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SWM Mission Team Members

Reaching and Teaching the Deaf World for Christ

Leadership

Missionaries and Leaders

Picture of Ted and Carlene Camp
Founders Overseer

Ted & Carlene Camp, EOB

Dr. Ted Camp began preaching in June, 1963. He has served as pastor of three churches. In 1966, Ted was...

Dr. Ted Camp began preaching in June, 1963. He has served as pastor of three churches. In 1966, Ted was pastoring a growing church when Alvin Spurgin, a deaf man, sang “More about Jesus would I know”. From that time, Ted and Carlene began working with deaf people. At first, they printed a small newspaper, “The Silent Word,” as well as working with local deaf people. Later, they moved their ministry to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and served for 20 years with the Bill Rice Ranch. During that time, there was a high of over 1000 deaf people attending during the summer. In 1977, he was one of the first men to receive an honorary doctorate degree because of his literature and ministry to the deaf world.

In 1994, the Lord led the Camps back to their roots in Trenton, Georgia, to continue Silent Word Ministries. Their goal has always been to “Tell the Deaf more about Jesus.” Since then the ministry has grown wonderfully. Today Silent Word Ministries is a world-wide ministry, reaching many deaf people each year with the Gospel.

Picture of Jon and Diane Barr
President & Bookkeeper

Jon & Diane Barr, EOB

Jon and Diane Barr have been missionaries to deaf people since 1984. In 2000, they merged their missionary work with SWM and...

Jon and Diane Barr have been missionaries to deaf people since 1984. They are graduates of Bob Jones University. In 1976, Jon learned Sign Language from a missionary who came to his church in Florida, and later, became a certified interpreter. Jon and Diane were married in 1981, and served at Palm Springs Drive Baptist Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida, as Pastor to the Deaf and Christian school teachers under Pastor Loyal Carlson. Palm Springs Drive Baptist is the Barr’s missionary sending church.

In 2000, the Barrs merged their missionary work with SWM, and Jon Barr was appointed by Ted Camp to be the president. Jon brought his expertise in the areas of the Internet, videos, computers, Sign Language and Deaf ministries. He produces SWM videos, DVDs, and the web page, and assists in all areas of the ministry. Diane, his wife, serves as the bookkeeper, assisting in office operations. She serves on the Executive Operating Board. Jon Barr is able and qualified to continue the operations of SWM. The Barrs’ burden is to start deaf ministries, strengthen existing deaf ministries, and create materials which can be used to teach deaf people the Good News of God’s Word. Their two adult children, Rebekah and Joshua, also know Sign Language.

Picture of Jim & Terry Bracelin
Vice President / Northeast Director

Jim & Terry Bracelin, EOB

Jim and Terry Bracelin were raised in Christian families and received Christ early in life. They attended Lancaster...

Jim and Terry Bracelin were raised in Christian families and received Christ early in life. They attended Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, PA. They first met Ted and Carlene Camp during an evangelistic meeting at the Church of the Open Door in Westminster, MD in the early 80’s. In 1999, during a meeting with Ted Camp, God touched Jim’s heart with the need to reach deaf people with the Gospel. He later became a senior pastor at Calvary Bible Church in PA.

Jim and Terry now minister to deaf and deaf ministries in the Northeast, Canada, and the Ukraine as directors of SWM Northeast with their headquarters in Pennsylvania. Jim is an avid soul-winner and has been appointed by Ted Camp to be vice president of SWM. As missionaries, the Bracelins hold Fantastic Saturdays, evangelistic meetings with the deaf, start deaf ministries, and help existing deaf ministries. They are thrilled to be able to serve with SWM and to reach the Deaf world for Christ.

Picture of Rasmussens
Advisor / Assistant

Frank & Ursala Rasmussen, EOB

Frank and Ursala Rasmussen were burdened to start a deaf ministry in their local church, so they attended...

Frank and Ursala Rasmussen were burdened to start a deaf ministry in their local church, so they attended the Bill Rice Ranch Sign Language school in 1976. God began bringing Deaf people to them and they have been involved in deaf ministry ever since. In 1977 the Rasmussens began Custom Service Hardware in Wisconsin. The Lord has given them wisdom, a great desire to serve Him, and has blessed their business so they can now serve Him in many different ways. Frank and Ursala have a great desire to see more Deaf people saved!
David & Vicki Bennett
International Director

David & Vicki Bennett, SWMI

David and Vicki Bennett were first appointed as missionaries to the country of Brazil in 1979. Along with their family...

David and Vicki Bennett were first appointed as missionaries to the country of Brazil in 1979. Along with their family, they served the Lord faithfully in Brazil for twenty-five years. In 2004, David and Vicki joined Silent Word Ministries and opened up an international department with the goal of reaching more Deaf for Christ around the world. David speaks in missions conferences in churches and colleges, challenging young and old alike with the need of missions, and specifically with the need to reach the Deaf internationally. He travels to foreign countries, surveying them for Deaf ministry. He seeks new missionaries in the USA for these foreign fields where the needs are greatest and challenges many nationals to fulfill the Great Commission by also reaching out to the Deaf both in their own country and surrounding countries. David works with local churches to set up missions conferences and counsels churches as to how to improve upon their past conferences. David has led several mission teams to the Deaflympics and DeafNation World Expos. David and Vicki have 10 children. Their family is supported prayerfully and financially by local churches and Christian individuals who are burdened for lost Deaf people around the world.

Mission Team

“All the world” includes the Deaf!

Picture of Tabitha Beam
Home Office Missionary

Tabitha Beam

Tabitha Beam developed an interest in learning sign language through watching the interpreter at her church...

Tabitha Beam developed an interest in learning sign language through watching the interpreter at her church where she grew up in TN. In 2005, God directed her to take a mission trip to the Philippines to help with summer Deaf camp,where she met a missionary who told her about Silent Word Ministries. God used the trip to the Philippines to begin directing her into full-time deaf ministry. In 2009, she attended college in Nashville to study sign language interpreting.Since 2011, she has been serving at SWM as a home-office missionary who daily ensures that the ministry functions while others are in meetings. Some of her daily duties are answering the phone, handling all mail orders, sending missionary prayer letters, overseeing literature inventories, directing office volunteers, assisting with social media outreach & website upkeep. She also assists SWM missionaries, helping their ministries function more efficiently. In simple words, she serves to help others serve. Tabitha is involved in the local church deaf ministry and assists in SWM meetings. She also assists in SWMI team trips. Her sending church is Franklin Road Baptist Church.
Nicole Condra
Missionary To Deaf in Romania

Nicole Condra

Nicole Condra is a second-generation missionary to the deaf. She grew up knowing sign language and working with deaf people alongside her...

Nicole Condra is a second-generation missionary to the deaf. She grew up knowing sign language and working with deaf people alongside her parents, Reed and Donna Condra. When once asked about her specific call into deaf missions, Nicole thought and replied, “I don’t ever remember a time when God called me out of deaf missions.”In 2004, she was asked by leaders of Silent Word Ministries to serve as a home-office missionary. This she did for 6 years. Nicole resigned her office responsibilities in 2011 and focused on further training to prepare her for the foreign field.
Picture of Condras
Missionary to the Deaf USA

Reed & Donna Condra

Since 1981, the Condras have served with Bill Rice Ranch Missions, in the Bahamas, as interim pastor, and with deaf people...

The Reed Condra family have been missionaries since 1981. Their ministry has been quite varied, serving the Lord with Bill Rice Ranch Missions, with local churches in the Bahamas, as interim pastor, and, of course, with deaf people. In January of 1998, the Condras joined Silent Word Ministries. Through the years, the Condras have served in deaf rallies and meetings, local church deaf ministries, and deaf camp programs. Donna loves to work with children in conferences while Reed speaks to the deaf and deaf workers. Reed has been called “The Bible Teacher” at SWM, and he loves to make the Old Testament clear and understandable. The Condras base their ministry out of Morning Star Baptist Church in Whitwell, TN.

Mission Statement: “But We Will Give Ourselves … To The Ministry Of The Word … So Deaf People Will Be Saved … Families Strengthened … Churches Served” Acts 6:4.

Picture of Galyens
Ministry of Helps Tech Personal Evangelism

Larry & Diana Galyen

Larry and Diana are a retired couple who want to continue to serve the Lord in this season of their life. Larry has pastored three churches...

Larry and Diana are a retired couple who want to continue to serve the Lord in this season of their life. Larry has pastored three churches and served as a layman in many capacities of the church. Larry has also worked in the Information Technology field for 16 years, solving both hardware and software issues. Diana has taught school and homeschooled all seven of their children. Along with her computer and grammar skills, Diana will be doing a lot of proof reading. Larry and Diana are also assisting with SWM social media, website, and serving in evangelistic outreach ministries.

Mission Statement: Sharing the Word of God in the Printed Word, In Digital World, With our Hands From our Heart

J.T. Gorham image
Missionaries to Deaf, USA

J.T. & Rebekah Gorham

J.T. and Rebekah Gorham serve as Missionaries to the Deaf with Silent Word Ministries with a desire and passion for serving with children, teens, and young adults....

J.T. and Rebekah Gorham serve as Missionaries to the Deaf with Silent Word Ministries with a desire and passion for serving with children, teens, and young adults! J.T. graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2020, was ordained through his home church, and now travels in the U.S. serving in Deaf churches, schools, and camps while raising support on deputation. Rebekah’s burden and goal for ministry is to develop a video-based Christian Education Curriculum for the Deaf! Rebekah is Deaf and understands the great need for Deaf education as only 20% of Deaf worldwide have access to education.

After J.T. and Rebekah have raised their full support, they will continue to travel and serve here in the U.S. training young people for ministry and missions while also hosting youth rallies and conferences to share the Gospel and encourage young people for missions. While serving internationally, J.T. and Rebekah will be taking teams of Deaf and hearing for short term mission trips to give young people the opportunity to serve on a foreign mission field and become burdened for ministry and missions! Pray for them as they continue to raise support and serve in missions!

Monique Lindsey
Missionary to People with Special Needs - Liberia

Monique Lindsey

Monique Lindsey is seeking to "make a difference" in the lives of deaf or minimal language people in Liberia, West Africa...

Monique Lindsey was raised in Western New York. She made a profession of faith at a young age because of being reached by the bus ministry. After many years or doubting her salvation, she truly accepted Christ as her Savior as a young adult. Monique surrendered to God’s call to the mission field while attending Midwestern Baptist College in Pontiac Michigan.

After serving for seven years as a mission teacher in Puerto Rico, Monique became extremely burdened for students with special needs and learning challenges. This was a burden that began many years before with her first deaf friend at age 11, her first job with United Cerebral Palsy Association at the age of 18, and the sermon of a missionary to Ivory Coast, West Africa.

Upon returning from Puerto Rico, Monique learned of a Christian school ministry, Hidden Treasure Christian School, in Greenville, SC. At that time, it was the only Christian school for children with disabilities. She has been faithfully serving as a teacher and elementary advisor for nearly 15 years. At Hidden Treasure, it was one “unreachable” deaf student with Down’s Syndrome that opened her eyes to those who have never “heard” or experienced the love of Christ or the opportunity of salvation. The miracle of God to reach this child for Christ confirmed that “with God, all things are possible.”

Her burden is to answer God’s call to reach the deaf, individuals with special needs, and their families for Christ, in Liberia, West Africa. The mission is to "make a difference" in the lives of the forgotten individuals with co-disabilities involving deafness or minimal language. Through the love of Christ, she endeavors to teach them to know God, love God, glorify God, serve God, and train others to do the same.
Jude 22-23 " And of some have compassion, making a difference..."

Mission Statement: “Reaching the Last, the Least, and the Lost for Christ, in Liberia”

Ben & Marie Muldoon
Missionaries to Deaf Romania

Ben & Marie Muldoon

Ben and Marie plan to establish a deaf church and international deaf training institute in Romania.

Ben grew up in a Pastor’s home in Cheyenne, WY and Marie grew up in a Christian home in Frederick, Maryland. Ben and Marie both came to a personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ at early ages. God impressed on both of their hearts the need for missions and flexibility and they each pursued trade based degrees; Ben graduating with an Aircraft Maintenance degree (’14) and Marie with her nursing degree (BSN ’12). Through a series of events the Lord led each of them into Deaf missions. God gave Ben a burden to reach the Deaf in Eastern Europe by establishing a local church and training institute in Romania for Deaf and hearing to multiply laborers for the Deaf world. They were married on June 6, 2020 and joined Silent Word Ministries International on July 31 of that same year. They are excited about discipleship and investing their lives in the Silent World. Their sending church is Stanley Heights Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN.
Picture of Rings
Missionaries to Deaf Canada

Bud & Jenna Ring

Jeremy (Bud) & Jenna Ring are missionaries to Canada. In 2009, through the ministry of Jim Bracelin, they began...

Jeremy (Bud) & Jenna Ring are missionaries to Canada. In 2009, through the ministry of Jim Bracelin, SWM Vice President, they began working with Deaf people in their area. God touched their hearts to win Deaf for Christ. Both are excited about serving the Lord as a missionary family. Jeremy says, “By God’s grace and with His help, I want to spread the good news of salvation to the Deaf World.” The Rings are sent by Blessed Hope Baptist Church (Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada – Pastor Percy Lake).
Roths, Jacob & Tammy
Missionaries to Deaf, USA

Jacob & Tammy Roth

The Lord led the Roths into what he calls Deaf Ministry “Steady Help Ministry.” Along with preaching to and teaching Deaf people....

Jacob was called to preach to and work with Deaf people in the mid-1990’s. He has continued to serve in deaf ministries in several locations. In 2021 the Lord led the Roths into what he calls Deaf Ministry Helps Missions, “Steady Help Ministry.” Along with preaching to and teaching Deaf people, Jacob’s burden is to assist deaf leaders and deaf pastors, and to provide Deaf access to Christian conferences, such as marriage and preacher conferences. Sending Church Pastor, Larry Hobbs, says, “Jacob Roth has been a faithful member of Flagler County Baptist Church.... He and his family are a tremendous asset to this church body as they are involved in almost every ministry of our church.... It was my privilege to ordain Brother Jacob Roth to the gospel ministry. He possesses a strong understanding of the Word of God and is gifted in conveying this knowledge through preaching and teaching.... Without reservation, I wholeheartedly and highly recommend Bro. Jacob Roth."

Mission Statement: "Supporting Deaf Ministries, Pastors and Leaders to steadily reach, teach, grow and disciple all DEAF for Christ."

Picture of Allen Snare
Deaf Missionary To Deaf, USA

Allen Snare

Allen Snare is a deaf man reaching deaf people. Allen has a great burden to see deaf people saved both in America and around...

Allen Snare is a deaf man reaching deaf people. His late wife, Debbie, was saved under his preaching. Debbie passed away in January, 2006, after a 5-year battle with cancer. They have one hearing daughter, Joy, who is married, and has two deaf sons, John and Justin. Allen has a great burden to see deaf people saved both in America and around the world. He is a wonderful soul-winner and preaches clear messages that deaf people can understand. Both deaf and hearing congregations can be blessed by his dynamic preaching.

Mission Statement: “My Heart’s Desire Is To See More Deaf Saved.”

Picture of Strosniders
Deaf Church Planters, Missouri

Paul & Rachel Strosnider

In the year 2000, the Lord burdened Paul's heart for Deaf people. Rachel surrendered to Deaf missions in 2003. She began...

Paul Strosnider was called to preach as a teen while working at the Bill Rice Ranch. Paul graduated from Bob Jones University in 1992. He served as assistant pastor for five years in two churches in Iowa and South Carolina, and then for three years, he assisted two missionary families in church planting in the Marshall Islands. In 2000, the Lord burdened Paul's heart for Deaf people. In 2002, he began a deaf ministry in a hearing church. Paul joined Silent Word Ministries in 2005. Rachel surrendered to Deaf missions in 2003. She began attending Ephraim Baptist Church for the Deaf in 2005, a church-planting outreach from the hearing church where Paul began a deaf ministry. In 2008, God led Paul and Rachel together as husband and wife. They are now serving the Lord as SWM missionaries to the Deaf at Ephraim Baptist Church for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. Their goal is to turn this church over to a Deaf pastor, and establish other Deaf churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

Mission Statement: “Planting Deaf Churches to Fulfill the Great Commission”

image of Stuarts missionaries to Africa
Missionaries to Deaf, Liberia

Bruce & Amanda Stuart

Bruce and Amanda Stuart were both raised in Christian homes, and both trusted in Christ for salvation at an early age...

Bruce and Amanda Stuart were both raised in Christian homes, and both trusted in Christ for salvation at an early age. Bruce began learning sign language when he worked at the Bill Rice Ranch in Tennessee, and continued studying it at New England Baptist College where he also received his degree in Missions. Amanda started learning ASL when a deaf couple began attending her home church, and continued to study it at New England Baptist College, where she received a degree in Office Administration. The Lord burdened both of their hearts for Deaf missions. As a senior in high school, God gave Bruce a burden for the country of Gabon, Africa. For five years, Bruce and Amanda pursued going to Gabon as missionaries both to the Deaf and hearing. Recently, God closed doors to go to Gabon, but is opening doors for them to begin missionary work in Liberia, Africa. They plan to assist a team in opening a deaf and special needs school in the capital of Monrovia, as well as help establish a training center for nationals. They will work with a local church to reach lost souls for Christ, and to disciple them in their walk with Christ.
Rusty & Cassandra VanDonkelaar
Deaf Church Planting Missionaries, South Carolina

Rusty & Cassandra VanDonkelaar

Rusty grew up in a Christian family and attended Harvest Bible College (Ringgold, GA), where he was saved. The Lord burdened...

Rusty grew up in a Christian family and attended Harvest Bible College (Ringgold, GA), where he was saved. The Lord burdened him to become a pastor. He struggled with where the Lord wanted him. He resisted God’s call back to his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. But in 2015, after visiting Greenville and seeing the need, he surrendered to the Lord’s call to start a Deaf Church there.
Mission Statement: “Planting Deaf Churches to Fulfill the Great Commission”
Carrie Whaley
Missionary to Deaf & People with Special Needs in Liberia

Carrie Whaley

Carrie Whaley was raised in a Christian home in Eastern NC. At 12 years old, she promised God she would go anywhere, “except Africa…’cause that place is scary!”...

Carrie Whaley was raised in a Christian home in Eastern NC. She was saved at an early age and surrendered to missions a short time later. She was 12 years old at the time and promised God she would go anywhere, “except Africa…’cause that place is scary!”

In 2016, she took a personal trip to Ireland. While there, she surrendered to truly go anywhere, even to Africa. Carrie met SWM International Director David Bennett in 2017. At the time, he was putting together a team to go to West Africa and invited her to join the team. She did join the team and surrendered to full time deaf ministry while in Liberia, West Africa.

Carrie has always had a heart to serve those who are different, ignored, forgotten, or overlooked. Her heart is to reach deaf people, people with special needs, and their families for Christ. She is especially burdened for people with minimal language abilities. All people need to know of God’s love and redemptive work for them. She seeks to reach, teach, and train deaf and differently-abled individuals to know God and make Him known!

Silent Word Ministries

Board Members

SWM is grateful for our “working” board with pastors, laymen, and missionaries all with a desire to help us reach the Deaf World for Christ.

SWM Executive Operating Board (EOB)

  • Ted Camp – Overseer
  • Jon Barr – Director of Operations, Director of SWMission Board
  • Jim Bracelin – Director of SWM Outreach Ministries
  • Assistants – Carlene Camp, Diane Barr, Terry Bracelin

 

Board Members

  • Don Baker
  • Jon & Diane Barr
  • Jim & Terry Bracelin
  • Ted & Carlene Camp
  • Jack Case
  • Pastor Keith Hamilton
  • Janie Joiner
  • Frank Rasmussen
  • Dr. Reggie Rempel

Consultants

  • Derrell Gaddis
  • Danny Bradford
  • Eddy Gifford
  • Henry Smith

SWMI Executive Committee

  • Dr. Brent Baughman
  • Rev. Terry Broyles
  • Rev. Mark Coleman
  • Dr. Bill Egerdahl
  • Dr. Ed Frampton
  • Frank Rasmussen
  • Rev. Bob Reed
  • Dr. Kenneth Walters

Board Members

  • Larry & Louise Case
  • Lee Clemmons
  • Jerry Grisham
  • Bob Van Sant
  • Calvin & Pam Spurgin
  • Mike Tate
  • Jerry Jordan
  • Keith Ware
  • Johnny Warren

Ministry Spiritual Advisor

Dr. Kenneth Walters (Pastor, Southside Baptist Church, SC)