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Gary, Deaf, was awakened by the smell of the
smoke. When he realized the Headquarters was on fire he yelled for
his family, hearing, (his wife and two sons) to get up. The call to the fire department went in at
3:46 am, and the firemen continued to fight the blaze until after
8:00 am. The fire chief said another 15 minutes and the Barrett's
would have all been overcome by the smoke and would have probably
died in the blaze.
The fire was caused by old wiring in a wall in Gary's office. Everything in the house was destroyed and very little was able to be salvaged. Much of the office equipment, including the computers, was damaged from the water and smoke. All clothes and furniture were destroyed plus twenty-three years of pictures and mementos. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be over $175,000."
Across the street from the ministry Headquarters is the Deaf Evangelism Training Center (ETC). Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the Bible school or any of the dormitories.
With the wonderful growth and exciting things that God has been doing, the loss of the ministry Headquarters was a tremendous disappointment. The Retreat Center is known nationally as a place where pastors, missionaries and lay leaders in Deaf ministry can visit for a time of rest and restoration. We have had to cancel ministry engagements as a result of the fire. It's tempting to ask God at a time like this, "Why?" But we know, no matter what, God is in control and He is able to take a tragedy like this and use it for His glory.
Gary's personal favorite
scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean
not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and
he will make your paths straight,"
(NIV).
While we do not understand why this has happened we know that as we depend on God, He will lead.
God has raised up this ministry to send His light and truth to Deaf people everywhere. After praying and seeking God for His will, we decided to rebuild. We know in the natural this will be a difficult task, but with God nothing is impossible.
If you'd like to be a part of helping us rebuild, your prayers and financial support would be greatly appreciated. Any gift large or small will be a tremendous help in rebuilding and helping us to continue
our mission of Sending His (Jesus') light and truth to Deaf people everywhere. For us to complete the rebuilding of the new DMW Headquarters, we need your help!
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