Our Plan A

Happy Mother's Day! May God bless each of you ladies in wonderful ways!

A wise man once told me, "Sometimes our Plan A is God's Plan B, and God seldom uses Plan B".

Ruth Graham, (Billy's wife), said she was glad God didn't always go with her Plan A. If He had, she would have married the wrong man, 3 times! Sometimes God overrules our plans, with better ones!

The Apostle Paul and his helper Timothy were anxious to obey our Lord's commission to share the gospel with all nations. They set their sights on Asia, but the Holy Spirit stopped them. So, they switched gears and prepared to go to Bithynia. Again, the Spirit prevented them. I'm sure they were confused. Why would the Lord command them to go and then stop them? The answer? God had a better plan. As they waited and prayed, a Macedonian appeared to Paul in a vision, asking them to come to his region. This led to the gospel spreading into Europe! (Acts 16:1-10)

God tells us, "..My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." And His plans are for our good and bring Him glory! (Isaiah 55:9 b, Jeremiah 29:11-13)

We just experienced this truth during a two-week ministry trip to Colorado Springs and Guthrie OK. There were numerous unplanned "Divine Appointments." For example, as we were having breakfast with the manager of Glen Eyrie conference center, a couple we had just met came to our table. While talking, we found out the husband had a specialized skill the Glen really needed. On our way back from Oklahoma, a couple saw my guitar as we entered the hotel and asked if we would play some music with them. As we played, I was able to share how Jesus had changed our lives and music.

The revival services in Guthrie went very well with amazing music by saxophonist Russell Davis and singer/songwriter Barry Ward. A special highlight was a woman bringing her neighbor to the services and then leading her to the Lord when they returned home! In addition, we had a wonderful time with saints we had known for over 30 years. Thank you for your prayers, God answers them!

Other April happenings: We held our 2d annual dinner for men and women whose spouses have gone to be with the Lord. We loaded another trailer of clothes and furniture for a church on the Navajo reservation, and had the privilege of spending time with Christian workers who are experiencing medical issues. We prayed, shared Scripture, and sang with these faithful saints!

Upcoming: Lord willing, we will be sharing in:

May 26     Pitkin CO     Worship Service @ Pitkin Community Church
June 2     Tin Cup CO     Worship Service @ Tin Cup Community Church
June 9     Pitkin CO     Worship Service @ Pitkin Community Church
June 30     Tin Cup CO     Worship Service and Music program following
July 11-14     Gunnison CO     Cattlemen's Day Chaplain and Rodeo Service
August 1-3     Colorado Springs     Rick Barton Ministries Board Meeting
September 1     Tin Cup CO     Worship Service @ Tin Cup Community Church
September 29     Pitkin CO     Worship Service @ Pitkin Community Church
October 20-23     Guthrie OK     Bible Conference@ Abell Community Church


Family: Nick, Rebekah, and Kailani returned safely from visiting Japan. Stephen, Joy, Hannah, and Bethan were able to travel back to Inverness and spend time with friends there. Melva and I hope to visit each grandchild (and their parents) this year. Thank you for praying for our family!

Finances: "If God can get it through you, He can get it to you!", a Christian friend once told me. This sounds like Jesus' words, "Give and it shall be given you" doesn't it? We continue to see this truth in action. Your prayers and support have been multiplied as we share with families and Christian workers in need, send out hundreds of 1s Responder New Testaments and Devotionals without charge, and travel to various towns to hold services. Thank you, you are making a difference!

Saturday Night Worship Group: We're grateful that more and more in the group are volunteering to help with worship, teaching, women's ministry, and more. We believe the church should be equipping workers to do our Lord's work (Ephesians 4:11-12). One of our recent "alumni" just reported that he is helping lead worship in both Chinese and English language church services in Louisiana! He said the time spent helping us here, equipped him to serve there.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we share His wonderful gospel.
Please pray for our voices to return to full strength-they suffered when we were sick this winter.
Please pray for our family to draw closer to Jesus each day, and for health and safety as we travel.
Thank You! Your prayers and support undergird us daily. We are soooo grateful for each of you!

By His grace and to His glory! Rick and Melva

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