The Story of Silent Word Ministries

Meet The Founders

Ted & Carlene Camp

Missionary/Evangelist Dr. Ted Camp began preaching in June, 1963.  Since that time he has served as pastor of three churches and was on staff for twenty years at the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In 1977, he was one of the first men to receive an honorary doctorate degree because of his literature and ministry to the deaf world. In 1993, the Lord led the Camps back to their roots in Trenton, Georgia, to continue Silent Word Ministries. The Camps were married in 1958 and have reared two children and have two grandchildren. They are an unusual couple serving both deaf and hearing families with Bible teaching.

I. Silent Word Ministries was founded by missionaries Ted and Carlene Camp in 1966 to fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism and ministry to the Deaf world. It is a Nonprofit, Independent, Baptist organization with a federal 501(c)3 [58-2430412] approval. The goal of the ministry is to reach the world of the Deaf for Christ; to help establish Deaf ministries in strong, fundamental churches; to win people to Christ worldwide; to help build established ministries; and to strengthen Deaf people into Christian maturity with a literature program. Silent Word Ministries also conducts area Deaf and Deaf Workers' Conferences in many states to help local deaf ministries and to evangelize area deaf people.  It is the home of Silent Word Deaf Bible Institute, a correspondence program providing free Bible courses for Deaf people to study the Bible at home. It also publishes "The Silent Word," a free bimonthly newspaper to the deaf and deaf workers. Its literature includes Sunday School lessons, manuals, books, and videos in voice and Sign Language.  

II.  Silent Word Mission Board was established to help missionaries with a like calling and burden for the deaf world to "come and help us."  It serves as a clearinghouse and office for missionaries and provides accountability to the local churches and their supporters. Silent Word Mission Board is unique in that its sole purpose is to reach the deaf world for Christ with the Gospel. The goal of Silent Word Missions is to help each missionary reach his fullest potential for the Lord.  It is a ministry of leaders training leaders to minister to Deaf people and deaf ministries worldwide.

"We are Here to Serve"

The Story of Silent Word Ministries

Questions often asked are, "How did you start working with the deaf?  How did it all begin?" This is the story of Ted & Carlene Camp and how God led two people into the exciting, unique ministry of the deaf world. It all began in the summer of 1966 when Clifford Smith, missionary to the deaf, was scheduled to speak at our church, Beulah Chapel Baptist of Flat Rock, Alabama. On the afternoon of his appointment, he visited our community and found three deaf families. That night these families attended the services with him. We were very surprised to have deaf people in our church and then also to learn that they lived in our community. This was our first contact with deaf people. The missionary presented his work, and for the first time we witnessed how deaf people could worship with hearing people. Clifford's wife, Helen, interpreted as he preached his sermon. He told us how the deaf were being overlooked in the field of Christianity. The missionary left, but the burden remained. In one service, Mrs. Edna Earnest came forward and told the church she felt a desire to work with the deaf.  Now we had to start a deaf ministry.   

Our next step was to visit the deaf to see if they would be willing to come to our church. How could I make them understand? I bought a large poster card and wrote in large letters, "If we learn Sign Language, will you come to our church?" Now, I must visit the deaf people. The first home had a big dog in the yard. I don't like big dogs and they don't like me. I slowly walked to the door. Through a window I noticed the deaf lady inside. I knocked on the door. Nothing happened. I knocked again.  She was just inside the door. I knocked again. Dumb, stupid me. The deaf can't hear you knock on a door. I didn't know that. Finally, I walked over to the window. I could see the lady, but I did not know how to let her know I was outside. I began to wave to her through the window.  When she finally saw me, she screamed. It was a sound I had never heard before. It sounded like a wild Indian. That startled me and I turned to leave. The big dog grinned at me, so I stayed.  Cautiously, I went back to the door and waited.  She came to the door and stared at me in fright. I knew that I had to do something quickly, so I used the only sign I knew.  I smiled, then pointed to the card.
I kept smiling as she walked away.  I was left alone wondering if she would return or if I should go into the house. She returned with her deaf husband. I waved and smiled. I showed them the card and smiled; He smiled; she smiled; we all smiled.  They motioned for me to come into the house. I smiled and entered the home. Again, I showed them the card. The three of us read the card about five times.  Finally, I pulled out a pen, and they signed the card promising to come to church. I shook their hands and smiled.  I had smiled so much my cheeks were hurting. It worked!  All the deaf people in the area promised to come to church. We had our worker and the deaf people.  Now, we must learn Sign Language.

I went to Tennessee Temple Schools and met with Dr. J.R. Faulkner, who introduced me to a student, Don Cabbage. Don came to our church and taught Sign Language for one week.  We had our beginning.

My First Time to Teach the Deaf -  I taught about Noah. I was shocked to learn that many of the deaf people did not know who built the Ark. They were amazed to learn it had never rained before Noah's time.  It touched my heart to help them know and understand the Word of God.  I was entering into a new field of ministry. God burdened my heart to teach them.
 
Carlene's First Time to Interpret - When Don Cabbage taught the sign class, Carlene was due with our son, Greg. She attended the class but was only interested in the baby being born. She also felt awkward around the deaf. She learned a few signs but avoided the deaf people.  If they came one way, she would go the other way. She sat away from them in church.  Then one night the interpreter did not come to church. The deaf people had no interpreter.  They tried to get Carlene's attention by using her sign name and pointing to her.  She saw her name being used and looked the other way. Finally, their eyes locked and the deaf people motioned for her to come over with them.  She had to be a good pastor's wife so, she went. They all pointed to her and said, "You interpret."  She almost fainted as she said and signed, "Me?" She could not stand as her knees were knocking and all strength was gone. She slowly signed a few words and then was amazed as the deaf people accepted her and helped her with signs.  
She would spell a word, and they would show her the sign. Very little was interpreted that night, but something happened that changed her life.  She said, "That night I fell in love with the deaf people. I learned that they were not strange and weird but kind and sweet people."

Deaf People in Other Cities - It was not long until knowledge of our ministry grew. One night we were contacted by J.C. Johnston and J.P. Ashworth in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They had found a deaf couple while on visitation and wanted us to come and help witness to them. We visited them and learned that they were already Christians. As I traveled home that night, thoughts of reaching other deaf troubled me. I was burdened for the deaf, not only for those nearby but everywhere. How could I reach them? What could I do?

Silent Word Ministries Born - One night in 1966 in our church service,  Alvin Spurgin, a deaf man, signed a song, "More, more about Jesus, more, more about Jesus."  I watched and wept as I thought of all the deaf who needed to know more about Jesus. God used this deaf man to touch my heart. I promised the Lord that I would help deaf people know more about Jesus. This was the beginning of our printing ministry.  I could not visit all the deaf, but I could write to them and help evangelize them. We began a newspaper, "The Silent Word." Deaf people could read, so we would send them the printed Word of God.

First visit to Bill Rice Ranch in August 1967 - Carlene and I, along with others from the church, went to the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for a refresher course in Sign Language. While there, I promised God I would do all I could to help the Ranch every year in their deaf weeks. These folks have been an inspiration and invaluable help in our work with the deaf, as well as to the deaf ministry throughout America.

Resigned Our First Church - January 1968 - This was a sad time for our family as I resigned Beulah Chapel Baptist Church and moved to pastor New Bethel Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia.  We wept as we left. We were leaving the place that we loved deeply, and at that moment our hearts were broken.  
During this time God impressed us with a new burden for the deaf ministry. Instead of giving up, we increased our ministry. We began printing teaching materials for other deaf ministries.
There was no literature to help these new works. By faith we ventured into this new area of ministry. I promised the Lord if He would open doors, we would give every penny above my church salary to the ministry. I promised that, by faith, these materials would be sent free of charge as the Lord provided.

Ministry At The Deaf School - The Lord opened a door at Georgia School for the Deaf every Sunday morning. This helped us to improve our Sign Language and understanding of the Deaf. There we ministered to about 300 deaf students. We entered a new world of deaf culture.

First Church Supporter - Pastor John Schrimshire of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Trenton, Georgia,  saw our work and the need of support.  He presented this need to his church, and we had our first supporter.  We were on our way to a new ministry. He stated, "I hope this will encourage other churches to support this good ministry to the Deaf."   

Dr. Bill Rice Endorses Our Ministry - We increased our ministry into Bible Courses, Books, Tracts, Bible Lessons and other materials of interest to the deaf. The Lord always gave us the right people at the right time for our ministry.  Dr. Bill Rice, founder of the Bill Rice Ranch, had been observing our work. One day he telephoned to secure information about our ministry. He then printed this information in the ranch's newspaper, The Branding Iron. The Bill Rice Ranch sent all inquiries for deaf literature to our ministry. With the Bill Rice Ranch's endorsement, our ministry reached another level. We needed many volunteers to help us weekly with the ministry.  

First Staff Members - A couple, Keith and Jane Ford, told us that as they had read the Silent Word, God had burdened their hearts to come and help us. They left Kansas and all their belongings to live in a small house trailer. They received no salary, but lived totally by faith in the Lord.  With their help we were able to expand in our printing ministry. Keith ran the presses and Jane typed the mailing labels. They helped build our local deaf ministry, by teaching and visiting the deaf.  
Keith drove a van about sixty miles to bring deaf to our church services. I was amazed that God gave us a family whose only thought was to serve the Lord.

Bible Courses Founded - We saw the need to teach deaf people the Word of God by mail.  We started a correspondence Bible program for the deaf with Bible Courses.  This ministry also grew rapidly and went nationwide. The Bible Courses required grading and correspondence. God gave us another volunteer staff member, Ruth Bennett. She was perfect for the position.  It was exciting to see hundreds of deaf people being saved through this ministry.  One of the greatest joys  was daily going to our mail box and seeing what the Lord was doing. Some wrote telling us we were the only church they had.

1973 - 1993 - Silent Word Ministries Merges with Bill Rice Ranch - As the ministry continued to grow, Dr. Bill Rice of the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, asked us to consider joining the Bill Rice Ranch staff, as they did not have a deaf literature program.  In 1973, we joined the staff of the Bill Rice Ranch as missionaries to the deaf world.  These were good years of learning and being prepared for a worldwide ministry to the deaf.  We learned soul winning and establishing new deaf ministries from Don Cabbage. We learned the importance of a heart for the deaf from Dr. Cathy Rice. Dr. Bill Rice became my spiritual father and advisor. He helped me understand the importance of platform preaching and teaching. Dr. Bill Rice III taught me Bible principles that will remain with me all my life. These folks invested in me to help make our ministry what it is today. During these years I was presented an honorary Doctoral degree from Faithway Baptist College in Michigan in recognition of my publications for the deaf world. We will always be grateful for the twenty years at the Bill Rice Ranch which opened the doors of opportunity for our present ministry.

1993 - Silent Word Ministries Reorganized. After 20 years of service at the Bill Rice Ranch, we decided to relocate Silent Word Ministries to our home town, Trenton, Georgia. After being away for over 30 years, we returned home to the same church where I had been saved, baptized, married, called to preach, ordained and sent as a missionary.
A Deaf Ministry Established in Calvary Baptist Church, Our Home Church - There were no local deaf in Trenton, Georgia, but we knew the move was of the Lord.  The ministry continued to grow beyond our expectations and dreams. When we began in Trenton, Georgia, there were no deaf people in the area. One day a deaf man, Joseph Cabrera, came to visit our church. He asked, "Can I come to church and bring my friends?"  I told him that if the deaf would be faithful for three months, then we would start a deaf ministry. Eventually, deaf people started moving to our small town, and now a good deaf ministry has been established. The deaf people teach their own class, preach in a separate deaf chapel and are involved in the total church ministry. I am still amazed how God sent deaf people to Trenton, Georgia. It was a small miracle!  During these early years, a businessman and friend promised $650 monthly support until we were able to raise our support from friends and churches.  We now apply this same principle to help others start their ministry.

Fantastic Saturdays - As the ministry grew, we saw the need of helping more local deaf ministries.  I asked myself the question, "If Paul worked with the deaf, what would he do?"  I saw the need to travel to major cities and invite the area workers to come to us. It worked!  We now conduct many annual "Fantastic Saturdays" and "D-Days" in more than 20 major, key cities.  

First Staff and Missionary Family - From a "Fantastic Saturday," a family stated that God had called them to serve with us in the ministry of  "Helps." Bob and Trisha Hicks joined with us to take care of mailings, printing and office needs. Our ministry expanded with the help of this family.  

Silent Word Newspaper Reborn -  I was discussing the need of a paper to reach the Deaf nationwide with Eddy Gifford, publisher of our hometown newspaper, The Dade Sentinel. He listened and then asked, "Why don't you publish a newspaper for the deaf?" Then he showed me how it could be done. He stated, "You can do it and I will help you."  We printed our first newspaper, The Silent Word, with 5,000 in circulation. For years we had a desire to begin a newspaper for the deaf. Now, I held it in my hands. A dream come true!
1998 - Mission Board Established - In the Fall, during a "Fantastic Saturday," Allen Snare, a deaf pastor, wanted to talk to me privately.  He stated that the Lord had impressed upon his heart to join Silent Word Ministries.  I quickly told him, "No way!"  It was all we could do to take care of our present ministry, and we could not expand any more. As I returned home from the meeting, the Lord did it again.  He used a deaf man to open my heart to a new ministry.  After much prayer, we founded a mission board for other missionaries to join with us.
We installed a Board of Directors with pastors, financial advisors, friends, deaf ministers, and businessmen for the many needed areas of our ministry.  The growth of the ministry  and more missionaries required that we become a non-profit, tax exempt corporation. We became incorporated with a non-profit 501(c)3 federal tax. This permitted us to receipt gifts and be a clearing house for our missionaries. We elected to keep the ministry under a local sending church.  The pastor and two leaders of the church are required to remain on the voting board. The ministry continued to grow beyond our expectations.
1998 - Second Missionary Joins Board - In January, Reed Condra, veteran missionary to the Deaf joined the team. He is known as "The Teacher" to help train and teach missionaries for the ministry.  He also assists churches that need help.

2000 - Missionaries Jon and Diane Barr join staff - In January, Jon Barr, a graduate of Bob Jones University and a certified interpreter, officially merged his ministry with Silent Word Ministries. In 2001, he became president of Silent Word Ministries. Diane is also an officer on the operating Executive Board. Jon Barr brought his expertise in the areas of the Internet, videos, computers, Sign Language and Deaf ministries. He produces SWM videos, DVDs, web page, and assists in all areas of the ministry. Our ministry moved into another level with this fine family.  Diane, his wife, also assists in the office in many areas. Jon Barr is able and qualified to continue the operation of Silent Word Ministries. Silent Word Ministries was established to have an abiding ministry with a good solid foundation. Jon Barr and staff will maintain a ministry of integrity that can always be trusted.
Spring 2001 - A New Office Building - The Lord provided "The Alvin Spurgin Memorial Building" which houses all our ministries. A group known as the Men of Action (A Church of God mission team) from Cleveland, Tennessee donated labor to construct the office building in only one week. We invite people to come and see what the Lord hath done.

January 2002 - Our ministry has become an international  Deaf ministry with a Bible Institute Program (500+ Deaf enrolled); a newspaper; "The Silent Word" (14,500+ circulation); area-wide Fantastic Saturdays & D-Days; a printing and publication ministry with Bible lessons, manuals, booklets, and tracts; an Internet ministry which promotes our ministry and the Gospel; and a video ministry (in voice and signs or captions) with over 50 videos for the deaf which are available on CD-Rom and DVD.

May 2004 - Silent Word Ministries International - David Bennett joined our board to establish an International ministry. For the first time foreign missionaries may now seek application with Silent Word Ministries International.  David is a veteran missionary working with both the hearing and Deaf in foreign countries, primarily at this time in Brazil where he has been serving for over 25 years.

June 2004 - A free Bible Institute for Spanish Deaf and Hearing was established under the direction of Marcelina Rosales.  These free Bible courses will be made available to the missionaries in Spanish speaking countries.
 
October 2004 - The Men & Women of Action volunteered to constructed the Case-Warren Annex which houses the Gifford print shop, Baker studio, Tate library, and an office for President Jon Barr. The building was built in five days for material cost of about $55,000. Churches and friends across America responded and the need was met. The Baker studio is being used to film and produce videos. Naturally, Deaf people listen with their eyes so the preaching and teaching videos in Sign Language and voice will be an effective tool in evangelizing and teaching in the Deaf world.  A church in Decatur, Alabama donated the funds for all the needed equipment to convert videos into DVDs.  
February 2007 - Established an "International Tract" on the Internet.  It is a Gospel tract presented in several different languages to reach the non-English speaking people. View the tract: www.SilentWordMinistries.org

May 2007 - The third phase of the building program "The Teaching & Training Institute (T.N.T.)" was completed by the Men & Women of Action and other volunteers. It was built in five days and the Lord provided the funds necessary. The building is complete and debt free.  For many years I have had a desire to establish a Teaching & Training Institute for the purpose of helping leaders reach their fullest potential for the Lord. I have often said, "The greatest need in the Deaf ministry is for more good leadership." The Teaching & Training Institute will be a mentoring ministry and an internship program to serve both the Deaf and Hearing. The program will teach and train leaders in all areas of Deaf ministries in voice &  Sign Language with DVD classes which may be studied at home or church. We have qualified personnel, equipment, and a film studio to produce this program. The program will also include a "Baptist Bible Institute" to help local Christians in all areas of Christian service. The new program is planned to begin in late 2008 or early 2009.   

June 2007 - As we look back over these forty-one years of Deaf ministry, we are amazed at what God has done.  The ministry is far beyond our expectations.  We have learned that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Him. We have seen thousands of Deaf and hearing people saved through our varied ministries. All areas of our varied ministries are self-supporting.  We continue to invest in the areas that generate the ministry and improve with new technology to reach the Deaf world for Christ. Our policy is to let it grow if it will and let it die if it doesn't grow. It is hard to believe that all this could start from such a humble beginning. There have been heartaches, but the joys of reaching a Deaf world have been much greater. In 1966, God put a love and burden in our hearts for the Deaf world and it still continues today. In the coming years our goal is to help more foreign countries reach their Deaf for Christ.
Silent Word Ministries International is expanding our nationwide Deaf ministry into a worldwide Deaf ministry. I often say, "We are not great; we just don't have any competition."

Silent Word Mission Board includes twelve missionary families, Ted & Carlene Camp, Jon & Diane Barr, Allen Snare (Deaf), Reed & Donna Condra, Mike & Kim Green (Deaf), Jim & Terry Bracelin, Bill & Eleanor Towner, David & Cathy Harrison, Marcelina Rosales, David and Vicki Bennett, Nicole Condra and Paul Strosnider. Each missionary is free to serve in the ministry as the Lord directs.  We do not seek to control or micro-manage our missionaries. We state to each missionary, "We are not here to take, but to give and help you reach your fullest potential for God." Our office staff consists of Nicole Condra, an outside accountant, and many volunteer helpers who choose to serve.  We also have many local volunteers who help to make this ministry possible. The ministry still remains debt free and it is very evident that God has His hand upon the ministry. From the very beginning, we never sought this ministry, but it sought us. God gave the vision and since 1966 we have tried to be faithful to His calling. We have learned that it is His ministry. We are just the managers.  It is still a frontier deaf ministry with much to be done.

Now, when people ask me, "How do you start a deaf ministry?"  I simply answer, "Get a large poster card, visit the deaf and smile until it hurts." Keep going no matter what happens!  

This is our story... How God took two common people from the small town of Trenton, Georgia, and gave them an international ministry to Deaf people.  If the Lord can do it with us, He can do the same for anyone.  Please visit us when you are in the area. Come and see what the Lord is doing!  

This story is continuing...

Ted Camp, Founder

Silent Word Ministries, Inc.

Some questions asked about Silent Word Ministries - Missions:

1. Is Silent Word Ministries under the local church? Yes, Silent Word Ministries is an outreach ministry sent out of Piney Grove Baptist Church, our local home church in Trenton, Georgia. The pastor and two other members serve on the executive board. A negative vote of three can table or disapprove a missionary. Each missionary is also required to be under a local pastor and to be sent and commissioned from a local church.  

2. What about liabilities and expenses? SWM is an approved nonprofit tax exempt 501(c)3 organization independent from any organization or society. SWM is supported by churches and friends who share our burden to reach the Deaf world for Christ. Our policy is to remain debt free and build only as the Lord provides. Because of your gifts and support, many deaf people will hear in Heaven. A monthly financial report is submitted to all board members, and upon request. IRS form 990 is open to public inspection. Silent Word Ministries is a trusted ministry with integrity since 1966.

3. Do the Missionaries have a salary/support cap?  Yes, a salary cap is approved by the Board of Directors. From this support missionaries must pay insurance, housing, taxes, and personal living expenses. The missionary receives 100% of all gifts and support. It is required that all mission projects be raised separate from their personal support fund.

4. What about the office operating budget? A $6,000 monthly operating budget is needed to operate the home office. All incoming funds from gifts, meetings, literature, videos, books and materials are used to supplement the office operating budget. All income above $6,000 monthly will help to print free tracts, newspaper, and projects.

"We are here to serve you"

Silent Word Ministries Commission

We feel that when the Lord gave the commission to "Go into all the world" and "Teach them." This Great Commission included the world and culture of the Deaf people. We are dedicated to fulfill both commands of our Lord to the Deaf people. We believe that the Bible is the absolute authority and assurance from God. Silent Word Ministries is first commissioned of the Lord and is commissioned and sent from and under a local Baptist church, Piney Grove Baptist Church in Trenton, Georgia. Silent Word Ministries specializes in teaching and training others to minister in Deaf ministries!   

Without the Word of God - There is no Work of God.  

Silent Word Ministries is dedicated to publish, print and preach the Word of God to evangelize and teach deaf people.
 
1. To preach the Gospel to the Deaf world.  

2. To teach and disciple them with the Word of God.

Ministry Motto  

The desire and goal of Silent Word Ministries is "Prayer for boldness
to share Christ, wisdom for the best way,
and open doors of opportunity that deaf people will be saved,
families strengthened and churches served."    
                                    

Ministry Verse:

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Deaf Foreign Missions

SWM mission teams make annuals trips to help the deaf in foreign countries of Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Cuba, Philippines, China, Peru, Bolivia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Brazil.


Please Pray for our Unique Ministry to the Deaf

Church Mission Conferences

A Signing Hand

I CANNOT HEAR