"God's Amazing Grace!"

A former slave trader, alcoholic, and womanizer, who by God’s grace was converted and became a Christian pastor, wrote a song as part of his New Years sermon. It was a reflection on his transformation from a life of sin to a new one of love and service to Jesus! In it, he reflected on the wretchedness of his former life and the journey through many difficulties into one of hope, purpose and the assurance of heaven. On John Newton’s tombstone it is written that he was “preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy!”. And then it cites the scripture verse, “By the grace of God I am what I am!” (1 Corinthians 15:10a).


I would like that scripture on my tombstone as well, wouldn’t you? Along with the rest of the verse which says, “And His grace toward me did not prove in vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” The Lord Jesus has entrusted to Melva and me many wonderful opportunities to serve. It is ONLY by His grace, working through your prayers, that we are able to do them. His grace is truly amazing!


December blessings: By God’s grace I led the prayer for the community Thanksgiving dinner. Our Saturday Night Worship group was able to “adopt” 5 families for Christmas and provide warm clothing, food, and toys. This was in addition to the 128 OCC shoeboxes we packed. 20 of us shared carols with the Assisted Living and Nursing Home and I was blessed to lead the services at New Song Church for two months until their new pastor arrived.


We started our winter Mountaintop Chapel services and Monday night Bible studies for employees and guests at Crested Butte Ski Area. It was hectic doing 4 meetings each weekend as well as teaching skiing, but the Lord gave us the grace to do it, and we believe lives were touched for Jesus!


Upcoming: In addition to the Saturday night and ski area services, we have the privilege of holding 4 days of meetings February 1-4 at 1st Baptist Church in Delta CO. Then, February 25-27 I help lead worship for the High Ground men’s Bible/ski conference in Edwards, CO.


1st Responder New Testaments and Devotionals: I just received word that we gave away 1,280 fire and police devotionals in 2025 plus several thousand New Testaments! We just sent more New Testaments and devotionals to Texas and New Jersey! Please pray the Lord uses each copy.


Finances:

1. We are finally able to begin online giving! Several of you have requested it and we now have an account through Venmo. You can find it on our website, rickbartonministries.org.
   
2. Here’s an overview of Rick Barton Ministries finances:
   a. Saturday Night Worship: All offerings from Saturday Night are distributed between 20 missionaries, missionary widows, and small church pastors.
   b. Regular RBM donations provide for 1st Responder Bibles, scholarships to local students attending Christian colleges, extra support for missionaries, as well as support for Melva and me.
   c. Our Philippians 4:19 fund is a benevolence fund which provides food, clothing, medical related expenses, etc. for families in need.
   d. All donations are recorded by our accountant, tax receipts issued, and we have a yearly review by an independent CPA.
   
3. I believe we have given out more this year in New Testaments, missionary support, etc. than ever. Yet, as the year ended, every bill was paid and we enter the new year in the black! Thank you for your faithful support! God is using you to touch many for Jesus!
   

Prayer Requests:

1. For the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be upon us as we share His wonderful word in meetings and one on one!
   
2. For our oldest son Steve as he begins his new job as administrator and worship leader for his church in Glendale CA.
   
3. For our daughter-in-law Sara as she begins a new job in Menifee CA.
   
4. For my knees to continue to hold up during ski season.