Dear SWM Friends,
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again;
wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” – Philippians 4:10
Whether you support Silent Word Ministries or one of the Silent Word Missionaries (SWM or SWMI), we rejoice to share God’s blessings with you each month. You may be interested to meet several of the volunteers who help make this unique missionary ministry possible… and help your mission dollars go farther into the Deaf World.
Other volunteers include more SWM missionaries, deaf students, and people from local churches, the surrounding community, and even from other states. We are thankful for those who “Come help us!” *Deaf
Meetings – This spring SWM conducted area-wide deaf ministry Fantastic Saturdays in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona, and California. Total Attendance: 456 – Deaf: 205 – Churches: 81 – Decisions: 32. Three SWM ASL Institutes and Deaf Bible Conferences are planned this summer in Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania (SilentWord.org/ASLI). Also, the Deaf Nation World Expo was officially postponed to 2022, so there is now more time to work on the Animated Gospel Video Project, which continues to progress slowly.
Special Foreign Missions Trip – David Bennett (SWMI) and Mark Coleman (SWMI Executive Committee and Deaf Ministry Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Schaumburg, IL), invested 4 weeks in Liberia visiting deaf schools; influencing Deaf leaders, teachers, and interpreters; and challenging hearing pastors, missionaries, and Bible school students with the need for reaching Deaf people. They also dedicated the new boy’s dormitory for the new deaf school in Ganta City. SWM is thankful for our partnership with International Partnership Ministries (IPM) who has opened the door for deaf ministry on many mission fields. Please pray for spiritually needy Deaf people worldwide. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
Thank you for your prayers and support! It is our privilege to represent you for Christ into the Deaf World.
We are here to serve,
Jon Barr,
President,
Director of Operations
- SWM is in need of a travel van for taking small groups to meetings. Please pray with us about this need.
- On the back of this letter are the SWM Mission Team prayer requests. Your prayers are appreciated.
Praise Reports
Jon and Diane Barr praise the Lord for the Fantastic Saturdays in Arizona, California, and Atlanta. Many people spoke of the encouragement the meetings were to them.
Tabitha Beam gives thanks for increased support and for the funds received for the Deaf Nation World Expo mission trip. Although the Expo has been postponed until 2022, she is looking forward to going next year. Currently, in addition to her many SWM responsibilities, she is enrolled in the Faith Bible Institute.
David Bennett and Mark Coleman (Deaf Pastor in Illinois) praise the Lord for a great mission trip to Liberia. They arrived home tired, but greatly used by the Lord.
Jim and Terry Bracelin praise the Lord for good health, good opportunities to serve the Lord, and consistent support. Also, Jim has completed all the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Ministry/Missions and will graduate in May from Veritas Baptist College. Congratulations, Jim!
Ted and Carlene Camp continue to be very involved in the ministry – writing, preparing, teaching, and mentoring. They recently enjoyed a very nice visit from their daughter, Karla.
JT Gorham has been involved with the SWM team for the Fantastic Saturdays in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona, and California. He helped in preaching for the Deaf, skits, and games. His enthusiasm, energy, and rapport with the people have been great additions to the meetings.
Ben and Marie Muldoon are grateful for the lessons learned on deputation and the overflowing blessings the Lord has given them – both financial and practical. They have been given clothes, books, and gift cards; taken out to meals; had churches provide places to stay; and had people fill their gas tank! They had meetings in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Allen Snare praises the Lord for his recent meetings – preaching and teaching in Georgia and South Carolina Fantastic Saturdays, preaching at Harvest Deaf Bible College, and preaching at a Deaf Revival at Ephraim Baptist Church for the Deaf (Paul Strosnider, Pastor) in Florissant, Missouri, where a Deaf lady got saved!
Paul and Rachel Strosnider are excited to report that Charlotte, a Deaf visitor at their church, was saved during their revival. Also, on Palm Sunday morning Abigail, their daughter, was baptized. That evening, Rachel led Abigail’s friend, Zoe (age 6), to the Lord – an answer to prayer and a result of Abigail’s witness.
Bruce and Amanda Stuart have left their home base, and are now full time on the road raising their support. They have had recent meetings in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Montana. They appreciate your prayers.
Carrie Whaley reports that during this year of teaching in New Bern, North Carolina, she has come to know and love her Savior more than ever before. Her students are also growing and expressing a greater interest in missions. She praises the Lord for answered prayer – her home church now has a new pastor.
Prayer Requests
Jon and Diane Barr ask prayer for the Deaf Baptist Fellowship of America (DBFA) meeting in June. Jon will be one of the 40 preachers/teachers and will lead the music. Deaf people will attend from all across the USA.
Tabitha Beam requests prayer for the salvation of two friends, a deaf lady and a hearing man. Pray also for wisdom for online witnessing opportunities through YouTube and social media.
Jim and Terry Bracelin ask prayer for the Northeast to open so they can schedule meetings. Pray for their video projects and unique openings to share the Word of God with others.
David and Vicki Bennett ask prayer for David and others who have another foreign mission trip planned in May.
Ted and Carlene Camp request your prayers for Carlene’s family in the recent homegoing of Carlene’s sister, Laura.
Reed and Donna Condra need your prayers for health and strength, especially for full recovery from COVID. Their lingering symptoms have included limited breathing, disrupted sleep, cramps, weakness, and loss of weight.
Larry and Diana Galyen would appreciate your prayers for their witnessing ministry at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, Florida (April 21 – May 4). Pray as they deal with many different people.
JT Gorham needs your prayers as he has “hit the deputation trail.” He currently is involved in several meetings in the West and has many other meetings scheduled throughout the country. Pray for effective ministry, safety, and the raising of his support.
Ben and Marie Muldoon ask prayer for Bobby, a Deaf man. They witnessed to him, but he did not yet accept Christ as Savior. Please pray also for the health and safe delivery of their little girl, due in May.
Allen Snare asks your prayer for him as preaches in June and July for the Deaf camps at the Bill Rice Ranch.
Paul and Rachel Strosnider ask prayer for Earl to be baptized soon. His baptism was previously postponed due to health conditions.
Bruce and Amanda Stuart desire your prayers as they move to complete deputation and begin language school this year. Their current promised support is at 57%. Would you consider becoming a part of their support team? Donations/Support can be sent to SWM, designated “Stuart.”
DeafNation World Expo mission trip. The Expo has been postponed until August 2022, but there is still much to be done in preparation for this mission outreach. Pray especially for the signed, animated Gospel video to be completed and to be a very effective tool in reaching Deaf people for Christ. Pray for many to be saved.
Please visit SilentWord.org to learn more about our ministry and our missionaries, or to donate.
