“As a Dying Man to Dying Men”

The great evangelist, D.L. Moody, was concluding his sermon on October 8, 1871. Instead of urging his audience to repent and make a decision for Christ that night, he told them to go home and consider such an important decision and return the next Sunday. As the crowd departed, fire bells began to ring, and smoke filled the streets. The Great Chicago Fire had broken out. For the next 3 days, fire raced through the city destroying over 17,000 buildings and killing an estimated 300 people. Nearly 100,000 were left homeless. Moody never preached to that same group of people again. He always regretted not calling for a decision!

I remember the night I preached to a small group of folks in a Salvation Army shelter. The front row had 10 or 15 faithful workers: the back row, 10-15 from the shelter. I hesitated to call for a decision to trust Jesus. After all, those in the front were probably saved, and those in the back didn’t look interested. Yet, I did. One man raised his hand. The Captain and I met with him, explained the gospel, and prayed the sinner’s prayer. The next morning, we discovered he had passed into glory during the night! An autopsy revealed that his liver, heart, and lungs had been destroyed through abuse. I asked the Lord, “What just happened?” He spoke to my heart and said, “Someone was praying he’d have one more chance to receive Christ. I sent you.”

As Melva and I travel around the country, we find many churches have ceased giving an invitation. Many of us don’t urge our friends and family to pray to receive Jesus. May we remember what the great Puritan pastor Richard Baxter said, “I preached, as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men!” We must call for a decision; it may be their last opportunity.

July Happenings:
We had a wonderful July. Lots of chances to share Jesus and His love.
One highlight was serving as Chaplain for the Cattlemen’s Days professional rodeo in Gunnison. Each night before the performance, I gave a prayer for the audience. Then, “real” cowboy Shane Cox and I spent the evening behind the bucking chutes praying with the various contestants.
At the end of the week, we held a Cowboy Church service in the grandstands. This year, local rancher Chuck Haus shared his testimony. His children, Tristen and Tony, sang, and we presented 4-H and missionary scholarships. Your prayers and support allow this to happen! Thank You!

1st Responder New Testaments and Devotionals:
In July, we sent more copies to New Jersey, Maine, and Colorado! Your gifts to “Sue’s Bible Fund” underwrite these!

In addition, the Lord opened the door to share Jesus with a man in the jail. Several ladies from our Saturday Night Worship gathered hundreds of items for Operation Christmas Child. We held a funeral for a man who overdosed, and several who attended the funeral have shown an interest in knowing Jesus! “Alumni” missionaries, Brad and Gina Shaw (Peru) and Cathy Gallagher (a missionary training missionaries), visited and gave us updates on the wonderful work God is doing.

Upcoming: Lord willing:

• July 31-August 2: Colorado Springs - Rick Barton Ministries Board Meeting
• August 5-19: London/Inverness - Visiting Stephen and Joy, Hannah, and Bethan
  (One of our goals this year is to visit all our children and grandchildren, from London to Los Angeles!)
• August 20-29: Secret Place - Rest and Study
• September 1: Tin Cup CO - Service at Tin Cup Community Church
• September 8-10: Delta CO - Services at 1st Baptist Church
• September 29: Pitkin CO - Service at Pitkin Community Church
• October 20-23: Guthrie OK - Bible Conference @ Abell Community Church

Family:
The Lord continues to bless our family in answer to your prayers. We are looking forward to spending time with Stephen and Joy (Hannah and Bethan) in England and Scotland. Nick and Rebekah (Kailani) are busy with their restaurant, and Kai is active in sports. Steve and Annie (Samuel and Abigail) are doing well, but Steve asks for prayer for a nagging back issue. Tim and Sara (Elizabeth and Sydney) are enjoying their summer in the “warm” Los Angeles area.

Finances:
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support! Our accountant Ryan is moving, and we are transitioning to Melanie. We are also installing a new accounting system (QuickBooks will no longer support our “old” system). With the transition, newer software, new accountant, and our being out of town, there will be a few weeks’ delay in our sending out receipts. Thanks for being patient! Your gifts bring an “overflowing through many thanksgivings to God”! (2 Cor. 9:12)

Prayer Requests:

1. For the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we share.
2. For Steve’s back.
3. For my knees.
4. For safety as we travel and for a productive time of rest and study.
   Thank You!

“Grace be upon all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love” (Eph 6:24)

​Rick and Melva ​​