Think & Thank

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20). Thanksgiving means giving thanks. It is a time to think and thank for all things. When I signed this to the Deaf, I put my left "index finger" on my head to sign "Think" then at the same time I signed "thank" with my right hand from my mouth. They saw both signs being used at the same time. I then had them to copy me and think and thank God for some things in their lives. It was a special moment that we all enjoyed.

This Thanksgiving we should think and thank. Think about what is important and what is not important. Think and thank that you can take a deep breath and enjoy the day. Think and thank that you can share another Thanksgiving time with family. Think and thank that you can think and thank because there are many who cannot. Think and thank!

A good friend, Eugene Bordean, who, because of cancer, was given only a few months to live, told me, "Every morning I awake I thank God for the new day and cherish it greatly." He learned the value of time in each new day.

He is now in Heaven, but he built many precious good memories with his family and friends. He used his time wisely. Time is one of our most important possessions. Think and thank!

You have enough health to enjoy another day. You have enough wealth to support your needs. You have enough strength to overcome your difficulties. You have enough grace to confess and forsake your sins. You have enough experience to learn from your mistakes. You have enough patience to continue until some good is accomplished. You have enough charity to see some good in others. You have enough love to care for people and not things. You have enough faith to believe in God even when things are dark. You have enough contentment to be satisfied with such things as you have. You have enough hope to look forward to the future. You have enough wisdom to realize that you did not make your journey alone. Others helped you along the way. You have enough gratitude to be thankful in all things. You have enough friends to share the journey with you. You have enough family to build many more good memories. Think and thank!

Think and thank God for things you do have instead of thinking of things you don’t have. There are many things that money cannot buy. Money will buy a bed, but not rest; books, but not brains; food, but not an appetite; cosmetics, but not beauty; house, but not a home; medicine, but not health; luxuries, but not culture; amusement, but not happiness. Don’t look at the things you do not have, but be thankful for the things you have. Learn to be content with your family, friends, church, job, life, God and the things that you have. It has been stated that it is not what happens to you, but in you that makes the difference. Learn that life is tough. Can you name one family without any problems? If not, why do you think you should be an exception or exempt from troubles? Happiness is a choice. Contentment is also a choice. Paul learned to be content (Philippians 4:11). Complaining is natural but contentment is not. You need to learn to think thankfully and be content.

What’s Up? Bethel Baptist Church in Sellersville, PA, will conduct a special Fantastic Saturday to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of their deaf ministry on November 22-23, 2008. Speakers include Jon Barr, Mike Green, and Don Chevalley. There will also be special service for the Deaf on Sunday morning. Everyone is invited! Contact Joan Vannatta - vannatta777@yahoo.com

What’s Up? Missionary/Pastor Pete Leclerc and Deaf Evangelist Clint Krugman, were ordained on July 20, 2008, at Sword Deaf Baptist Church, Mason, Ohio, Pastor Fred Adams. Pastor Dave Hanson (MO), Dr John Clark (OH), Rev Lawrence Shillingburg (WV), and Pastor Ron King (AZ), were part of the ordination committee. God bless you! May He use you to bring many people to Christ.

What’s Up? The third annual Deaf revival will be Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Bible Baptist Church, 4190 N Susquehanna Trail Rd, North York, PA. The theme, "Follow Jesus Christ’s Steps." For more information, contact Steve & Irene Radczenko - imbship@yahoo.com

What’s Up? Evangelist Nathan McConnell, Deaf Ministries Coordinator, Bill Rice Ranch, reports the Ranch had great summer Deaf camps with 270 in attendance and 42 Deaf young people saved. Deaf Evangelists Ronnie Rice and Allen Snare were the featured speakers for these camps. Make plans to attend The Bill Rice Ranch in 2009!

What’s Up? On Thursday, September 4, Ted Camp had successful robotic surgery for prostate cancer. Because of his good health, he was allowed to go home the next day. Ten days later the doctor confirmed there were no other traces of cancer and no need for further treatments or medication. He has returned to a limited schedule in the office and is preaching some in the local area. Long trips are not advised at this time. In a few months he is expected to be back to a normal and full schedule. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for his complete recovery. Contact: TC@SilentWord.org.

What’s Up? Lincoln Trail Baptist Deaf Church, Pastor Jeff Harris, celebrated their 2nd anniversary on September 21. They are currently meeting at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 170 Becnell Lane, Shepherdsville, KY 40165. Contact: www.ltbc.us

What’s Up? Deaf couple from Harvest Deaf Ministries, Ringgold, Georgia, Ruth Kohlieber and Michael Douglas, announce their engagement. Their wedding date is December 13, 2008, 5:30 in the evening at Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf. Congratulations Ruth and Michael. Pray for them as they continue to serve the Lord and each other. Cards may be sent to them at: 1314 Old Three Notch Rd, Ringgold, Georgia 30736.

What’s Up? Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf in Ringgold, Georgia, reports that their 19th annual Deaf Camp at Ft. Bluff Christian Camp in Dayton, Tennessee had 220 in attendance with 23 saved.

Dr Reggie & Kim Rempel extend an invitation for you to attend their 20th Deaf Camp next year, July 26 - 31, 2009. Contact: bimi.deafmin@juno.com - www.harvestdeaf.org

What’s Up? The 27th Liberty Deaf Camp was held at Stony Glen Camp, Madison, Ohio, August 10 - 15 with 128 in attendance. Deaf Pastor John Olson, Trinity Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL was the special speaker. Many volunteers helped in the camp. Pictured is the camp staff. Sharon Borden, Rev Darwin Smith, Kevin Kenreich, John Olson, Scott Briggs, Rev David Mason.

What’s Up? Deaf brothers, John and Justin Snare, sons of Missionary Allen Snare, will be students together this fall at Harvest Deaf Bible College, Ringgold, Georgia. Justin graduated in May from Harvest Christian Academy for the Deaf and will be a freshman. John will be a junior. They both have part-time jobs at Fed Ex to help with their tuition. Please pray for them as they prepare themselves to better serve the Lord.

What’s Up? A team led by Bill Kaufmann from Tabernacle Baptist Church, Orlando, FL, attended the ASL EXPO in Orlando on Sept. 13. Over 1,000 were in attendance. Steve & Joyce Houghton also worked with them. They handed out SWM Gospel tracts, Chick tracts and The Silent Word newspaper. They signed up 22 Deaf people for SWM’s free Deaf Bible Institute correspondence course. It was a great opportunity for getting the Gospel out to the Deaf community.

What’s Up? This article prints news, announcements & events about Deaf ministries and community happenings. Send us your news! It is a good way to advertise your ministry.

Examples Why English is Hard to Interpret Into Sign Language

Notice that these duplicate words have different meanings. Some sound different, but are spelled the same. An interpreter must sign the correct meaning, not just the word.

English is a crazy language. Sign Language interpreters have a mentally challenging job to make the meaning clear! – Signing Off!

Having a troubled heart means to be worried, anxious, fretful, and afraid. There is no abiding peace, and a constant state of turmoil and negative feelings prevail. Warning! A troubled heart can make you sick, angry, nervous, hard to get along with, unpleasant, depressed, bitter, sinful and isolated.

Who has a troubled heart? - Everyone! From time to time everyone will experience a troubled heart. Yet the Bible says in John 14:1, "Let not your heart be troubled..." Again in John 14:27b, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." These verses give hope. We can be free of a troubled heart. We can have peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you..." (John 14:27).

What causes a troubled heart? - There are many answers to this question. As individuals, we all experience problems that cause our hearts to be troubled. For some, there are major causes. For others, perhaps seemingly unimportant matters can be the cause of a troubled heart. The list is long. Then, our day-to-day frustrations, failures, disappointments, struggles, etc. cause us to give way to troubled hearts. But wait a minute! Though we have troubles and problems, there is hope. "Let not your heart be troubled..." If the Lord requires it, we can do it, "I can do all things..." (Philippians 4:13). What can help a troubled heart?

Live Right - It begins with a prayer that is found in Psalm 139:23 & 24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me..." Live your life according to the Bible. Do right! It is as simple as that. Be willing to face the sin in your life, confess it, ask forgiveness and go on with victory and peace. (I John 1:9; Philippians 4: 8-9)

Love Right - "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...and...thy neighbour as thyself" – Matthew 22:37 & 39.

Love the Lord by daily reading the Bible; having fellowship with Him; seeing His goodness; counting your blessings; faithfully attending church; praying; letting your light shine; telling others about Him; putting Him first in your life; letting Him control your decisions; realizing He is at hand; and rejoicing.

Love thy neighbor (others) by giving. Give of your money, time, and a listening ear. Write letters, make phone calls, send cards, encourage your husband and children and other family members, encourage your pastor & his wife and family, help the unloved, give hugs, do for and think of others. These actions will help you forget some of your problems and help your troubled heart.

Trust Right - "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.

Some things are bigger than we are. There is nothing we can do about many things that happen to us. Preachers, friends, and relatives can encourage, but sometimes there is nothing they can do. We need to put our complete trust in the Lord. Lean completely on him. We should not depend on our own understanding. Many times we can’t understand, but we can always trust. It is okay to question the ways of God but never His wisdom. One woman ready to commit suicide because of a very troubled heart finally said, "Lord, whatever, I trust you." This surrender to the Lord, saved her life. We can have peace that passes all understanding by simply giving up and letting the Lord handle our troubled hearts and control our lives. Trust in the Lord and the peace of God "...shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). I remember a time in my life when I was so troubled that I could not eat or sleep. My mind was frozen with fear and I was paralyzed with the "What ifs." I cried all the time and was unable to focus on life. Finally one night as I lay in bed dreading another night, I prayed and said, "Lord, I give up, I trust You." As soon as those words were spoken, peace, like a warm blanket, came over my soul and spirit. Peace comes when we believe and trust God. Peace comes when we surrender our helplessness to Him. Peace comes when our minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26: 3-4).

Hope Right - "...I (Jesus) go to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). Yes, our hearts may be full of trouble and sorrow but we have a wonderful hope. Life is short, and troubles may be many, but our future is bright because of the promises of God. Jesus is coming again. (I Thes. 4:16-18). He promised. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall here be any more pain: for the former things (troubled hearts) are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Are you struggling with a troubled heart? Do you feel overwhelmed, thinking you can’t go on? Surrender to God’s kind care. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust Him, and let Him give you His peace. He is the God of all comfort who can comfort us in all our troubles. "Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."

This is written because...I care. Carlene

Sand is small, loose particles coming from rocks or minerals. Today it not only lines the shores of lakes and oceans, but it is also used in many ways - making glass, concrete, and bricks; filling up sandbags used to prevent erosion (as when hurricanes pass through); making textured paint; loosening soil; forming sand traps on the golf course; and entertaining kids (and big kids!) for hours as they build sand castles. Sand may also be known for the way it can remove rough edges and make a smooth surface. Both sandpaper and sandblasting originally used sand.

Yet, another thing sand is known for is the way it irritates. It is so small (between 1/16 mm and 2 mm), but it can really annoy when it gets in your shoes or clothes. Just wear shoes on the beach and see how many times you have to stop and dump out the sand to prevent blisters forming. You probably don’t like that irritation, but there is one irritation from sand that can become quite valuable. Once in a while, a grain of sand will get inside the soft tissue of an oyster (or some other mollusk) and irritate that oyster until it forms layers and layers of mother-of-pearl around it. Over a period of time, a pearl is formed. The thing that started as an irritation from a grain of sand, became something fine, rare, and valuable.

Do you ever have things in your life that trouble or irritate you? Are there some people who seem to continually bother you? Perhaps your 2-year-old constantly asks, "Why?" Maybe you face problems with bills day after day. A friend may continually ask for your help, but not pay attention to your counsel. Perhaps your boss daily expects more and more from you. Your irritations can become treasures when you turn them over to the Lord and let Him teach you through them. Grow in those situations and let God show you the value in tribulation. "Tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts" (Romans 5:3-5).

Redemption - means to buy or to buy back. The Bible teaches that all people are sinners (Romans 3:23). Sin is like a chain that forces a sinner to do more sin (Romans 6:21-22). It is like being a slave to sin. Redemption means Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross and paid the full price for sin. The sinner who accepts Jesus as Saviour is free from sin and has redemption (Galatians 3:13). Redemption means Christians are forgiven and will not be judged for their sin (Ephesians 1:7).

Regeneration - means giving new life. Christians experience a spiritual change at the time of salvation. The Holy Spirit regenerates the Christian and gives him new life from God. The old way of living passes away and a new life begins (2 Corinthians 5:17). Regeneration is being born again (John 1:13; John 3:3,7; 1 Peter 1:23).

Repentance - means changing your mind and then changing your actions. Both repentance and faith are required for salvation (Acts 20:21). True repentance is being sorry for sin, turning from sin, and turning to God (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

Resurrection - means raising a dead body to live again. Jesus Christ died on the cross and was dead for three days. But he arose from the dead (Matthew 28:6). The apostles preached much about Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:24; 3:15; 4:10: 5:30; 10:40; 13:30; 17:31). The resurrection is a very important doctrine. Jesus’ resurrection means Christians who die will be resurrected to live with God in the future (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Ukraine - Bob & Judy Van Sant report that they have arrived home (Ukraine) with no problems. Pastor’s Slava’s daughter was married and the service lasted 11 hours (no joke). There were 85 guests for the wedding. At the last moment Pastor Slava was too nervous to perform the ceremony so he asked Bob to do it. After the wedding a string of honking cars followed each other for about two hours and finally stopped at a reserved restaurant where food was served for six hours (Ukraine deaf culture). The church recently had 61 deaf and 53 hearing in attendance. They are also making plans for the deaf camp again this year. (View pictures website: bobandjudy.net - New Email: vansant4deaf@hotmail.com.

Mexico - Gary & Ann Layne report that the Deaf mission survived hurricane Dolly. At one time they had 12-14 inches of water. During July the deaf had a Nation Deaf Camp with over 100 campers attending. There were 8 salvation decisions. Pray as they make repairs and clean up from the hurricane. At present no contact available.

Philippines - Bob & Brenda Himes (behimes6100@yahoo.com) report that they are now preparing a Bible school for the Deaf with Calvary Baptist Church in Dasmarines. They have several deaf who want to serve the Lord. Also they had a deaf young man saved at one of their baptismal services. He had never seen a baptismal service and asked, "What is that?" They explained to him about salvation. He was saved and asked, "Can I do that?" They are still in need of a riso printer to print Bible materials and lessons (need $2,500). Also pray about inflation in the Islands. Gas is now $6 a gallon.

USA - Islands - Keith & Jane Ford report that they have been very busy printing tracts and Bible materials. They are printing on two old printers and need a new one. Pray for more gifts toward the printing work fund. Keith also ministers locally at the Whitfield County Jail and Chattanooga Rescue Mission. He requested prayer for the Grand Bahama deaf ministries. Contact: PO Box 5532, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742.

South Africa - Chris & Lucinda Radebaugh report that the new Deaf Bible College has seven students. They also have weekly Bible studies at the School for the Deaf where eight students trusted Christ. The cost of living has skyrocketed. Gas is now $5 a gallon. They need a new video projector. EM: sol@signsoflifemissions.org.

USA - John & Henra Clark (clarkmin@juno.com) report his health has improved and that he is still on the go. He now assists at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. Contact him for revivals, meetings or a deaf rally.

Excitement is Building!

Excitement is building over the 2009 Deaf Olympic Outreach! SWMI is pleased with the initial response of people who have shown an interest in being part of our evangelistic team in Taiwan next year. I have had people from across the country ask for information as well as several commitments already made to going. Two Deaf evangelists have said they are planning on going with us. Deaf workers have shown interest as well. We also have had 2 foreign missionaries say they are planning on taking a team from their countries to join with us in this endeavor. What a blessing! Several others have said that they are praying about the possibility of joining with us.

SWMI is looking for more people of like precious faith and practice to be a part of this missions team. We need people who are members of fundamental Baptist churches and in good standing with their church. We need people interested in lost souls. We are looking for people who are willing to work hard. We are looking for both Deaf people and hearing people.

Responsibilities include manning tables of literature, distributing packs of evangelistic material, handing out Gospel tracts in different languages, and witnessing to people on the street. Some team members will be involved in church ministries on the weekends as well. This will not be a play time although there will be times of sightseeing and relaxation.

This will be a trip of 17 days. We will leave the USA on September 1 and stay until September 17 in Taiwan. I expect the trip to cost approximately $3000 per person. I will know more of an exact amount in the months ahead.

Pray for God to send us the right team members. Pray about whether or not God would want you to join our team. Pray for God to save Deaf people both during the Deaflympics as well as in the months following the event as much Gospel literature will go around the world in the hands of Deaf athletes, interpreters, coaches, family members, journalists, and Olympic fans.

101. We can’t hear burps. You notice other people looking at a deaf person and wonder why. Soon they smile and let you know that the deaf man keeps burping while he is eating. He was enjoying his food and the hearing were enjoying his burping.

102. We can’t go answer phone when we are sick in bed. When you are sick you see the light flashing on your TTY, but you are too sick to get out of bed. Hearing people use a wireless telephone and do not have this problem.

103. We can’t understand talk on television. You ask others to interpret what is happening. They become tired of trying to watch and sign at the same time. My parents were very happy when closed caption started on television. Now we can all watch television better. Deaf people listen with their eyes.

104. We can’t hear the difference in sound of the two words, Deaf and Death. When you are a deaf student at the school for the deaf you receive letters many times sent to "The school for the Death."

105. We can’t hear the ball being hit. Sometimes a foul ball is hit towards you and everyone runs. You wonder why and finally you feel it vibrate when it hits near you. Wow! A close call.

106. We can’t hear cashier. When she presses "open button," it sounds ding. Deaf person only can see it. Wow it is all $$$.

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).

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).

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

2008 Fantastic Saturdays - Deaf Day Schedules

New — RID CEUs offered

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 01 FS – Trinity Baptist Church – Pastor Fuller – Concord, NH – Jim Bracelin

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

Nov 22 FS – Bethel Baptist Church - Pastor Rob Campbell - Sellersville, PA - 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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"I want to go to Heaven. I now ask Jesus to forgive my sins and save me. I believe Jesus died, was buried and rose from the grave to forgive my sins... We are now saved" ... Calvin & Helen Capps, Virginia.

"Enclosed is a gift. We count it a privilege to have a part in your wonderful ministry in Trenton. Love in Christ" ... Larry & Phyllis Bishop, Illinois.

"Thank you for the ministry. It is a great blessing to me and our church" ... Mrs. Melody Okonski, Ohio.

"Send me free Silent Word. Also I want to enroll in Deaf Bible College" ... Roldan B. Reyes, Philippines.

(Thanks for the many cards - Ted Camp)

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