But God!

“But God”. This phrase really intrigues me. It is mentioned 43 times in the Bible (KJV). Most often referring to God’s intervention on behalf of His children. For example, “But God remembered Noah”, “But God” placed Joseph in Pharaoh’s household, “But God who comforts the outcasts”.

In our lives, when things were looking dismal—finances, health, relationships—“But God” intervened and brought us through. The time we were out of food, “But God” had a rancher tithe a beef he had just butchered. The time we were out of funds on a ministry trip to KY, “But God” had someone we had never met send a donation, which arrived that very day. Or the time I was hit by a car and not expected to live, “But God” intervened.

Tonight, I was talking to a man in our Saturday Night Worship group that the Lord is using in an amazing way. His life had been spiraling downward, “But God” intervened 12 years ago, and today he is a light throughout our valley. May we encourage you that when things look hopeless, remember, “But God, rich in mercy,” loves you soooo much! He will carry you through!

August Happenings:
We ended July conducting a funeral for one of our fire dispatcher’s mother. Then we headed to our RBM Board of Directors meeting in Colorado Springs. We are blessed with a tremendous group of men and women who love Jesus, love us, and have extensive experience in various ministries. They share our vision of “Knowing Him and Making Him Known.” We prayed, worshipped, and reviewed our outreaches and finances. As one couple said later, “Our Board meetings feel like a spiritual retreat.”

Two days later, Melva and I were on a flight to London to visit our daughter Joy, husband Stephen, and granddaughters Hannah and Bethan. We had a wonderful time attending worship, leading a church sing-along, and most of all spending quality time with family. A special treat was having tea in Inverness, Scotland, with William and Carine MacKenzie from Christian Focus publishing company. We first met the MacKenzies when we sang in a castle 13 years ago.

Upon returning to the States, we spent several days at Glen Eyrie Christian conference center, resting and preparing for a busy fall speaking schedule. What an awesome place!


Upcoming: Lord willing, we will be sharing:

• September 1: Tin Cup Community Church, Tin Cup, CO
• September 8-10: 1st Baptist Church, Delta, CO
• September 21-22: Hebron Baptist Church, Bentonia, MS
• September 29: Pitkin Community Church, Pitkin, CO
• October 20-23: Abell Community Church, Guthrie, OK

Please put these on your calendar and pray for the Holy Spirit to fall on the meetings!

A new podcast:
Our friend Tom Kjeldgaard (former manager of KTLF radio) just started a podcast where he interviews different people in ministry from around the world. He chose Melva and me as his “guinea pigs” for the first edition. Check it out here.

Fire and Police New Testaments and Devotionals:
Requests continue to come in from chaplains around the country. This month, Chaplain/firefighter Larry Green (MI), Chaplain Bill James (FL), and folks from Texas requested copies. Your prayers and support make this possible! Thank you!

Finances:
By the grace of God and your faithful support, every bill is paid. For 55 years of ministry, He has never failed us. Please join us in prayer that we will be good stewards of His resources. Every week we receive feedback from people impacted by the New Testaments, church services, and other outreaches. Your investments are paying eternal dividends!

Two More Testimonies:

1. Last week my father’s second wife fell and lay in the hospital in a coma. We drove to the hospital, and as we were praying and singing, she opened her eyes! Each day since, she has made gradual improvement. Please pray for Mary.
2. Sunday morning, Melva and I attended Calvary Worship Center near Glen Eyrie. It is a vibrant, growing church with four weekend services attended by thousands of multi-generational, multi-racial folks from all economic standings. At the end of the service, they held their quarterly baptism. Over 75 men, women, and children identified themselves with the death-burial-and-resurrection of our Lord Jesus! God is on the move!

​Prayer Requests:
For strength and the Holy Spirit’s anointing as we enter a very busy speaking schedule in September and October. For my knees to be strengthened for ski season. (My “un-replaced” knee is acting up.) For the Lord to give us wisdom on how to delegate more of our responsibilities to co-workers. Thank you!
Melva joins me in the 75-year-young club on September 19th. What a gift from the Lord she is!

​By His grace and to His glory!
Rick and Melva