What’s Up – The 40th Annual Deaf Baptist Fellowship of America is scheduled for June 13 – 18, 2021. It is conducted and hosted by Pastor Bruce Kelly, Deaf Baptist Church, Smyrna (Atlanta area), GA. Dr. Fred Adams, president of DBFA, gives a special invitation to attend and to register early. Register: DBFA2020.com
What’s Up? May 2021, is the 10th anniversary of Tabitha Beam serving as SWM home office missionary. She is a true servant and encourager, using her creativity, technical knowledge, sign language, heart for the Deaf, and humble spirit to serve everyone connected with Silent Word Ministries, local churches, her family, friends, and those in need. Thank you, Tabitha. SWM is more effective because of your faithfulness and willingness to be used of God.
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 the beautiful Ft. Bluff Christian Camp & Conference Center, Dayton, TN. Put it on your calendar and make plans to be there. (See ad page 5)
What’s Up? SWM’s “Outstanding Student Award” was presented at the graduation service for Harvest Deaf Bible College, May 2, 2021. The 2020 award went to Christina Burns and the 2021 award was given to Lah Thee. Along with a beautiful framed certificate each received a $100 dollar bill. That made them smile. Congratulations to two wonderful deaf Christian young people!!!
What’s Up? Congratulations to Tyler & Rebekah Thornton, Bill Rice Ranch, Murfreesboro, TN on the birth of another baby daughter, born May 11, 2021. Amilyn Jo and mommy are doing well. Big brother and sister are very excited. Congrats!
What’s Up? Congratulations to Lydia Melody Holmquist and Stephen Victor Suter, 2020 graduates of Harvest Deaf Bible College, Ringgold, Georgia. Lydia received a BA in Deaf Education and Missions. Stephen is a graduate of Theology in Bible. (Because of Covid-19, the 2020 graduation was delayed to 2021.)
What’s Up? Harvest Deaf Ministries, Ringgold, GA, Pastor Reggie Rempel, announce the new date for their Deaf Men’s Retreat. The event will be at the Park Grove Inn, Pigeon, Forge, TN, August 12 – 14, 2021. Registration forms available to print out at www.harvestdeaf.org.
What’s Up? Congrats to Lawrence & Amanda (Bracelin) Lartey, on the birth of their third child. Xavier Ekow was born May 6, weighing 8 lbs 13 oz. He is welcomed by big sister and brother and grandparents, SWM’s Jim & Terry Bracelin.
What’s Up? Congratulations Jonathan & Hannah Bennett on the birth of their first child, a daughter, Emma Grace, on April 9, 2021. Grandparents, SWM’s David & Vicki Bennett are excited to welcome their 12th grandchild.
What’s Up? Rebekah VanDonkelaar, daughter of SWM’s Deaf Missionaries, Rusty and Cassandra, Palmetto Baptist Deaf Church, Easley, SC, graduated from Woodmont High School, Piedmont, SC. Her plans are to attend Anderson University. She desires to teach deaf children. Being deaf has not hindered Rebekah in moving forward with her education, goals, and social life.
What’s Up? Congratulations to SWM’s Missionary, Jim Bracelin. Even while serving as a missionary, he continued studies. On May 6, Jim graduated from Veritas Baptist College with a Master of Ministry, Missions/Cross-Cultural degree. Well Done!
What’s Up? Happy 30th wedding anniversary, April 27, to Pastor and Mrs (Cheryl) David Mason. Their church, Liberty Baptist Church of the Deaf, Columbus, OH, celebrated with them, thanking them for their work for the church. God bless you for your faithfulness to each other and to the ministry God has given you.
What’s Up? Deaf friend, Ray Short, faithful SWM volunteer, has a heart to witness for Jesus Christ. He faithfully gives Gospel tracts and sends them in the mail to family and friends. Recently he made posters with Bible verses. He stands by the highway in our small town, Trenton, GA, showing his messages. Many people have seen him. Ray is planting the seed and God has promised that His Word would not return void (useless) (Isaiah 55:11). Thank you Ray, for your heart for others.
What’s Up? SWM’s Missionary to the Deaf, Joshua JT Gorham, has been visiting churches out West to present his ministry. He is an effective preacher for the Deaf, and he has a great connection with young people. One of the churches he visited was Northland Baptist Church, Flagstaff, AZ, Pastor Randy Miller. Pastor Miller and his wife, Amy, are friends and supporters of the Camps and Home Office Missionary, Tabitha Beam.
What’s Up? Sympathy to the family of Laura Ruth Ellison (77), Flat Rock, AL. She went home to be with the Lord on April 23, 2021, after suffering a stroke. She was the youngest sister of SWM’s Carlene Camp. She served with her husband, Johnny, pastor of Five Points Baptist Church.
What’s Up? Congrats to deaf young man, Daniel Scott King, who graduated from Temple Baptist Academy, Powell, TN, on May 24, 2021. He is the son of Henry and Patti King, Knoxville, TN. Daniel plans to attend Crown College in the fall.
What’s Up? Missionaries John & Tricia Olson (GO Deaf Missions) Jacksonville, FL, were special speakers in April at a Deaf Rally at Palmetto Baptist Deaf Church, Easley, SC, Pastor Rusty VanDonkelaar.
