Vine of CHRIST Ministries

 Praise the LORD!!!

    Truly I don't know what to call this entry for today. Whether an addition to the newsletter for the month, a addition to our "About us" page on the web site or what. It is something that I'm being inspired to write, as with all my writings, none the less!

    When GOD began revealing HIS ministry for me, back in August of '97', I had many a question for HIM. Many of these were like those you too may be wondering about. I will do my best to answer as many of them as possible, in the same manor in which I was led to understand them.

    - Why a ministry covering so many areas of Christian helps?
         For so many years, more like centuries, Christians have been laying aside the burden GOD has for mankind. Laying them on the secular world's shoulders instead of picking them up and bearing the burdens with HIS help. Yes, there are many ministries out there that accomplish a great deal of these in their ministries and for a part of them, the glory does go to GOD. But there is a larger percentage of this work that, even though done by Christians, the glory doesn't go to GOD, but to the group themselves! In all rights, when a Christian accomplishes a work, the glory is suppose to go to HE that gave them the desire and ability to do such. Now a days, we see many groups that pay thousands of dollars to promote their causes before the eyes of the world. Yet few of these promote the name of the LORD which blessed them to be able to accomplish these feats. This is why, even after three years of working on the gulf coast doing rebuilding after the '05' hurricane season, you'll find no signs that VCM had been there. You've seen no advertisements, the only reason you may know of these works is because of our web site. The only reason you know of it, is because GOD has led you to find it through one means or another. I've spent not one cent on advertising or promotion for the ministry. All has been done through word of mouth, either my words or the words of those helped.

    With many of the large Christian ministries, as with the secular organizations, millions of dollars are spent each year for paid advertising. VCM will not do this, we won't even ask for donations at our sites. What we will do is simple. We will state the facts about the current state of the ministry and those works that we're undertaking and ask you to pray over these matters and follow the LORD's leading. This ministry is about JESUS and the fact that HE is our ultimate source for all!!! HE is the vine and we are the branches. HE leads and inspires and we follow and do. Plain and simple. We are non denominational so have no religious organization to receive funding from. All funds will come through those that are led to do so. This may sound highly unusual, but I place my faith totally in the LORD's ample hands and know that what HE has called me to, HE will provide the means to fulfill them. No if ands or buts to it, I totally trust the LORD!!!!!!!

    Current works that are being set up are the first central office and disaster relief operational center (DROC.) Going has been slow, but all things happen in GOD's timing and will only progress as HE wills them to. There are several vacant buildings here in Kingsville that would fit the needs of the ministry and I've been doing research on these. One is the old hospital near the center of town and the other is an old furniture store several blocks away. The hospital would work well as offices and DROC operations. whereas the other would be a prime location for warehousing the supplies and equipment needed for the centers. There is still a lot to be found out about both of these, but all will happen when it is time.

    VCM will have mobile food and medical units that will be designed to provide their appointed needs in the most effective means possible. Our operation will not be like those we've been witnessing lately, where it seems like no one knows whats going on. These, as with all our operations, will function to a very high level of efficiency. After all it is our purpose to show those in need the love JESUS has for them, by the works of our hands. You can't do this is if every thing doesn't function properly and with much fore thought put into it.

    Eventually there will be other DROC's around the country, I've been shown fifteen different locations to date. Three will be spaced out along the gulf coast and the rest around the continental U.S. This is for the purpose of quick response times. All will be within a twenty four hour drive time from another. When a disaster happens not only will the closest center respond, but also those within an operational circle, which will be set up as other locations come into operational status. There will not be any of the waiting, as we've seen, for supplies to be ordered and shipped, equipment and supplies will already be on hand and allocated to the areas in need. We will have supplies moving towards a disaster even before it has taken place and most likely people in the area while it is happening.

    How can all this happen? By the grace if GOD and that which HE's shown me. This ministry is going to have a very large infrastructure and one that is highly organized. It will operate along the lines of a military, with numerous branches, all working together towards one common purpose. This is most likely the reason that I've been working at setting up this ministry for over twelve years now. I've had my hands taught many of the needed skills to bring this all together by working in the many fields required to make this all happen. I've felt the power of the elements and witnessed first hand the lack of controlled efforts to provide relief. I've gone in and done the cleanup and rebuilding. I've witnessed and listen to those that have been on the ground at many of the recent disasters. I've been constantly learning more and more everyday about what works and what doesn't and will put it all to use. When will this all happen? Only the LORD knows for sure and like this article, will happen by HIS leading!!!

 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries
 Vine Ministerial Network International