2020-08 Prayer Letter (SWM)
August/September 2020 SWM Prayer Letter
Dear SWM Friends,
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Many fear the unknown. Yet, we know that God always knows all. Since March SWM has experienced amazing growth of outreach and influence. The pandemic multiplied our online ministry and has taken us to many countries and to many people where we cannot personally go. We began a 6-week “Eagle Soar” program on Facebook/YouTube and posted 34 live or pre-recorded deaf ministry teaching or preaching videos. Allen Snare’s testimony received over 3,900 views! We also interpret some church services, which has been a blessing to Deaf people and deaf ministries. Responses: Thank you from Texas. I will take to heart this challenging message. • I was blessed. • Amazing! • I watch here in Philippines • I want Deaf Bible Institute • Thank you for helping me understand • I am deaf. I need to talk with you about saved. – We are excited that the Lord uses his unknown ways to make His Word known.
SWMB Mission Retreat – For the first time, the SWM missions retreat was postponed due to cautions taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our folks are scattered throughout several states, and some required testing because of contacts at other meetings. We look forward to the retreat in August 2021. The regular Executive Operating Board working retreat, which is conducted after the missions retreat, was also postponed. However, the Barrs and Camps met August 19-21 for two days of profitable transition training.
New Missionaries and Intern – On July 31 we welcomed new SWM International missionaries Monique Lindsey (special needs people, including Deaf – Liberia), Ben and Marie Muldoon (international ministry training center for the Deaf – Romania), and Carrie Whaley (training minimal language Deaf people – Liberia). Then, on August 10 we welcomed J.T. Gorham to the SWM Internship Program! J.T. is a recent graduate of Pensacola Christian College, preparing for full-time deaf ministry as pastor or missionary to the Deaf. Please prayerfully consider supporting these worthy servants of the Lord. (J.T. is committed to be with SWM through December.) – Congratulations! The new missionaries are now available for deputation and support: SilentWord.org/Team
Fall Meetings – Several of our missionaries are beginning to have more meetings as conditions permit. Please pray for all of us and for Fantastic Saturdays and other important meetings this fall.
Literature & Videos – When travel is limited, church meetings are restricted, and people are fearful of gathering, God’s Word is not limited, restricted, nor fearful. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Since 1966, Silent Word Ministries has given God’s Word to Deaf people in a simple and understandable way. We print, publish, preach, proclaim and post. When we cannot go physically, it is our privilege to use every means possible to make God’s Word known.
Thank you for investing in our unique, missionary ministry to Deaf people. SWM and SWM missionaries represent the Lord on your behalf as we take God’s Word to those whom others have ignored or overlooked.
Please view the enclosed pamphlet, “Isolated from the Gospel.” Question: Whom should we exclude from the Gospel? Answer: No One! Not even the Deaf!
We are here to serve,
Jon Barr,
President, Director of Operations