December 2012 Prayer Letter
December 2012
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Silent Word Ministries! It is a great blessing to serve the Lord as missionaries representing our supporters and prayer partners. Thank you for investing in our ministry as we invest in the lives of others! Our goal is to train Deaf and Hearing people to reach the Deaf World for Christ!
Year in Review: This has been an exceptionally busy and productive year. Diane and I conducted the following SWM meetings: Deaf Men’s Retreat, Trenton Community Sign Language Class, Deaf Leadership Invitational, ASL Institute and Deaf Bible Conference (in Georgia and Pennsylvania). Also, I preached in the Philippine Deaf Camps (Missionary Bob Himes, Bill Rice Ranch Missions) and at Cornerstone Baptist Church (Missionary Christopher Woodley, BIO Missions). We also participated in the Silent Weekend in Orlando, Florida; edited a video used as a Gospel DVD at the Deaf Nation World Expo in Las Vegas; edited and sent six issues of Silent Word Newspaper; conducted the SWM Missionary Retreat; represented SWM at the BJU Missions Emphasis Week; spoke at the Open House for Deaf Baptist Church‘s new church building in Smyrna, Georgia; and preached or presented our ministry in many churches and mission conferences.
Fantastic Saturdays: This year we conducted several area-wide meetings to help and encourage deaf churches and deaf ministries. We conducted these meetings in Orlando, Florida; Trenton, Georgia; Snellville, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; Covina, California; Rock Hill, South Carolina; Gray, Tennessee; McAllen, Texas; Seattle, Washington; West Bend, Wisconsin; Hampton, Virginia; and Dayton, Ohio. SWM Vice President, Jim Bracelin, conducted Fantastic Saturdays in many other areas. These meetings help fulfill the great commission of preaching the Gospel and then giving follow-up in teaching and training in Deaf ministries.
Health Surprises: Ted Camp had a double knee replacement, and then successfully battled blood clots. Praise the Lord he has come through it all and continues to be active in the ministry! Eleanor, wife of SWM missionary Bill Towner, had heart surgery. It was a difficult process, but she continues to improve and is beginning to resume some areas of ministry. Finally, I am now assisting my brother, Phil, during and after his bone marrow transplant to treat Leukemia. The SWM Executive Operating Board advised I should be “there” at this critical time. He seems to be improving, for which we are thankful. The recovery process will be long and difficult, but it is a blessing to be able to help. Thank you for your continued prayers for Phil, Jon, and SWM.
Ministry Reports: As 2012 comes to a close, we are thankful that we have had a highly productive year. At SWM, there have been 563 salvation reported this year. The ministry continues 24/7/365. Through SWM literature and videos, God’s Word continually touches hearts and lives of Deaf and hearing people around the world. However, there is still much to do and there are many ministry needs in the days ahead. SWM needs more missionaries throughout the USA and around the world. Now, more than never before, is the time to reach Deaf people with the Gospel. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Also pray for wisdom as we prioritize projects and areas of ministry this coming year.
Once again, thank you for partnering with us to reach and teach the Deaf world for Christ. Your prayers and financial support makes our unique missionary ministry into the Deaf World possible.
For Deaf Souls,
Jon and Diane Barr,
Your Missionaries to the Deaf