May 2016 Prayer Letter
May 2016
Dear Friends and Supporters,
It is a great joy to serve the Lord in the deaf ministry. Thank God for His calling, faithfulness, and blessings! As SWM celebrates 50 years of ministry, we not only look back to what God has done, but we look forward to the work that continues. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14).
Deaf Ministry Experience – Recently I was amazed as I considered the abundance of deaf ministry experience at SWM – Ted & Carlene Camp, 50 years; Reed & Donna Condra, 43 years; Allen Snare, 41 years; Jon & Diane Barr, 40 years; David & Vicki Bennett, 40 years; Jim & Terri Bracelin, 31 years – a total of 245 years. Counting wives separately almost doubles the years. Add to that the newer missionaries and those in the SWM Ministry of Helps, adds even more years of experience.
SWM Online – The Internet has opened many doors for SWM’s ministry to Deaf people. Recently one of our board members and his company helped us evaluate how we could improve our online ministry, then helped us with needed equipment. We are thankful for their help and want to constantly be improving. We are currently making changes that should take our online ministry to a higher level. As reported earlier this year, SWM’s SignTheBible.com is reaching out in ways we had never imagined. In the last 6 months, over 1,800 viewers have watched over 185 hours of Bible teaching on computers, mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles. We continue to receive positive feedback about the clear Bible teaching. Although most viewers are in the USA, the site has now been viewed in 51 countries.
Fifty Years of Ministry – SWM continues to celebrate 50 years of deaf ministry. In meetings, by postal mail, and by email many have shared congratulations and how SWM has blessed them over the years. Here are a few blessings.
“Bro. Ted Camp, congratulations on your 50 years of ministering to the world with your wife. I remembered clearly 40 years ago [I met you as] a new student in Temple Deaf College [Kansas City]. Here we are, by the grace of God and are still preaching to the Deaf community with a Hearing ministry today.” Mike Langin (AZ)
“I want to share with you thank you for sending the Bible verse Galatians 6:9 about not quit, stop, or give up.” – Mary Jean Stevens (“Signed With Love Embroidery” – MI)
“Bro. Camp, Bro. Barr, and SWM – I am so thankful for your work and the influence it has had on my life…. If It wasn’t for your ministry, I don’t know where I would have gone to learn so many valuable nuggets of information. You are a trusted resource…. Thank you for serving the Lord these past 50 years and for faithfully reaching the Deaf. – Kate Hub (GA)
Has SWM impacted and influenced you or your ministry? Please write and share your story with us.
We are thankful for the special anniversary gifts received. For your information, 100% of these anniversary gifts is being used in our Evangelism Fund to provide for “free” ministries: (1) Tracts, (2) Bible Courses, (3) Pamphlets, (4) The Silent Word newspaper, (5) M&M Mission Ministry. These are special outreach ministries to reach and teach people for Christ.
Thank you to the many volunteers, friends and supporters who help make this unique missionary deaf ministry possible. God uses both Deaf and hearing people as partners with us to take the Gospel to the Deaf World. It is our privilege to represent Christ for you to the Deaf World.
For Deaf Souls,
Jon Barr