2021-01 Prayer Letter (SWM)
January/February 2021 SWM Prayer Letter
Dear SWM Friends,
Exciting report! In 2020 there were several advances in our unique missionary ministry. Five new missionary “families” were added to the SWM mission team – 3 foreign missionaries, a Deaf church planter, and a youth-focused missionary to the Deaf. SWM online teaching ministry reached out to thousands of people worldwide. SWM again ended the year debt free! There were 129 salvation decisions reported across all areas of our ministry. As the Lord’s coming draws nearer, we continue to move forward and serve the Lord in 2021.
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
– Philippians 3:13-14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Serving Deaf Ministries – As the pandemic continues, we hear of deaf ministries which are scattered and unable to meet in person. Many Deaf people feel lonely, wanting to be near their signing friends. Many fear getting a positive COVID-19 test. In these uncertain times, SWM continues to provide needed Bible studies and deaf ministry helps. Also, our online training and programs help interpreters and Deaf people. Bi-monthly, The Silent Word newspaper reaches thousands of Deaf and hearing people.
Serving with the Gospel – The SWM Evangelism Program has 5 literature programs made available “free” to spread the Gospel – Tracts, Pamphlets, the Deaf Bible Institute, The Silent Word newspaper, and Mission Materials. Special gifts from friends and churches keep this essential program going. Also, David Bennett and Jon Barr continue to develop a new 20-minute animated Gospel video, telling the Gospel story from creation to the cross with unique, colorful, signing “cartoon” characters. SWM’s desire is to tell the Deaf “more about Jesus.” To our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has produced this kind of video.
Serving Missionaries – The Silent Word Mission Board assists our 18 mission team families (total of 30 individuals) “Go into all the [Deaf] world” with the Gospel. SWM provides literature and videos free of charge to fundamental missionaries worldwide, regardless of their mission board. This is God’s ministry, not ours. Pray with us for more missionaries to the Deaf in the USA and worldwide.
Serving the Lord – Silent Word Ministries includes many people – missionaries, volunteers, financial supporters, and prayer partners. In February we will conduct our annual Board of Directors meeting. Our desire is to serve the Lord and spread His Word as we reach forth in 2021. We are not great, but our Lord is! Thank you for partnering with us in this needy mission field!
Note: SWM is in need of a travel van for taking small groups to meetings. Please pray with us about this need.
Jon Barr,
President, Director of Operations
SWM Mission Statement:
“But we will give ourselves… to the ministry of the Word” – to Deaf people worldwide. – Acts 6:4
Please visit SilentWord.org to learn more about our ministry or to donate.