June 2017 Prayer Letter

June 2017

Dear Friends and Supporters,

God Provides – “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering…. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah–jireh, [God provides]” (Genesis 22:8,14). God provided a physical sacrifice that day, foreshadowing His providing His son, the Lamb, as a sacrifice for our sin. He also provides for our physical needs. Sometimes we do not know what our needs are, or how God will provide, but God is faithful. He continually provides. It is exciting to see God provide for and through this unique missionary ministry to Deaf people.

Provision for Salvation – This spring Diane and I met an “older” Deaf lady who had been in church, who knew the right words to use, and who thought she was saved, but who was “afraid to die.” What a joy to point her to the Savior and watch her face as she stopped trusting her works and trusted only Christ for salvation. (Often what happens in a Deaf person’s heart is also seen on his face.) Immediately she gave a testimony to her many friends that she had just then been saved. This is just one example of the many salvation decisions each year through the ministry of SWM.

Provision for Equipment – The Lord continues to provide our needs. “Computer people” will recognize that organizing and protecting the large number of files where SWM literature and videos are stored requires special equipment. Recently the Lord used a ministry friend to provide a new hard drive system to protect those files – with much room for growth. Then, through another ministry friend, the Lord provided a new video editing computer to speed up SWM video production. Ted Camp needed a new computer, and that need was met. SWM continues to operate debt-free.

Provision Through Volunteers – SWM is a ministry of volunteers. Recently we had a volunteer work day. Many people, Deaf and hearing, showed up to clean, move, rearrange, and improve the SWM Home Office, which God has provided. On a regular basis, volunteers cut the grass, take out the trash, edit videos, proofread new materials, and much more. The Eugene Bordean Room and Upper Room are special SWM guest rooms provided at no charge for local churches, pastors, visiting missionaries, and other special SWM guests. Volunteers wash sheets and clean these rooms as needed. Recently Sharon Bordean, whose late husband the Bordean Room is named for, stayed in that room. God has provided our needs, and we are blessed to help provide for others in this way.

Provision Through Supporters & Prayer Partners – Recently a man sent a $20 gift and enclosed an encouraging note, “We keep you in our prayers. Keep up the good work.” Without the prayers of God’s people, this ministry would fail. The greatest work without God’s blessing will never reach beyond this world. Our goal is to produce spiritual fruit that will remain (John 15:16). So far this year, there have been 148 reported salvation decisions through the ministries of SWM. We are continually amazed that God meets the needs. But, we also recognize that this is not our ministry – it is His. He is responsible for both the provision and the results.

Thank you for partnering with us to do God’s work among the Deaf. Today, they hear the Gospel with their eyes. One day, in Heaven, they will hear forever!

Enclosed: Fathers Day Pamphlet

Please view missionary Praises & Prayer Requests on back. The SWM mission team is worthy of your prayers and support.

For Deaf Souls,

Jon Barr
(Letter sent as SWM President)