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Vol. X, No. 4 [Issue 78]

A Christian Newspaper Dedicated To The Deaf

July-August 2008

But we will give ourselves ... to the ministry of the word --- to Deaf people --- Acts 6:4


Articles in This Issue
The Written Word - Dr. Ted Camp What's Up? - Deaf News Fingertips - Jon Barr, CT Carlene's Corner - Carlene Camp Diamonds from Diane - Diane Barr Deaf Leaders - Dr. Reggie Rempel What Means Words? - Allen Snare	For Your Information - Jon Barr, CT Missions Report SWM International - David Bennett The Deaf Can - Ronnie Rice Because We Are Deaf - Mike Green Search The Scriptures - Reed Condra Needed! - More Deaf Leaders	Chicken Soup for the Deaf - Jim Bracelin Fantastic Saturdays & Deaf Days Pictures In This Issue Kids Korner - Nicole Condra Spiritual Help Links
Download the Complete Newspaper - 4mb PDF \| Get Acrobat Reader
Ads (Page 6) - 118k PDF \| Church Ads (Page 8) - 53k PDF \| Ministry Ads (Page 11)- 324k PDF

*** 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 students 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 Interpreters
By 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 Leaders
By 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 International
International 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 Deaf
By 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 Deaf
By 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!

For More Links Visit: SilentWordMinistries.org

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."

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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

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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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