:26-40)
Sent Jacob to Padam-aram (Gen. 28:1-5)
Died at age 180 (Gen. 35:28)
Buried by sons, Jacob and Esau (Gen. 35:29)
Chicken
Soup for the DeafBy Jim Bracelin,
Vice-President
God’s Sidekick
As we were in Western Pennsylvania for a
Fantastic Saturday with SWM (deaf) Allen Snare, we were visiting
many Deaf in the area. We both decided to visit a nearby church
in another town. Terry and I went together, and Allen decided to
meet us there. As we traveled, we happened to see Allen driving
in the wrong and opposite direction. We quickly turned
around and raced (don’t tell the police) back to find Allen. We
thought he was lost and confused. As we traveled we then saw him
in the other lane going in the right direction. We then
turned around to follow him. When we finally caught up to him,
we pulled beside him and signed to him, "What happened? Why you
go wrong way? Are you confused?." Allen looked and then showed
us his sidekick. He had been trying to use it and drive
at the same time. As he looked at his sidekick, he forgot he was
driving. Deaf people listen with their eyes so his eyes were on
the sidekick and not the road. Welcome to the new deaf
generation of technology.
Maybe you have not been focused in your communication to God.
Are you going in the wrong direction? God wants you to go in the
right direction, and He will direct your path (Proverbs
3:5-6). God is sending a signal to the Deaf with His
sidekick, the Bible. Have you read your email from God today?
 Out of the Box
Several potential deaf ministry workers
recently asked how they could be involved in the deaf ministry
even though they had no Deaf people attending their churches. In
some cases there is another good deaf ministry nearby, and these
people do not want to conflict with that ministry. Others may
not have the skill to begin interpreting their church services,
but want to become involved in the deaf ministry. Still others
are trying to start a deaf ministry in their churches. Is it
possible to have a deaf ministry without having Deaf people in
your church? Yes, but deaf ministry workers must take their
ministry out of the interpreter’s box.
The interpreter in our local church deaf
ministry is located in the front of the auditorium on the
pastor’s left. There is a special place for him to stand while
interpreting. One of the church members built a small platform
with a modesty wall around it to match the design of the
platform. We are thankful for the very nice place to interpret.
Some call this place the interpreter’s box.
Many church members are fascinated by the
interpreter in the church service. Often when the pastor says an
unusual word or phrase, many eyes look toward the interpreter to
watch the interpretation. It is common to associate a deaf
ministry with an interpreter. But much of the deaf ministry
happens before and after the church service, at homes of Deaf
people, in public Deaf gatherings, or other places – out of
the box.
Deaf Bible Study Class – Bible Study
classes are a very important part of the deaf ministry. Deaf
people usually learn more in a separate class than in an
interpreted preaching time. Ted Camp has often said he would
rather teach the Deaf Sunday School class than interpret in the
church service. Teaching God’s Word is vital in the deaf
ministry. The Deaf class happens out of the box.
Deaf Home Bible Studies – Some Deaf and
hearing people may feel awkward attending a church for the first
time. They may have had a bad experience in another church or
feel that going to church means they must join that church. Home
Bible studies can be an effective way to get unsaved and
unchurched people to study God’s Word. These less formal
situations provide opportunities to ask questions and
have open discussions about Bible truths. One of
the goals of these studies is to lead people to Christ and to
help them eventually get involved in a good, Bible-believing
church. Conducting these studies is scriptural (Acts 5:42) and
involves working out of the box.
Deaf Fellowships – One of the most
effective ways to reach Deaf people with the Gospel is to go
where they are. "Go ye therefore and teach all nations,"
(Matthew 28:19). The early church took opportunities to go to
open locations where people discussed ideas, philosophies, and
current events. Often Deaf people are untrusting of hearing
people until they get to know them. There are many good ways to
meet and make friends with Deaf people. It is no secret that
Deaf people enjoy fellowship with each other. In many areas,
Deaf people, sign language students, and friends of the Deaf
community meet together weekly at coffee shops, monthly at a
food court in a local mall or regularly at traditional Deaf
Clubs. One church deaf ministry worker said he had more Deaf
people visit his church as a result of going to these
fellowships than from all of the house-to-house visiting he had
done in the last year. Attending and ministering in these
settings is working out of the box.
The wise deaf ministry worker will use these
out-of-the-box opportunities to build trust and
relationships which can lead to opportunities to
present the Gospel and discuss and teach Bible truths.
Working out of the box can bring people into
Christ.
Not all churches can have a deaf ministry, but most could
support a missionary to the Deaf. Let SWM be part of your
missions program. Let’s work together to reach Deaf people
for Christ!
2008 Fantastic Saturdays - Deaf Day Schedules
New: RID CEUs offered
Sep 06 - FS - Hope Baptist Church - Pastor Allen Harris -
Hanover, PA - Jim Bracelin
Sep 20 DD - Deaf Baptist Church - Pastor Bruce Kelly -
Smyrna, GA - Jon Barr
Oct 11 FS - Central Baptist Church – Pastor Jim Townsley
– Southington, CT - Jim Bracelin
Oct 18 FS - Capitol City Baptist Church – Pastor Daryl
Franzel – Holt, MI - Jim Bracelin
Oct 25 - DD - Liberty Baptist Church - Pastor David Mason
- Columbus, OH - Jon Barr
Nov 01 - FS - First Baptist Church - Pastor Bruce Dunford
- West Bend, WI - Jon Barr
Nov 08 - FS - Lighthouse Baptist Church – Pastor Jim
Doster – Gloucester City, NJ - Jim Bracelin
Nov 15 - DD - Valleyview Baptist Church – Pastor Volker
Stoeckmann – Northampton, PA - Jim Bracelin
Nov 15 FS - Bethel Baptist Church - Pastor Lloyd Donica -
Hampton, VA - Jon Barr
Help us make this the annual big
deaf event in your area.
Contact the local church for
registration - Look in the church ads for e-mail.
Must pre-register with SWM for CEUs - Advise
If You Plan To Attend
See fliers at www.SilentWordMinistries.org
 *Sign Language Associates,
Inc., an approved RID CMP sponsor, is pleased to
sponsor Continuing Education Units for
these events. These program are offered for (.5)
CEUs per session in the Content Area of
Professional Studies and has an Instructional
Level of introductory. Cancellation Policy: If
you must cancel with less than 15 days notice
you will forfeit your registration.
Cancellations made with more than 15 days notice
will be offered cash refund of at least 90% of
the registration fee. A 10% administration fee
is assessed upon registration.
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Five Things You Should Know
1.
Know You need
to be saved because you will die.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death
by sin; and so death passed upon all men,
for that all have sinned" (Romans
5:12). All includes you.
You will die!
2. Know You
cannot save yourself: "Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to His mercy He
saved us." (Titus 3:5).
3. Know only
Jesus can save you. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me" (John 14:6).
No one is saved
without Jesus. No One!
4. Know you must
pray and accept Jesus to save you. "But as many as
received Him (Jesus), to them gave
he power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12). Will you now
receive Jesus as your Saviour?
5. Know you need
to Do it now! Tomorrow may
be too late! "Now is
the accepted time...now
is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians
6:2).
[ ] "Yes, I now pray and
accept Jesus Christ to be my Savior. I believe He died, rose,
and is now alive to save me. I want to go to Heaven. Amen." --
"I know I am now saved."
Sign & mail to SWM - We will rejoice with you
and send more literature
Send an email to
office@silentword.org.
Tell us you received Jesus Christ as Savior. We
will send more Literature.
Please provide your postal address
Silent Word Newspaper
"The Lord gave the word: great was the company
of those that published it"
--Psalm 68:11.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to be a
newspaper which prints news items,
advertisements, and promotions from many different
people and areas of the Deaf world. Our newspaper is also
sent to many Deaf educational organizations and Deaf schools. We
do require all advertisers to agree with
our Baptistic Articles of Faith. SWM reserves all final
editorial rights and is not responsible for the accuracy of
information included. Naturally, we do not necessarily
endorse policies, programs or principles
of advertisers or of advertised materials. You can send for
a free copy of SWM articles of faith and guidelines.
Churches: We will send a free
packet of 10, 20, 30, or 50 Silent Word
newspapers to your church. Over 7,000 newspapers are now
sent to over 650 churches. Average total circulation is
over 14,000 with an estimated readership of 50,000.
Office@SilentWord.org - Our E-Mail
Policy - We do not respond to E-mails that do not contain
name, address and church. Please no forwards, graphics, or
E-Cards.
Copyright: We grant permission to copy
articles published in this paper. The article should not be
changed and credit should be given to this publication. – Editor
 INVEST IN silent Word Ministries
- Do your giving while you’re living ... So you’ll be
knowing where it is going!
Would you consider investing in our unique Deaf ministry with a
large gift or by remembering SWM as a
beneficiary in your will or insurance? We are a
non-profit tax-exempt 501(C)3 ministry. Send for articles of faith
and guidelines. IRS form 990 is open to public inspection. SWM is a
trusted ministry with integrity since 1966. Thank you!
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