We are called the Silent Bible Baptist Church (SBBC) because our worship is silent. In Habakkuk 2:20 (KJV), you will read… “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” The word “silence” here in this verse is a sign of humility and submission to God in heaven. For our deaf it is not about the music, the band, the voice of specialists, or the loud preaching of a preacher. It is silence in American Sign Language (ASL) that is raised by our deaf in worship and praise to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as we serve God in humility and submission to God and one another. We pray that our church can be used of God in a mighty way to share the gospel to the deaf in Wichita (Judea), America (Samaria), and around the world (the uttermost).

Our church verse is Isaiah 29:18 (KJV)…And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.  We believe “that day” has arrived for the deaf to hear the “Words of the Book” we call a Bible. To “hear” does not only mean a physical hearing with the ears on your head, but also meaning a spiritual hearing as to the understanding of the mind and heart about Godly things that only the Holy Spirit brings to the children of God who worship in truth.

Another way for us to be able to reach the deaf around the world is to support Missionaries who go to the deaf. We have always supported the deaf missionaries who have the call of God in their lives to go where we are not able to go. We believe strongly in the “Great Commission” of Jesus Christ to His disciples given in Matthew 28:18 (KJV) …And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.    

At the Silent Bible Baptist Church, you will find deaf and hearing people, people of different nationalities, different cultures, and different characters. But we all come together in one church (A group of believers in God united in Christ) to try and work together with all our differences for the glory of God. You will also find at SBBC, deaf that lead the music in ASL and sing praises to God in ASL. We also have some specialists that sing and sign in ASL with the accompaniment of a CD. There are many deaf that come to our church and are able to lead in prayer for the services, the offering, and the food.

This is our Sunday School class (Above) where we learn God’s Word in ASL.
Much of our staff at the SBBC are deaf. We have a deaf treasurer, deaf trustees, deaf church clerk, deaf song leaders, and deaf ushers. The deaf of SBBC are very much involved if they want to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the left is Mrs. Betty (Bunny) Johnson leading our worship and praise service on “Old Fashioned Sunday” Her husband Ed Johnson (Top far right) is Betty’s Husband who also leads our music.

 

 

To the right, these are some of our kids goofing off and having fun. 

Doesn’t this make you want to come and be a part of SBBC to hang around with God’s children who can be their normal self and have fun doing it?

 

 

We also have deaf and hearing in our church that are just like other Christians nation-wide who only come to one service a year or one service a week, while others never miss a service on Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon or Wednesday night. When we observe God’s word in Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)…And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: How do we do that? How do we practice good works and love towards one another? I believe that the answer is in the following verse 25a… “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;” The words “not forsaking” means to not to oppose, or not to give up, or not to quit. Well, what are we not to give up on?  The “assembling of ourselves” meaning every time that you get together whether it is for worship, for banquets, parties or just getting together for a road trip. God said not to quit doing it. We at the SBBC want to keep the deaf church (Which is the people not the building itself) busy for the Lord in everything we do. But note also the rest of the verse 25b…but exhorting (warning or urging earnestly) one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  The reason we gather together at SBBC is to encourage one another in the faith, to worship God, and be with God’s people. And notice also in the verse that God tells us to what? We are to gather more often together “as ye see the day approaching.” What “day” is that? The day of the Lord’s return to take “His bride” which is the church. This is “the day” that all of us at SBBC are awaiting with anticipation together as we serve an almighty God and an awesome Savior.

                At SBBC we enjoy many activities such as the following…

“Annual Fall Praise Festivals”

(Pics soon to be added)

“Deaf Ladies Retreats”

“Deaf Men’s Advances”

Here we are in 2006 at one of our “Deaf Men’s Advance”  at Lake Afton starting on back left row James Hansen, Paul Mansfield, Mike Hall, Ron Wilcoxson. (Lower left) Bill Hindman, James Canady, Eddie Hodges, Leonard Licktieg, and Victor Trass. This is SBBC men and Friendly Baptist Deaf men.

“The SBBC Choir”

Above is our group in 2006 going Christmas caroling with far right Ron Wilcoxson, James Hansen, Nelda Hansen, Betty Wilcoxson and the two youngest carolers.

 Here is the most recent caroling group in December of 2017
(From the Marvin and Tricia Ebersole, Marilyn Pickens, Ron Wilcoxson, Betty and Ed Johnson.

“Deaf Dinners”

Here we are gathered together at the Wilcoxson home for a Christmas dinner

“Dinner and Service in the Park”

“Deaf Work Day”

(Pics soon to be added)

“Deaf Revivals”

Here is the SBBC after a wonderful Revival meeting with deaf Evangelist Ronnie Rice

“Deaf being Deaf”

(Below left)  is Mary Grace Mansfield from the Philippines receiving her U.S. Citizenship.
(Lower right) is Rita Solis and her husband Juan Solis receiving his U.S. Citizenship   

There are many more pictures to come in the future as we grow and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.