Dear SWM Friends,
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Many fear the unknown. Yet, we know that God always knows all. Since March SWM has experienced amazing growth of outreach and influence. The pandemic multiplied our online ministry and has taken us to many countries and to many people where we cannot personally go. We began a 6-week “ Eagle Soar” program on Facebook/YouTube and posted 34 live or pre-recorded deaf ministry teaching or preaching videos. Allen Snare’s testimony received over 3,900 views! We also interpret some church services, which has been a blessing to Deaf people and deaf ministries. Responses: Thank you from Texas. I will take to heart this challenging message. • I was blessed. • Amazing! • I watch here in Philippines • I want Deaf Bible Institute • Thank you for helping me understand • I am deaf. I need to talk with you about saved. – We are excited that the Lord uses his unknown ways to make His Word known.
SWMB Mission Retreat – For the first time, the SWM missions retreat was postponed due to cautions taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our folks are scattered throughout several states, and some required testing because of contacts at other meetings. We look forward to the retreat in August 2021. The regular Executive Operating Board working retreat, which is conducted after the missions retreat, was also postponed. However, the Barrs and Camps met August 19-21 for two days of profitable transition training.
New Missionaries and Intern – On July 31 we welcomed new SWM International missionaries Monique Lindsey (special needs people, including Deaf – Liberia), Ben and Marie Muldoon (international ministry training center for the Deaf – Romania), and Carrie Whaley (training minimal language Deaf people – Liberia). Then, on August 10 we welcomed J.T. Gorham to the SWM Internship Program! J.T. is a recent graduate of Pensacola Christian College, preparing for full-time deaf ministry as pastor or missionary to the Deaf. Please prayerfully consider supporting these worthy servants of the Lord. (J.T. is committed to be with SWM through December.) – Congratulations! The new missionaries are now available for deputation and support: SilentWord.org/Team
Fall Meetings – Several of our missionaries are beginning to have more meetings as conditions permit. Please pray for all of us and for Fantastic Saturdays and other important meetings this fall.
Literature & Videos – When travel is limited, church meetings are restricted, and people are fearful of gathering, God’s Word is not limited, restricted, nor fearful. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Since 1966, Silent Word Ministries has given God’s Word to Deaf people in a simple and understandable way. We print, publish, preach, proclaim and post. When we cannot go physically, it is our privilege to use every means possible to make God’s Word known.
Thank you for investing in our unique, missionary ministry to Deaf people. SWM and SWM missionaries represent the Lord on your behalf as we take God’s Word to those whom others have ignored or overlooked.
We are here to serve,
Jon Barr,
President, Director of Operations
Praise Report
Jon and Diane Barr are thankful for the recent special time of direct teaching and training they had from mentors and friends, Ted and Carlene Camp. They also are thankful for those who have contacted SWM through the online ministry. One recently wrote wanting to know more about salvation.
David and Vicki Bennett conducted their 10th Deliberate Discipleship Retreat, teaching pastors, missionaries, and laymen how to disciple people who will teach others to disciple others. The Bennetts also praise the Lord for the recent birth of their 11th grandchild, Paisley Anne Murphy, born to Chris and Bethany (Bennett), Murphy.
Jim and Terry Bracelin had two meetings with a church in northwestern Pennsylvania. The meetings were great, and 10 people were saved! They were also involved in a missions conference in central Pennsylvania, and there was a wonderful response to the messages.
Reed and Donna Condra give praise for the projects they have been able to complete during the COVID shut-down time. Reed also conducted the SWM Deaf Bible Conference, with a total of nine sessions on “Living By Faith.”
Bud and Jenna Ring are thankful for the 11 Deaf, and at least 50 people in attendance at Revival Signs 2020. Bud preached each service, and God was good to meet with them. Because of COVID, Jim and Terry Bracelin, Allen Snare, and Ted Camp all gave testimonies by way of YouTube!
Allen Snare was blessed to preach for three weeks of Deaf Camp at the Bill Rice Ranch. Eight Deaf people made salvation decisions!
Paul and Rachel Strosnider report that in August, Ephraim Baptist Church for the Deaf was able to resume Sunday evening services in their church building. Their Facebook Live averaged 103 views for June and July. They also had a good 15th Anniversary service for the church on June 28. Jonathan Bordean, Deaf Church Planter, spoke, and 32 people attended.
Prayer Requests
Jon and Diane Barr have fall meetings scheduled in Virginia, West Virginia, and Missouri. Please pray for the Lord’s will and work in these meetings. The Barrs also appreciate your prayers for Diane’s family as her father recently passed away. He was a quiet, faithful servant of the Lord, with a great sense of humor.
Jim and Terry Bracelin request prayer for creativity in holding virtual meetings and reaching out from their home office. Pray for the meetings they have scheduled. Please also pray for Jim’s dad who is having health challenges, and is under hospice care at their home.
Reed and Donna Condra request prayer for Donna’s sister, Deb, who is now under hospice care.
Paul and Rachel Strosnider would appreciate your prayers for the church’s mission conference September 13-16. Bruce and Amanda Stuart will be presenting their ministry and speaking. Lord willing, the Strosniders will also be involved in missions conferences in three different churches locally.
Bruce and Amanda Stuart request prayer for travel and their fall meetings in Missouri, Texas, and Alaska. Pray for new meetings to be booked for the winter. And pray for great boldness as they seek to share the Gospel with those they encounter.
SWM is thankful for intern, J.T. Gorham, who has come to learn, help, and minister at SWM for about four months. Please pray for the Lord’s direction in his life and for his needed monthly support of $1100. If you would like to help with this need, please send gifts to SWM, designated “Gorham.”
Please continue praying for the development of the animated, signed, Gospel video that will be used as an evangelistic tool, especially in major Deaf events.
SWM Missionaries needing more support: Tabitha Beam, David Bennett, Jim Bracelin, Reed Condra, Larry Galyen, Bud Ring, Bruce Stuart, Rusty VanDonkelaar, and the SWM home office. Pray especially for and consider the new missionaries who are just starting deputation: Monique Lindsey, Ben and Marie Muldoon, and Carrie Whaley.
For IRS and Tax-deductible Purposes
All support or gifts should be made to Silent Word Ministries or SWM. Then designate “For………..”
