2023-03 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends, March 2023
It seems as though we ended 2022 running full speed ahead. The fast pace continued through March, and has even increased. We were thankful to be “home” in the SWM office for most of January and February, as it was a valuable preparation time for the rest of the year.
Internship – In January two senior Graphic Design students from Pensacola Christian College, Abigail Smith and Michelle Cheatham, interned at SWM. Abby redesigned the SWM logo, The Silent Word newspaper header, the SWM ASL Institute brochure, two business cards, a color front graphic for the SWM tract “What To Do AFTER You Are Saved,” and our personal prayer card and prayer letter. Michelle began the redesign of the SWM website, which continues to be a work in progress (view at SilentWord.org). Both taught us principles and methods to help SWM materials continually improve. SWM is grateful for volunteers coming to serve in their areas of expertise. We appreciate all who help our unique missionary ministry to the Deaf.
SWM Missionaries – In February we were excited to welcome new missionaries to the Deaf, Jacob and Tammy Roth. Their focus is on deaf ministries and assisting Deaf pastors in the USA. Jacob is also an IT professional with much experience that can help SWM in the days ahead. Also in February, we conducted deputation training for several of our newest missionaries. See our mission team at SilentWord.org/Team.
New at SWM – In February SWM welcomed Jerry Jordan of Alaska as a new board member. His technical expertise and help has already been beneficial to our ministry. The Silent Word Newspaper now has a new look. Most SWM publications are now available as PDF downloads from SilentWord.org/Store. We have also been blessed to upgrade the SWM facilities with new flooring this year. This was a major project, which will help preserve the facilities the Lord has given us. SWM remains debt free and builds only as the Lord provides.
Meetings – Jon spoke at the Harvest Deaf Men’s Retreat in January. In February we conducted a Deaf Awareness Sunday at Volusia County Baptist Church (Pastor Mark Siers) in Florida. Jon taught a very basic sign language class to workers at a local health care provider. We also reported to the SWM Board of Directors and rejoiced together because of the many blessings through all areas of our ministry! In March we conducted three Fantastic Saturdays, one in Florida and two in Georgia. These meetings are valuable to deaf ministries, deaf people, and hearing people involved in deaf ministry. We praise the Lord for several new attendees interested in deaf ministry. – Praise the Lord for 8 Salvation Decisions Reported in 2023.
Upcoming Meetings – In April we plan to conduct Fantastic Saturdays in Arizona and California. We also plan to volunteer at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter Deaf Days. This is a wonderful opportunity to Biblically educate Deaf people and let people know about Silent Word Ministries. Finally, we plan to conduct the SWM Community Sign Language Class in Trenton. It is a blessing to use sign language to influence many people for Christ and encourage other Christians.
Help Needed – Volunteers are needed who are skilled typists/editors to help convert SWM publications to the more accepted Kindle format. If you can help, contact Jon for more information.
Thank you for your prayers and support as we go “into all the (Deaf) world” for Christ!
Prayer Requests
- Animated Gospel Video Project
- More Missionaries to the Deaf
- Health and Travel Safety
For Deaf Souls,
Jon and Diane Barr,
Missionaries to the Deaf