The following are answers to several of your questions about our ministry.
1. How long have you been Missionaries to the Deaf?
We began serving as missionaries to the deaf in 1984.
2. What special ministries God has allowed you to have?
Since we are based in the 0U.S. we began starting deaf ministries and ministering to deaf groups while raising support. We have been privileged to start deaf ministries from Florida to Michigan, from South Carolina to California. We now have several special ministries:
- A newspaper which reaches deaf families and deaf ministry workers with a circulation of 13,000.
- Deaf Bible Institute - a correspondence school for Deaf people.
- Literature and video ministry.
- Local deaf ministry in Trenton, Georgia.
- Fantastic Saturdays and D-Days in regional areas around the country.
- Foreign trips to preach in deaf camps, deaf churches, start deaf ministries, conduct advanced Sign Language training and organize deaf ministries.
4. How long have you known Sign Language? What certification do you have?
Jon began learning Sign Language in 1976, Diane in 1981. Rebekah and Joshua grew up around Sign Language. Jon currently holds a CT certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
5. What is the name, address (including email address, as well), & phone number of your sending (home) church & your pastor?
Our sending church is Palm Springs Drive Baptist Church, 601 Palm Springs Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, 407-831-0950, Pastor Loyal Carlson. In the year 2000 we merged our ministry with Silent Word Ministries in Trenton, Georgia, so our home church is now Piney Grove Baptist Church, Trenton, GA 30752, 706-657-6362, Pastor John Smith.
6. What is the name, address, & phone number of your mission board?
Our ministry is now called Silent Word Ministries. We have a mission board as part of our ministry. The address is SWM, PO Box 889, Trenton, GA 30752, 706-657-8000.
7. What is your address & phone number?
Same as above.
8. What are the names & birthdates of you and your children?
Jon 2/20, Diane 8/23, Rebekah 1/1/87, Joshua 5/7/88
9. What is your anniversary date?
7/17/81
10. What is your website address & email address?
Website: www.SilentWordMinistries.org
Jon: Jon@silentword.org Diane: Barr@silentword.org
Rebekah: Patriot@silentword.org
11. How can I support your ministry?
There are several ways to help.
- One-time gifts for special projects (such as foreign trips and office-based projects.)
- Monthly support for our family's ministry (Designate "Barr" on check and envelop.)
- One-time gifts or monthly support for office (Office provides for bookkeeping needs of missionaries, prints literature for the deaf, sends the Silent Word Newspaper "free" to deaf people, sponsors a "free" correspondance Deaf Bible Institute, and more.)
12. How can I get a picture of your family?
Click here then print the page.
Thank you for your concern, prayer, and support for our unique ministry with the deaf. The greatest need of the deaf is not to hear, but to hear the Gospel! Thank you for helping us reach deaf people. May the Lord richly bless you!
For Deaf Souls,
Jon, Diane, Rebekah, and Joshua Barr