How God Began to Direct us to this Trip

Actually we have no idea of all of Gods workings to direct us to this point. He is always faithful to orchestrate events in our lives to bring us into his perfect will. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33.

However we did write a letter to friends to tell them about our plans. Here is a copy.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

God has given my wife and I a special opportunity to travel with an evangelistic mission team to Taipei, Taiwan. In September, Silent Word Ministries International will be leading a mission trip to the 2009 Deaflympics. There will be over 4000 deaf athletes plus many hearing support people. Many of them have never heard the Gospel and may never have another chance. The mission team will be witnessing, preaching, and sharing the Gospel with tracts and DVD Power Point presentations.

While losing my hearing, my family tried to get me to learn sign language. Not wanting to admit I was going deaf, I refused and moved into a deep silent, lonely world. Three years ago God allowed me to receive a Cochlear Implant. The world of sound opened to me again. I can actually understand the preacher and enjoy music in church again.

In a sign language class sponsored by my church, the teacher gave me a video of Brother Ted Camp of SWM preaching and talking about the Deaf living in a silent lonely world. I had been in that world. God began to work in my heart. The next morning in my Bible reading, God directed my thoughts to the deaf and blind in Isaiah 43, then to Romans 12:14 "...how shall they hear without a preacher?" I told God I would learn to sign, be a friend and witness to the Deaf. God has given my wife and me a burden for the Deaf to "hear" the Word of God. We are now active in our church's deaf ministry.

I would ask you to pray for us and help us financially as the Lord leads. The cost of the trip for Diana and me is about $6200. Please send funds to SWMI, P.O. Box 889, Trenton, GA 30752 and designate for Taiwan Trip: Larry & Diana Galyen. All monies contributed will receive a tax deductible receipt.

I would like to keep you informed of our personal and team progress and prayer requests. Please send your email address to lgalyen@gmail.com for these updates.

In Christ,

Larry Galyen

P.S. The Chinese characters at the top are a mystery to most of us, just as the Gospel is a mystery to many Deaf. The characters are Chinese for Gospel.