“Marching to Zion” - Endurance and Perseverance

Endurance and Perseverance: This week in my quiet time, I came across a comparison between the words, “endurance” and “perseverance”.  Oswald Chambers said, "Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen.”  The two overlap in our Lord’s journey to the cross for us.  Of Jesus we read, “who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2b).  In other words, Jesus was able to endure the pain and shame because He had the “absolute assurance and certainty” that after His death for us on the cross, there would come His resurrection and ascension to rule heaven and earth! 

Throughout our lives in Christ, we are reminded that “This world is not our home” and that we are “marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God”.   We don’t just want to “endure” this world, but “persevere” with absolute assurance of our eternal home with Jesus!  Melva and I want to use every gift and talent we’ve been given until He calls us home.  Don’t you?

February:  What a wonderful time of sharing God’s love.  Three worship services a week (one on video, one live on Saturday Night, and one on the top of the chairlift every Sunday); teaching skiing 3-5 days a week, a weekly ski area Bible study, a discipleship class, and more.  Your faithful prayers support us as we march on!

Evangelical Pastors and Wives Dinner:  On February 16th, we hosted our annual night of prayer and fellowship for evangelical pastors and their wives from Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Lake City CO.  This year we had the blessing of several Covid-stranded missionary couples in attendance as well.  The entire “agenda” is to enable these pastors and their wives to meet one another, enjoy a meal together and spend an hour in prayer.  Melva and I were thrilled as we heard the voices of many denominations and ministries united in prayer!  

Mountain Top Chapels:  The Lord continues to bless our Sunday afternoon chapels at the top of the Painter Boy chairlift.  We are averaging almost 20 attendees including employees, locals, and guests.

First Responder New Testaments and Devotionals: This month we were able to send New Testaments and Devotionals to Canada, Pennsylvania, and New York.  Your prayers and support make this happen!

Upcoming:  Lord willing we will be sharing this spring and summer in Pitkin and Tin Cup CO and in the fall in Delta, CO.  In addition, several families have asked us to do memorial services for their loved ones.   

“Alumni Missionaries”:  This month, Paul and Sarah, serving in India, as well as Diane, serving in inner-city Jackson MS, came through and reported how the Lord is using them.  You are a lifeline in helping 19 workers and their families in the United States as well as 6 foreign countries (Kenya, Nepal, India, Mexico, Peru, and southeast Asia).

Prayer Requests:  Please pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be upon us as we share!  Please pray for missionaries/RBM Board members Gay and Sue Reynolds.  Sue has been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for each New Testament and devotional that goes out, that the Lord will use them to His glory.  Please pray for the Lord to raise up those He has chosen to assist us.

Finances:  Within Rick Barton Ministries we have four separate funds.  The “Bible Fund” is used to purchase and ship Fire- Police-Cowboy-and Motorcycle New Testaments and daily devotionals at no charge around the world.  The “Philippians 4:19 Fund” is a benevolence fund used to help families with medical, housing, clothing, and food expenses.  The “Saturday Night Offering” is divided equally each month between two missionaries or Christian workers who are “alumni” or have connections to our ministry.  And, the “General Fund” which provides for Melva and I as well as our accountant’s salaries and other expenses connected with operating the ministry.  By God’s grace, we have never had to solicit funds but simply report to you what the Lord is doing and trust Him to lead those who should invest in His work through us.  Thank you for praying and supporting us as He leads!

By His grace and to His glory, Rick and Melva Barton

Evangelical Pastors and Workers at Prayer