CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE BARTONS
December 2003

As the Colorado mountains slowly yield to a sparkling blanket of snow, we would like to express our gratitude and warmest Christmas blessings to each of you. 2003 has been an exciting year and 2004 looks to be even more so.

2003 in review: Ski retreats, college ministry, revival in MT, evangelism training in NM, helping recover the Space Shuttle in TX, chapel services on fires around the country, ministry in 8 states, a daughters wedding, two boys in Christian colleges, an ever-increasing love for each other, and a growing love for our Savior. His grace, mercy and peace abound and are ever sufficient!

2004: Continued college ministry, seminary classes (as the Lord provides, I could complete my 3 remaining pre-doctoral seminary classes by July and start the Doctor of Ministry in the winter of ’04), skier Bible studies at Crested Butte, a ski retreat in Beaver Creek, revivals in KS and OK, teaching in the school of evangelism in San Diego, and sharing Jesus with all He sends my way.

The book I wrote for the Billy Graham folks is still bearing fruit with calls each month from beginning evangelists asking for a complimentary copy. Our new music cd has been used of the Lord in several folk’s life, and tonight I received word that an assistant fire chief who I had given a firefighter New Testament to months ago, has begun reading it looking for help with the death of his wife. Last week I conducted a funeral for a local pioneer woman, Sunday, 6 of her family came to church for the first time.

Your prayers and financial support have allowed us to stay in these ripened fields. As the Gideon women’s auxiliary says, “We stay on our knees so that the men can stay on their feet!” Thank you for keeping us on our feet!

Have a blessed Christmas and a Christ-filled New Year!

Rick and Melva, Joy and Stephen, Rebekah, Steve, Tim Barton