What’s Up? Duane & Vernelle Holmquist are now missionaries with Harvest Deaf Ministries to reach Deaf in El Paso, Texas and Mexico. Duane, with the blessing of former pastor Don Cabbage, will become the new pastor at El Paso Deaf Baptist Church. They are seeking missionary support to build the deaf church. Contact:
What’s Up? Sympathy to the family of Tanya Kratko, wife of Deaf Pastor Slava, Simferopol, Ukraine. Tanya passed away, December 18, 2020, after a two-year battle with cancer. Missionaries to the Deaf in the Ukraine for many years, Bob & Judy Van Sant, were instrumental in the Kratkos’ spiritual journey. Judy says, “She was a wonderful pastor’s wife with a loving and kind heart. She loved the Lord and was faithful to Him in her life and service. She was a sweet, dear friend to me.” Pray for Pastor Slava as he adjusts to life without his dear wife.
What’s Up? Congratulations to SWM’s Missionary J.T. (Joshua) Gorham who was officially ordained into the Ministry of the Gospel by his home church, Broadway Baptist Church, Paducah, KY. He is pictured with his dad (who is also his pastor) and mom. SWM is excited to have J.T. on the mission team. He (being hard-of-hearing/deaf) has a heart for the deaf and a heart for serving the Lord.
What’s Up? The 34th annual Deaf Baptist Ladies Retreat is scheduled for October 7 – 9, 2021. It will be hosted by Kim Rempel and the ladies of Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf, Ringgold, Georgia. The retreat will be held at Ft. Bluff Christian Conference Center, Dayton, TN. Put it on your calendar and make plans to be there. (See ad page 5)
What’s Up? Sympathy to the family of Deaf friend, Clarence J (Bud) Whaley (76), Lansing, Michigan, who passed away on December 27, 2020. Bud was a faithful and active member of Capitol City Baptist Church, Holt, and was a huge asset to both the Deaf and hearing churches. His Deaf pastor, James Liebrecht wrote, “Bud Whaley was the instrument God used to call us to the pastorate. He took us in when we had no home. He was a grandpa to our kids and a cherished friend and mentor to us all. I’ve never known a more gentle, unselfish soul.” He will be greatly missed.
What’s Up? Deaf Pastor Mike Remington, Signs of Life Baptist Church, Remington Deaf Ranch, Phoenix, AZ, asks prayer for his healing from several physical problems (most recent was hernia surgery). Also pray for his wife, Amy, with a pericardia (heart) cyst. Pray for funds for April Philippine Mission Trip and the August Benin and Togo, Africa, Deaf camps.
What’s Up? Missionary to the Deaf, Yucatan, Mexico, Bill & Jennifer Green (Baptist International Outreach) report that after being closed down because of COVID-19, they have resumed safe church services. They are thankful for the good things happening among the Deaf there. Contact: thirty4ps@aol.com.
What’s Up? Congratulations to Jason & Charity Rishel, missionaries to Burkina Faso, on the birth of Jacqueline Grace, November 18, 2020. She weighed 7 lb 9 oz. Brothers, Levi & Joshua, along with her grandparents, are all very happy to welcome this baby girl. Charity is the daughter of SWM’s Missionaries to the Deaf, David & Vicki Bennett.
What’s Up? Sympathy to the family of Daniel Martin Lievens, Downers Grove, Illinois, who passed away on November 18, 2020. Daniel was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, Schaumburg, and a member of the Romans Road for the Deaf missions team. This group traveled the country sharing the Good News of the Gospel to Deaf people. He also had a heart for mentoring young Deaf and hearing men in their Christian walk. He is greatly missed by his wife, Sharon, and children, as well as many friends whom he influenced.
What’s Up? Congratulations to Pastor Mark and Christine Truitt, Deaf Liberty Baptist Church, Overland Park, Kansas, on the birth of Ethan Mark, December 21, 2020. Ethan was born with several serious heart issues and remains in the hospital for surgeries and special care. He is improving daily with the hopes of going home in the next few weeks. His two brothers and sister are eager to welcome him home.
What’s Up? Keith Barton, good friend with Jon Barr, recently visited SWM. They enjoyed talking about old times, friends, and ministry. Jon witnessed to Keith after high school graduation. Later Keith got saved! Good friends help good friends go to Heaven!
What’s Up? Sympathy to the family of Rita Wiseman (80), Ft Payne, Alabama, who passed away on November 28, 2020. Rita and her husband, Ralph, served in the Deaf ministry in the past at Phillips Drive Baptist Church, Forest Park, GA. Since then they maintained a love for the Deaf and were faithful friends and supporters of SWM.
What’s Up? A great evangelistic opportunity has been rescheduled. DeafNation World Expo is being planned for July 10-17, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Silent Word Ministries International, Missionary David Bennett, has rented three booths and will have a team at this special Deaf event. Preparations are underway for specialized and interactive tracts, DVDs, and much more. A full animation film with sign language is being prepared for this special outreach.
