The last several weeks...

Praise the LORD!!!
   For we've been blessed with the beginning of another year, but truly, as of yet, it is but only one day. So many seek to plan out that which "they'll accomplish" within the bounds of this new year. Yet, they've no more of an idea as to if they will be blessed with any of it.

   The last several weeks, I've been away. Not physically, but spiritually!!! My mind and heart have been totally upon that which the LORD has set forth for me. HIS ministry thru me.

   Most all others though, have been living it up. After all, this is the holiday season. Christmas and New Years all wrapped up conveniently together. To me, these are but days, another day within those I've been blessed with. Another day to glorify the LORD within all that I do.

   Now, let's return to these last several weeks, in which I was seldom here(online.) I was here the whole time, but I was only led to partake in a very limited manor. Sharing a little here and a little there, but not the usual bombardment of WORD into other's lives!!!

   The reason for this, is that another phase of my life for the LORD is about to take place. And there was the need to form up the guidelines and knowledge base needed to step into it.Like all good foundations, they're solidly set. Solidly set upon the ROCK JESUS CHRIST.

   Though I've been led to go back to "a means" of earning an income for the ministry and self, my feet are still firmly planted upon all that the LORD has led me to understand. Yes, you heard me right, "that the LORD has led me to understand." For, that which I post online and live out in my life, are not my own understandings. Not in the least.

   Sure, I've read thousands of pages of scripture, thousands of pages of books written by men and listened to thousands of hours worth of teachings. Still, not one jot or tittle is that of my own understanding. You may wonder how this is possible!?! Simple, for I am dead. I am dead to this world and all it's ways. I'm dead to the flesh. The flesh that so strives against anything that even closely resembles holiness. A flesh, that would rather pleasure in one moment of pleasure, even if it meant an eternity of suffering and separation from GOD.

   This goes back to the moment of my salvation. Where I gave the LORD everything. Sure, mine was a "prison conversion," but far from that of most. For it wasn't one of those "Lord, I give you my life, if you'll but get me out of this mess," types of conversions. No, it was the wholehearted, "LORD, this life that is within me, it is YOUR's and YOUR's alone. All that I have, all that I am, or ever will be, are YOUR's. Do as YOU will, lead and I'll follow." Hopefully, you can see that there is a determination within my life. Not to live for self, but to live that life which HE has set before me. Not for my purposes or gain, but for HIS glory alone!!!

   Now, back to the direction this entry was intended to head in. I know not the reasons, or even dwell on the possibilities of why, people(yes, y'all) fail to see, hear or take note of that which the LORD has had me working on for years. Whatever it may be, doesn't really matter, it is my task to continue on doing as I'm led. Those other matters, are between each person and their LORD/lord(yes, those spellings are correct(think about it.))  

   I've been blessed in the last several weeks, with not being able to work. It's hard for a carpenter to work, when they can barely walk around, it's a very mobile profession. In this time, I've consumed more scripture and scriptural writings than most will in this coming year. Along with this, I've crammed hours worth of study in photography and post processing. Everything I could read or watch to become proficient in the art and business of photography. A part of my life for many years, long ago. But Oh, how things have changed since those days, not in "myself" alone, but the technology behind the art. These things, they've all been devoured and stockpiled, ready for usage, when the time comes.

   Now, comes a time of questions. Questions, which I truly don't expect answers from, because I've learned that people don't answer my questions anyway.
Have I not been among you for these many years, constantly(well almost) set before you a mass of scripture and related writings??? Can you not see, that there is a wholehearted devotion for the LORD in this life of mine??? Have not your tables been blessed with food to feed your spirits??? Why then do you shun this ministry and it has to survive on only that which I'm blessed to provide???

   This ministry was set forth during a time when ministers and their cohorts, have battered down your doors, to gain your tithe, that they deem they deserve. Yet, a fresh air ministry that doesn't follow in like manor, is shunned or maybe just forgotten. This ministry is not alone though. For there are numerous others, where the minister takes from their own plates to set before those in need. Many may not consider many, if not most of these, as not being true ministries. In all actuality, these are truer ministries than most of the others. For they give and give, not expecting earthly rewards or fame, but to but once hear their LORD and SAVIOR say "well done"!!!

*** As usual, I've no idea the reasoning behind this post. Except for the fact that I was led to do so. I received the leading and have done as led, the rest, as with all things in my life, are in the LORD's hands !!! GOD bless :{)))

Almost there...

Praise the LORD!!!

   Well folks, we're almost there. At the end of another year and the beginning of a new one. And like every other year's end, we've tons of "ministries" and "organizations" asking for donations!!!

   If you're anything like me, you've subscribed to numerous "Christian" groups/newsletters and the such. So your email boxes are crammed with pleas for "end of year" donations to their prospective needs.

   That is one thing you'll not see coming from this ministry, and one of the greatest differences between this ministry and many others. That is it's means of obtaining funding for operations. Most, you'll see very little difference between them and those of the world(non CHRIST centered.) They will boast of the many "works" they've done over the year(s), they'll take about all that they've "grown" and talk about all that they "could" do, if they receive the "needed" funding to do so.

   Here I am, running this ministry "out of pocket(that which I've been blessed to earn);"  off from work, going on three weeks now; and still leaving the matter of "if this ministry will survive another day," totally in the hands of GOD alone!!!

   A life of serving GOD with your all is tough. You grow used to "trials and tribulations" within your daily life. You go at things totally different than most. You face them head on and deal with them moment by moment. For there is no tomorrow that we're promised. Sure, we've a ton of blessings we're promised. Tons of them, that can "fall into our laps," at any given moment. But the truth is, these are all dependent on the matter of what GOD holds in store for tomorrow and whether or not HE is going to bless you with a tomorrow !?!

No cardboard crosses!!!

 Praise the LORD!!!

   I pray that all are well and growing in their personal walks with the LORD!!! For those that know me, this will be a bit of the old and some new, but to those that don't, all will be new. A little background info for all.

   I am the Reverend Marshall Barth and operate the growing ministry called Vine of CHRIST Ministries. Until very recently I've done all by myself, but have been blessed to have two new team members on board now here in the states(did have, they found other things more important). In April of 09 I 'stepped out of the boat,' and began a very long journey for the LORD and HIS ministry for me. I was living in Utopia, Ohio, about 40 miles east of Cincinnati, on the Ohio river. The LORD had been impressing it upon my heart to go to Kingsville, Texas to begin setting up and formalizing the first fully functional office complex and Disaster Relief Operational Center (DROC) there. Several problems though, I had no transportation and very little money for a trip of this type, let alone all that would be needed once I got there.

   Being a man that truly trust GOD's leading I packed a military dufflebag with all that it would hold, prepared my dog(Maryanne(year old wolf/shepherd cross)) and started south. I left the day before Easter 09 and crossed the river by ferry at Augusta, Kentucky. I walked about fifteen miles before getting tired. Hey I'm carrying between sixty and eighty pounds and leading a dog that is just barely road broke. We stopped near an intersection of two roads and spent the night over the hillside out of sight. I awoke to a bit of a refreshing Easter morning, about forty degrees or so, and had a sunrise service alone with GOD. We then set off on our journey. After about three hours walking I saw a wall at the roadside, which would be perfect to unsaddle myself and take a break. Not really noticing, much of the surroundings. As I was about to take the last strap off, I heard someone yelling to me. I looked up and I was across the street from a small non denominational Christian church and the pastor was inviting us over for breakfast. Needless to say, I didn't turn him down. I was going to leave Maryanne outside tied to a rail, but was told to bring her on in with me. Once inside, we were warmly greeted and very well feed. Maryanne 'wolfed' down three big plates of  biscuits and gravy and I put away two of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a fruit bowl and a couple of cups of nice hot coffee.

   Then to my surprise, we were asked to join them in a worship service upstairs. You heard me right, we. Maryanne and I both were welcomed upstairs in their sanctuary for service. We sat to the rear, as is my normal practice, and were introduce to all during the service and allowed to elaborate on what we were doing. After the service, we were both greeted by all the members and almost everyone gave me some money for the trip. We then headed out the doors and onward for the LORD, fully believing that this would be the type of spirit we would encounter on most of the trip. After about fifteen mile of walking, mostly on new construction Maryanne was showing signs of sore feet. We were stopped by a young couple and offered some canned food and a couple of sandwiches, due to the weight, I turned down the can goods, but gladly took the sandwiches. After a short bit we stopped in front of a closed store to relax and eat them. Just as we finished up, another couple stopped to get gas and I told them that the store was closed. We began to talk and the next thing I knew Maryanne and I had our first ride. Which ended up being a little longer then they had said, because they had thought of a better place along our route to take us and it wasn't that much out of their way.

   They ended up dropping us off at a public boatramp that allowed overnight camping and said we could most likely stay there until Maryanne's feet got better. Now this couple were Christians, but seldom went to church, because of 'all the hypocrites within the walls.' I could not argue, because I've seen those that they were talking about with my own eyes. I set about gathering wood for a fire and got ready to sleep for the night when it began to rain a little. I didn't have a rain suit or even a poncho, but took two garbage bags and made a rain suit out of them. A short while after this the couple that had dropped us off came back and delivered some can goods and leftovers from their Easter dinner, plus an umbrella, before taking off again. So far I've seen the Christian spirit alive in those within the walls and outside of them, I was feeling the LORD's love from all people.

   The rain began to get heavier during the next day and it was beginning to get hard to keep dry and a fire going. We had several people stop in our impromptu camp and had some great conversation with all. Everyone I talked with left knowing the purpose for these two strangers camped out by the river and several left us money or supplies. On our second night there the weather began to turn ugly, several stopped by to offer us shelter somewhere outside our camp, but I was being led to stay right where we were for the time being, so we did. Now when I said ugly, you may not of gotten the full scope of the matter. They were calling for heavy rains , winds and possible chance of tornadoes! I was turning down offers of shelter through this? Yes, for when the LORD impresses something upon my heart, I listen and do just that!!! About three AM I'm awaken, soaking wet, lakes formed inside my boots and not a dry spot on me. All of my belongings are drenched. I began to cry out to the LORD, asking HIM what was HIS purpose for all this and had I heard HIM wrong. This went on for several hours, until around sunrise. I had tried to start a fire, but its quite hard when there is nothing dry to burn. I even tried burning my computer logbooks for the ministry. The only thing dry was my Bible and you know that wasn't going to be burned, no matter what!


   I was walking around trying to stay as warm as possible, by keeping the blood flowing, when the local constable showed up, we'd already talked, he was a Christian and offered me some encouragement in scripture and left after this. A little later a man on his way to work, stopped in and left me his lunch for the day. A while later a woman I'd talked with the day before stopped by and asked if I needed anything. I asked 'if she could go by the little store and grab us something to eat.' She said she had a better idea and went to her house and got some dogfood and came back with it. Then she headed off and said she'd be back with something for me in a bit. She came back shortly with several sandwiches, but said she had to run off and talk with her husband about something and would be back later. An hour or so later, her and her grand daughter stop by, both getting out and popping the hatch on the SUV. Bonnie told me to get my stuff and put it in the truck and not to argue with her. I could see that there was no need to, so did as ordered and Maryanne and I were off with them. Bonnie told me that she'd talked with her husband and that they had a vacant house they were fixing up for resale and we would be staying there. Electricity, hot water, a pantry full of food, not to mention the fridge and freezer full and all the cookware needed. No furniture, but praise the LORD we had a roof over our heads and a level place to sleep for as long as we needed. That's right, as long as we needed!


   Now Bonnie was a Born again Christian, though she wondered at times, her husband(Harold) turns out to be the man that had given me his lunch, believed in GOD but had never given his life to the LORD. So here are two that believe, but don't go to church giving me a house to live in rent free, plus all else we needed. An a good thing about it, there is a little non "d" church not more then a hundred yards down the road, well I thought this at first! I began to work on getting Maryanne's feet healed and back up for the walk ahead, which wasn't that easy. Because we had walked on two to three inch rock for over ten miles and her pads were spread pretty badly. She hadn't walked much in our three days by the river, even seldom getting up to go to the bathroom. She was hurting! The first week there I watched the local church on Sunday. They only had about twenty families attending. The next week I attended service and enjoyed a nice sermon on tithing and Christian charity. I talked with the minister after service and complemented him on the sermon and talked about what the LORD was calling me to do.


   I began to hear the LORD leading me not to return, which made me wonder, but I listened. For the next three weeks, I watched as they had their twice a week services and after church dinners and even a few cookouts. Now, here I am a minister myself, living a stones throw away and not once did anyone stop in to ask if I needed anything. Yet Bonnie and her girls would stop by every day or so and deliver food or pickup my laundry for me. Member's of the church, shunning me and non church goers providing my every need. Makes you wonder, don't it? I felt I had to return Bonnie's hospitality, but didn't want to offend her, so I began to do a few little things on the house. She soon noticed and when confronted on it, I couldn't lie and told her what I had been doing and why. She wasn't offended, but decided that since I was willing to help them in return, she'd allow it, but only with payment in return. Now if you knew Bonnie like I had  come to know her, you'd of agreed also, she's a bit set in her ways when she makes up her mind:) and there's no sense in trying to argue. So I agreed, it was the least I could do.


   Now this so far has been the background info, now for the meat of this posting. After a bit, I was doing some carpet patches in the closets, when I came to the end of the roll. The LORD impressed me to take the cardboard roll and fashion it into a cross. I did so and took it outside and placed it on the fence surrounding the pool. Now here is this six foot tall cross standing out for all to see and I've got to wonder why. I put it to prayer and the answer is clear as day, "this is my church, as it stands today." I had to wonder and asked why again. Again the answer came, "watch and you shall see." For the first several days it stood fine, there were no problems, then again the weather was also fine, clear and sunny. But then the rain began to set in, the cross stood fine for the first couple of days. Then something began to happen, it folded backwards, completely against itself. Forming another perfect cross, but one quite beaten by the weather. I began to pray and ask 'what is the meaning behind this LORD?' Again the answer came, but not one I'd of thought of!


   "My church, as you have seen, stands strong in fine weather, trouble free for all to see. Yet when the weathers of tribulation comes, it falls back upon itself, hiding within itself, still looking the part of MY church, but only a slim resemblance of it!!!" 'What do you mean LORD?' "You have seen for yourself, that the helps on this trip have come mostly from those outside the church's walls and you will see more of this." Needless to say I was completely taken aback by this. Yes I had seen most of my help coming from Christians who didn't attend church and only the one time from those of a church. How was I going to see more of this? As with all things GOD's has shown me in my years of walking with HIM, I was about to find out. For several days later we began our journey to the south again. Harold and Bonnie took me shopping to get some needed supplies, like a raincoat and some new boots. Then gave me over $300 to continue on the trip. Even more so, Harold drove me about thirty miles farther along the path I was being led to travel, dropping us off just outside of Georgetown, Kentucky. Maryanne and I walked for around twenty five miles the first day, stopping along the roadside that night. We camped by a beautiful little stone bridge over a crystal clear spring, just outside of Midway, Kentucky.


   The next morning we awoke to a beautiful sunny sky with but a mild breeze blowing, a perfect day for walking. We headed up the road after eating the last food I was carrying, with the next town, Versailles, being about twenty miles farther. Now I had thought there would of been a gas station or convenience store along our route, but would be proven wrong. After walking mile after mile along the road, seeing nothing but large horse farms and miles of black fencing, the heat was getting to both of us. Maryanne decided that it was time for a long break and pulled me to a tree covered spot near one of these farms. I unsaddled and laid back taking my boots off and before I knew it was sleeping lightly. Suddenly I hear someone calling to me and asking what my purpose for being there was. I awoke to a security guard and his truck but feet away. I told him who I was and where I was headed and that I'd accidentally fallen asleep there due to the heat and length of our walk that morning. He told me that he was sent out here to have me get on my way, because the farm owners had seen me and they didn't want their guest, some royalties, seeing me there and would we please continue off their property. I said there was no problem and asked about how far to this point and the next place we could get some food. He told me about a half mile and I'd be off their property and several more to town. I put on my boots and pack and we headed off. Well this half mile, ended up being over an hour and a half walk farther, and I make about four miles and hour, a little bit farther then he'd said. I stopped just outside of Versailles, to rest up and study my maps, so I'd head in the right direction to continue onwards. After about an hour we set off again. After a short walk we stopped at a DQ and I bought us a couple of burgers, fries and drinks. The people there came out and gave Maryanne a bunch of added food also. After a good rest and time for the food to settle, we were off again, hoping to make it outside of town before dark.


   We were turning south out of town when I took the next break, stopping on the street corner before a long hill. After but a moment, someone yelled at me, she'd thought I was the dog catcher(because of my fishing poles sticking up in the air) and didn't want me catching her neighbor's dog. We talked for a bit and after she found out what I was doing, ran off to get some of her neighbors, that would love to hear my testimony. They invited us to their back porch and we sat around for an hour talking about the awesome GOD we served. She was a Christian(non church goer) and they were Messianic Christians(following the law). They brought me loads of food and supplies and offered a place for the night and a ride in the morning. I ended up giving them a bunch of my fishing gear, since they'd mentioned having looked for some like them. Rods, reels and tackle, almost all that I had left with, just holding on to enough so that I might fish if needed to. I slept on a couch that night in her house, allowed to take a nice, and needed shower and talked well into the night. The next morning we were given another ride of about thirty miles and dropped off at a truck stop just off the bluegrass parkway. We stopped here and had more breakfast, Micheal had given me some Mcie D's egg and sausage sandwiches, but I figured it might be a good idea to fill up while we had the chance.


   After an hour or so here, we started off for Route 62, which was what we'd been following. After about another mile of walking, a young man with a pickup truck pulled over and asked me where we were headed. He was a Christian, though he hadn't been to church for years, was in the middle of a divorce and was wondering about life in general. He gave me a short ride back to 62 and we talked greatly about his need to return to the LORD. When he left, he promised me that he would be going back to church and also returning to reading his Bible on a regular basis. He was definitely feeling better about his life and I was happy that I could make a difference in the life of someone else! This didn't remain for long though, because I think I had stepped on someone's(satan) feet in opening this young man's eyes to what the LORD had in store for him and trouble was about to befall me. After several hours of walking and several stops to rest, I took a step and it felt like someone had stomped on my right foot. Not the whole foot, but just the three middle toes.(it had felt like a small cloven hoof had done this!) When I stopped and took off my boot I realized I had three broken toes, for they were already turning blue and swollen!!! Praise the LORD was all I could do and my typical reaction to accidents. I give the other guy no credit at all in my life (if you've not noticed, I don't even capitalize his names.) I proceeded to tape the three toes together, thanks to tape given me by my messianic friends, put my boot back on and began to walk and praise the LORD with each step.


   We had gone several more miles like this, when Maryanne decided it was break time, so we stopped under some shade trees. After about fifteen minutes I was getting ready to walk on, when there came a call. A man from the house across the street was asking if we'd like something to drink. I replied yes and we head over to him. As we were headed up to the house we were talking and I was telling him about the trips purpose and destination. Well the drinks turned into pizza and about an hour of good conversation with he and his wife out under the shade of their shed. They then told me that they were headed into town and would give me a ride farther down the road if I'd like. I agreed, because by this time my foot was really beginning to ache. He said he needed to take a shower before we headed out and for us to rest until ready to go. Next thing I know, I'm asked if I'd like a nice shower before we left, which I took them up on. They drove me about thirty miles down the route I was traveling, dropped me off in a campground and gave me a $100 before they head back in the direction we had come. I ended up staying at the campground for three days free, the owner wouldn't take any money from me, because I was sleeping out in the open, under one of their pavilions. One of the neighbors brought me over a home cooked meal and I had a good deal of time in fellowship with others from around the campground. I stayed there for three nights total, until the swelling in my foot began to go down. All these people, I've just mentioned were Christians, but didn't attend church on a regular basis. Starting to see something here? Everyone I've been taken care of by, except those at the first church, were Christians, not in regular fellowship with the church.


    Now the ministry newsletter, "A Modern Day Parable", gives the details from here and actually covers most of this, so I'll not go on. The church as we see it, like the cardboard cross that I made, stands strong in their words and appearances. Yet when it comes time for them to do the works that the LORD has set before them, they bulk and bend with the winds of adversity. Turning into a slim resemblance of that which they're supposed to be. Now I've almost a year to turn this whole thing over and over in my heart and the LORD has led me to write this.


   We, as HIS church are supposed to reach out and help our fellowman. It doesn't matter if they're Christian or not, we are to help them in their times of need. The church has taken on the form of four walls and everything outside it seems not to exist to them. Outreach and works of charity are seldom seen by them, as needs to fulfill their walks with the LORD. Well wrong they are! For when the LORD commanded use to love our neighbors as ourselves(Rom. 13:9,10) HE wasn't just talking about our church fellows, but all of mankind!!! If any of you have been paying attention to the "signs of the times" that are happening all around us. Our time here on earth is drawing to an end and the LORD's return is near. All that was prophesied about this time is happening NOW!!! Look at the increase in false teachings, a sign of the lawless one's preaching, his apostate religion. Famines and pestilences circle the globe. Wars and rumors of wars, just about in every nation. Peace is a seldom found luxury, enjoyed only by a handful of nations and those have others threatening even that. Where will the LORD find the church amongst all of this? Will HE find us huddled inside the four walls of a building? Will HE even be able to tell the difference between us and them? Are we the CHURCH that JESUS called forth upon the backs of the apostles or are we that cardboard cross that only showed a slim resemblance to that which it had been? It is time that the church that JESUS intended it to be stand up and shine out from amongst the darkness and reveal the glory that HE intended it to have. Let there be no more strangers walking the streets unattended to by us. Let those that haven't heard the GOSPEL message be reached, if it takes our very blood to fulfill the task! Let there no longer be a person that goes to bed hungry, because they've nothing to eat! Let there be no one thrown to the curve and left to fend for themselves out of trashcans! We are the CHURCH that JESUS CHRIST formed upon the ROCK and we are to stand, unwavering under all that the adversary brings forth!!! Let there be no more cardboard crosses anywhere within the four walls of a buildings. Let us go forth, as never before and show JESUS that we are here and HE will be able to find us without a shadow of a doubt. Let HIS CHURCH be found fulfilling every detail that HE commanded us, let HIM know we love HIM more then our very own lives and will go to the extremes to prove it!!!

A "VineNotes" Ministry Newsletter(of sorts)

Praise the LORD!!!
   As the title says, this is a Vine of CHRIST Ministries "VineNotes" update. "Of sorts," because truly there hasn't been much going on within the ministry. It's formation and set up procedures are basically at a stand still.

   Considering the amount of time that has transpired since the last newsletter(?) many would of given up and given in to the temptation of seeking after another means of glorifying GOD within their life. My focus now, is stronger then ever, though not very much along the actual lines of the ministry are getting done. But the LORD has shifted me to an almost steady task of posting devotionals, studies, readings and other Christian content online within the social media sphere. Most like many of you're familiar with these posting, since the bulk of the readers of this blog are followers on one of these sites :{)))

   Over the years of my Christian walk, since Jan. 7, 1995, I've had many of these periods(plateaus) within my life. Those time periods where there seems that little is being accomplished to grow and expand the KINGDOM of GOD. Friends, it is these times within our walk that GOD is allowing us to relax and grow in HIS grace, learning to be patient and await HIS perfect timing for that which is to come. A reason for the ministry's by line of "for such a time as this."

   We, as self willed beings, very often tend to think of all things being within our control and if it's going to get done, we've got to do it. One thing I've learned well over these years, is that there is NO BETTER time- then GOD's time. For over the years I've stepped out on my own, in my own strengthens and ideas, to only fall flat on my face, or run into a brick wall :{))) Most of the time, that wall or ground into which I've found myself, was the LORD's hand, gently catching me or putting the brakes on for me!!! An sure as can be, there was a lesson thru chastisement to shortly follow, with it's object lesson to learn buried within it :{)))

   Now, you may be wondering what all that has been said, has anything to do with the LORD's ministry for me??? The fact is, EVERYTHING!!! For when one gives their life totally to the LORD, forsaking all to follow HIM, every single detail becomes a part of their cross, their burden to shoulder. The ministry, I know is is good hands, HIS hands. It's growth, again HIS hands. The days will come when this break from labors(HIS) comes to and end and the ministry will break forth from it's seed pod and sprout into a glorious vine it is meant too. Until that time, I'll continue to be obedient and await HIS perfect timing!!!

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

ps: and when it does, there will be places for many, many wholehearted believers that seek only to glorify the precious and holy name of JESUS!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!! So, why not be in prayer and see if you're one???

February/March '12' VineNotes>An open Plea

Praise the LORD!!!

    Good day and may GOD be blessing you this day. That is a bit of a redundant statement, if you think about it. For the fact is, if you're reading this in the first place, GOD has truly blessed you already :{))) Think about this. HE has blessed you with another day of life!!! HE has blessed you with the ability to see, read, you've and internet connection, functioning computer(to use it) and many other blessings on top of these. But, my greeting still stands, stands for the reason of you taking note of all that the LORD truly has blessed you with. :{)))

   It has been some time since I've written a newsletter(VineNotes) for the ministry, so this will be a little out of sorts. I'm currently on a borrowed computer, an old lap top, living with a friend who is in the process of finishing renovations and in prep to move. I was cast into this situation(a blessing) due to the fact that the move to Louisiana didn't pan out, being brought back to the starting area(Kingsville, TX.) the future home of Vine of CHRIST Ministries first office and D.R.O.C.(Disaster Relief Operational Center.)

   Yes folks, I'm still going to go at this with my all, though, once again having hit the bottom. I'm living out of boxes and my backpack. Being blessed to have a roof over my head and a couch to sleep on for the moment. I've plenty of food, that which I took with me to LA., that which they(in LA.) blessed me with and that which my friend has been adding to this list:{))) The problem is, this can't continue!!!

   I came here to TX. to begin setting up what will be one of, if not the, biggest Christian disaster relief operations in existence!!! That's right folks, the visions the LORD revealed to me while I was still in prison, showed me a ministry that would absolutely boggle the mind(it has mine, for years.)  Over the years, since '96-97', I've been receiving more and more revelations on top of the original week's worth of visions. All these adding to and 'cementing in' the fact that this ministry is of GOD and that which HE has raised me up for from the beginning!!! Folks, GOD has had each and everyone of us in mind, and at heart, since the creation. Every little detail of our existence has been laid out and set in stone before any of that which we see around us ever existed!!! We are GOD's crowning glory in creation and HE has an exact purpose for each and everyone of us and every single detail within our lives. Yes folks, every detail, even those which have seemed to be bad (Romans 8:28)

   This though, isn't the reason for my producing this newsletter(of sorts :{))) ), but the reason is to put forth a request. One of a type that I've never have before. This is an open request for others to assist in this ministry. This assistance can take any form, prayer(the greatest), monetary and or of your own hands in some manor!!! As most of you that have followed me for any length of time, or visited the website know, all that has been accomplished over the years has been completely by my own hands and out of pocket. Well folks, it is time this stopped. One man does not a ministry make, for even the apostles had others walking by their sides. Assisting them with that which the LORD had laid upon their shoulders(their crosses.) It is time that this ministry takes on the next step in it's growth, that of reaching out and assisting others to a greater degree, while not having to wonder if projects will get completed or not. Plus having the ability to take on more projects, having the materials and equipment to preform all task to a degree that is worthy of the LORD's name being placed upon it(doing all things as if unto the LORD) and in a timely manor.

   For this to happen, as I'm being led, starting slowly at first and building up to greater and greater involvement in the community(works for the LORD,) it will accumulate monthly expenses up to about $5000 per month on a continuous basis. This would enable the ministry to reach out and begin helping more and more people around the community, without placing the total expense upon my shoulders alone.(which has been the practice up unto this time, though not to this expanded extent.(one man is limited, very limited by only being able to do so much, while providing all the cost also.) It is here where the hands of others would be beneficial, adding to the overall effectiveness of these out reaches!!! That which one man can do is little, while that which two or more greatly increases this, adding to it's effectiveness and reach!!!

   Sure, I've currently not a 501.c 3 non profit rating by the I.R.S., then again I've not had one since the beginning and it's not deterred me from reaching out to others. I've helped others throughout the years even though it has placed me in debt for most of it. This hasn't mattered to me though, for this is my calling and I'll give until it hurts and then give even more if this is what it takes to accomplish the LORD's ministry for me !!! This has come about by the fact that this morning the LORD led me to read Matt. 7:7,8. Two verses which in many study Bibles is captioned under the title "Ask, Seek and Knock." For years, I've asked only the LORD in prayer for these things to be added to HIS daily provisions for me. I've prayed until I was exhausted and crying. I've been led over the years, to only place notice of the ministry's needs online and out before others, but this morning was different and this is the results. An open plea for your prayers and assistance in whatever manor you're led to. For now, as always, I enlist you to first pray and petition the LORD as to the method in which you respond to this. If it is prayer alone, praise the LORD. If in your making a donation to the ministry, praise the LORD also. Or if, you're led to in some other manor help the ministry, another praise is offered up. For truthfully folks, I see all these alike. To me there is no difference in your prayers, your money or your efforts. Any assistance will be appreciated, prayed over and I will thank the LORD for them all. The choices are yours, ask the LORD in prayer, in what manor HE wills for you to effect this ministry and do it or not. It's that simple. I'm not going to enlist the methods of the prosperity preachers, for in part they're the exact reason this ministry is set up in the manor in which it has been. Far too many seek riches through their ministries for the LORD. Far too many use scripture to reap benefits for themselves and not for that of others. GOD does promise to bless those that bless others, but truthfully, this is between the person themselves and GOD. It is HIS call and not mine and I'll not use deceptive means to garner a profit from others. I love my LORD and SAVIOR far to much to bring disgrace upon HIS holy and oh so precious name !!!!!!! !!!!!!! :{)))))))

GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall T. Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
204 Otis
Kingsville, TX., 78363  

  

How often...

 Praise the LORD, for HE has blessed us with another day, one bringing to and end a week of toil and gracing us with several days of down time !!!

    How often..., oh this could lead in many directions :))), but for this day the LORD has only one in mind. How often do we go out into the world, wearing, let's say a Christian t shirt or pin, or drive around with a Christian bumper sticker ??? If you're like me, this is a constant, for I'm either wearing a Christian t shirt when out and about on personal chores or wearing a ministry related one when out doing the LORD's work !!!

   If you're familiar with my writings, you'll know, that they all are multifaceted, many times taking in a whole score of differing issues :))) Believe me, this isn't my doing, but the LORD's, for I am but a simple man when it comes to things, but the LORD, HE deals with things on multiple levels of detail. (Just take into account nature and it's many levels of interaction, all weaved together into a perfectly operating system !!!) Opps, point proven, I'd say :))) Back to that at hand.

   Here we are, out taking care of business, either personal or pertaining to our livelihoods. We're sporting the latest in Christian fashions, letting all whom come across us know we're a Christian. When suddenly we tend to forget this fact of life and are moving around totally unaware of that which we're doing and those around us. Let's say, we're shopping in the local market, and anything could fit here. We're moving around, maybe shopping list in hand, child in tow (or maybe not), oblivious to everything else. We may cut off a person with our shopping cart, not being forgetful to excuse ourselves, yet speedily we continue moving along. Item after item we add to our carts, until the list is fulfilled and it's off to the checkout line. Here, we find line after line of people, all seeking the same thing, to finish our shopping and get on with our day.

   OK, here's where things get interesting, let's take a look at all that has just happened, and compare it with that which we're representing in life(remember that t shirt, hoodie or pin :))) and it doesn't even need to be any of these, just those around us, that know the fact that we're a Christian will suffice.) We've sped thru the store, unaware of those around us- would JESUS of done so ??? We've interacted with people in an inexcusable manor(for even though we excused our actions, is it really CHRIST-like to place ourselves before others???) These are just two things that may of happened, there truly could of been many more. The issue here, is the fact, that in all that we do, whether we announce the fact that we're a Christian or not, we "ARE" representing JESUS 100% of the time,or are supposed to be. Whether at work, in the store or wherever, we represent JESUS in all that we do and say !!! A truly important fact, especially in this fast paced world of ours, where it seems as if everyone is out for themselves, caring little or none at all for the welfare of others around them !!!

   Though JESUS, being GOD in the flesh, HE had a much keener incite into the needs and emotions of people(while here on earth), it doesn't take a 'rocket scientist' to know something about a person, without asking. If one is truly going thru life as we should, shouldn't we be caring about all those around us, to a higher degree then ourselves??? Shouldn't we be looking into people's eyes, the windows of their souls, and getting an incite into the intensity of that which they're going thru??? How often do we also forget, that while out in the world, others that see us, even from a distance, who may know we're a Christian or know from that which we're wearing that we are, are watching !!! Watching and learning, just to what extent we truly are that which we proclaim to be !!! So, the next time you're out and about among the world, think about just "How often", you, as a Christian, are truly representing JESUS !!!!!!!


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

*** please don;t forget, if you've a prayer need, the ministry has an email account to which you can send your request to : prayers@vineofchrist.org 

Oh, to be like nature

 Praise the LORD!!!

    OH, it would be sweet to be like nature. For unlike nature, man is constantly seeking to render things by his own hands and not those of GOD !!!

" These wait all upon Thee;
  That Thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
  That Thou givest unto them, they gather:
  Thou openest Thine hand, they are satisfied with good." Psalm 104:27-28
         from- Waiting on God, Andrew Murray

   Oh, so sweet it would be, to be so un-dependent upon self and more so dependent upon GOD alone. Not to have the cares and worries of life, that so heavily weight us each of us down, both day and night!!! But child of GOD, it is there for us, if we but truly reach out with unwavering faith. Yes, it is there, we but need to realize it and trust HE whom is far more able to meet our needs than we can ever be.

   This does not mean to cease from our efforts of gathering, but to realize that it is not by our efforts alone that these provisions come. For it is thru the blessings of GOD, HIS abundance poured out upon us and into our waiting hands. Matt. 6:25-34 so clearly sings this out and it is but up to us to be the trusting and faithful ones to garner that which is given so freely. Lifting up voices in praises, as the flowers lift their petals to the heavens, seeking not our own glory, but that of the one and only, that truly is in control !!! Sing your praises to the LORD, for only HE is worthy !!!!!!!

   
  

Colossians 3:1-17 NIV84

PTL!!!

   This is something, that in the past I've not done, but am led to post at this time, for there are those in need of this leading also !!!

   Colossians 3:1-17 NIV84

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is youra life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.b 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

*** I've left all the notations in place and with "reftager"(a Logos program) these should work, but at this time, I'm not sure, so we all shall see :)))

 GOD bless and good day,

 Rev. Marshall Barth

 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

   If you're in need of prayer, please feel free to email us(me at this time) @ prayers@vineofchrist.org

GOD's Thoughts About You

Ephesians 1:5                   I am GOD's child
Ephesians 5:1                   I am Dearly Loved
Jeremiah 31:3                  I am Loved Forever
Romans 8:39                   I am Loved Unconditionally
Psalms 27:5                     I am Protected and Safe
Romans 7:4                     I Belong to GOD
John 15:15                      I am JESUS' Friend
Revelation 21:2               I am the Bride of CHRIST
Ephesians 2:10                I am GOD's workmanship
1 Corinthians 3:16           I am GOD's Residence
Ephesians 1:4                  I am Blameless
Ephesians 4:24                I am Righteous
Philippians 4:13               I am Adequate
2 Corinthians 5:17           I am a New Creation
Philippians 4:13               I am Strong in CHRIST
Romans 8:37                   I am Victorious
Romans 8:17                   I am a Joint Heir with CHRIST
Matthew 5:14                  I am the Light of the World
Philippians 3:20                I am a Citizen of Heaven
John 15:5                         I am Channel of GOD's Life
Hebrews 13:5                  I am never Alone
Ephesians 2:6                   I am Seated in Heaven



  PTL!!! As always, I give credit, where credit is due:))) This isn't of my hands, but from a bookmark within my Bible. Published by Christian Families Today, A Christian Counseling and Training Ministry @ http://christianfamiliestoday.org

A forward, for you enjoyment, but something to consider!

 Praise the LORD!!!

    This is a little something that was forwarded to me, but something that should be considered during our current national problems!!! Enjoy, but consider it, as well. For it could be a fix for one of our nation's problem systems!!!

 

 

A Texan's answer to Welfare

 

TOUCHE!!!

 

This was in the Waco Tribune Herald, Waco , TX Nov 18, 2010

 

Put me in charge . . .

 

Put  me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no Cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for  50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered  milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.

 

Put me in charge of Medicaid.  We'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine and document all tattoos and piercings.  If you want use drugs, alcohol, smoke or get tats and piercings, then get a job.

 

Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks?  You will maintain our property in a clean and  good state of repair. Your "home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried.  If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place. In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job.  It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you.  We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the “common good.”

 

Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the  above is voluntary.  If you want our money, accept our rules. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.

 

If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.

 

AND while you are on Gov’t subsistence, you no longer can VOTE!  Yes that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov’t welfare check.  If you want to vote, then get a job.

VINEnotes July 2011

 Praise the LORD!!!

(Due to the current computer problems, I'm unable to post this to the website itself, so this is it, along with those sites that these post are linked too!!!)

   There hasn't been a newsletter for several months and since the social sites seem so inactive today, I'm led to post a bit of what is happening!

   Work at the Brothers' house is continuing as they're returning from vacation and Arron's graduation in Florida. When they left the roof was almost completed, but now is. I've started on the painting of the exterior, working on the sections where the new siding was installed. There are sections that won't be painted, as to the fact that there are still several sections that will be getting several windows replaced in time. I've one end of the house almost completed and will finish that Monday, this is a second coating on a large section of it's gable end.

   Still being blessed to stay online with this damaged computer, which I'm highly thankful for. Most computers when struck by lightening wouldn't even be running, but I've been blessed that it not only runs, but can get online with it and though only able to have a 'single tab' open at once, am able to continue  spreading the GOSPEL and the news of the ministry!!! These are great blessings, especially considering that this computer was a 'frozen' donation in the first place and one that should of been recycled instead of used(an '04' 1.8G single core dinosaur.) Though having several offers(3), none having come to fruition, so I'll continue my daily task of every several hours doing a system cleaning.

   If you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter today, you'll know that I'm having a bit of an 'Elijah' moment. One of feeling totally alone and of no use to the KINGDOM of GOD on earth!!! Hey, what can I say, it happens. Though you'll seldom hear it from the lips of those whom run the 'mega' ministries. Those that put on an air of spiritual superiority, those that are so much above the rest of us 'trench fighters.' Yet it is these, that seem to prosper so well. These that have the draw of thousands of followers and contributors. Yet it is these very ministries that are leading many down paths that even angels know better to tread. Those paths that lead only to a life centered around self and the world and not on the KINGDOM of GOD on earth and it's benefits to all of mankind.

   There is certainly a big problem with that which is called the BODY of CHRIST, the CHURCH, but these will wait for another posting. GOD has revealed much to me over the last several years worth of travel, on these problems. An though some has begun to appear online, as of late, it is far from time for all to come to the surface. In HIS time, I know it will and with my being a worthless, but obedient servant, await HIS timing to divulge it!!!

SLAP!!!

Praise the LORD!!!

    What I'm about to write, can be called nothing else, but a "SLAP!" Why, you may ask? The only reason that comes to heart, is that it is a reflection of the church and the heart of the BODY of CHRIST. This reflection, is marred and truly not as it should be.

   Most likely any of you that are reading this, are familiar with my ministry, my life and all the recent events within these. If not, a little research online can reveal all these, for I'm totally transparent about these.The truth is, this isn't about me and my walk with the LORD, for though this does reflect upon my works for the LORD, it isn't my lack that is being brought to the forefront.

   Since the inception of the ministry, back in June of '99', I've always put out notice of the intents of the ministry and the needs. Not asking for donations, but asking that you pray over these needs and do as the LORD leads and that only. From the beginning there seemed to develop a trend and this is that which this blog is about! This trend has greatly been revealed to me over the last several years, through the events that the LORD has walked me through. All these can be found, either at the ministry's website(in the newsletters) or in one of my blogs, or at one of the social sites that I frequent.

   What is this trend, you may be asking? The trend that more non church going Christians reveal Christian charity and faith, then those that regularly attend church!!! Some of you may be saying, "hold on now, I give my tithes at church and I regularly take part in the churches outreaches." Yes, this may be true, but how often do you reach outside of these? How often do you go the "extra mile" JESUS spoke of us going?(Matt. 5:39-42) How often do you play the part of the "good Samaritan," assisting one along the 'roadside' of your walk through life?(Luke 10:30-37)

   If these questions have stirred deep thought within your heart, you've been 'slapped,' but not by me, but by the LORD. For it is a sad statement, but one I'm thankful for, when anyone can say "they've received more compassion from those outside of the church, then they have from those within!!!"

   Most ministries at this time would enlist your tithes, but not mine! I ask you to pray, ask the LORD to reveal the truths of these matters. Then and only then, ask HIM what you can and should do about these and then do them!!!!!!!

   If you need prayer, you can use our email prayer line: prayers@vineofchrist.org

 May GOD richly bless you and guide you and may you hear HIS calling unto you!!!
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

It all started...

Praise the LORD!!!

   It all started, or I should say "in the free world," back in June of 1999. What started you may ask? The formation of "Vine of CHRIST Ministries," in the free world. For it had originally begun while I was incarcerated and though I'd been out of prison for some months, it took a while to get things started. Most of these first months after my incarceration were spent in a halfway house, so my ministry works were greatly restricted to their rules.

   Shortly afterwards though I began collecting the needed information and contacts. I'd already found a church home, so I soon enlisted their help also and it was on quickly after release from the halfway house. I rented a two bedroom house with a full basement and the basement was ideal for collection and storage needs. Soon I was gathering far more than it was possible for me, with the current limited connections, to pass along. I began donating  in mass, items that I was being given, to other local ministries. Some times passing on over 500 items of clothing and food products for their dispersal to people in great need. Most of these went to non denominational groups, because they didn't have the "affiliated" requirements that the denominational ministries did.

   Even though it's been almost twelve years of working by myself, I'll continue another twelve alone if that's the LORD's will. I've personally had my hands involved in almost every area of operation that the ministry will have. Yet still, due to my lack of business "smarts", I've not been able to get the ministry recognized as a 501.3 c non profit. I've gotten most of the needed paperwork required, but just don't have the kowledge to bring it all together. Does this bother me? In a small way, yes! But GOD didn't call me as HE has, because of my business smarts. HE's called me because I listen and no matter "crazy" an idea sounds, I go with it, wholeheartedly, giving it my all and fearing nothing!!!

   Sure, I'm on the verge of homelessness, but it's not the first time:) I'm working on a disabled computer, that's not the first time either! It boils down to the fact that I trust GOD with my future, completely, no doubts and no regrets. What tomorrow holds, only HE knows for sure and I trust that it will be for HIS glory and not mine. For I am but flesh and bone, shaped in HIS likeness, graced to bring HIM glory with every breath that I take!!!

May GOD bless you and guide you,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Ministry Update

 Praise the LORD!!!

    I've been blessed to be doing the LORD's works for me over the last several weeks and currently have a day off from the physical aspects of it. Today, I'm taking a little time to handle some of the updates to the ministry's web site, as to the recent projects, and taking a little time to relax and draw closer to the LORD.

   The basic form of the updates, were the addition of several photos, provided by the home owner herself. These came as a surprise to me in an email from her. I'd tried to use my $20 digital to take them, but for some reason, it just wouldn't capture and hold them. Maybe this was due to my inexperience with it, or a malfunction of the camera itself, but the LORD has blessed me with them, through the hands of one thankful for the work rendered. I'm very thankful to the LORD and her for them and post them so others can see that which I'm blessed to accomplish!

   Why, do I say "blessed to accomplish?" Well if you knew the shape my body is in, you'd realize these simple jobs are a large blessing. I've a herniated disc in my lower back, thanks to working with a "storm chaser(rip off contractors who follow storms)" and knees that have gone through hell and back. There are many currently on SSDI that suffer less pain in a week, then I do in a day, but I go on in the power of the LORD. I draw each day a bounty of blessings from the LORD and most are one's most take for granted. The simple fact that I'm alive and breathing is one of them. Another is that I can actually do the things I do and continue to carry onwards and upwards.

   Tomorrow, though I know I'm not guaranteed it, I'll be continuing onto others works (these posted  on web site(current business page)). All the while, counting my blessings and praising the LORD for each and everyone of them!!!

4.17.11

Praise the LORD!!!

    Right now, I wouldn't be a very good person to be around! Let me explain. Over the last several days the central plains states, gulf states and numerous states along the east coast have been ravaged severe storms and tornadoes. Thousands of people's lives have suddenly been turned upside down, many having lost loved ones and/or everything they own. Since you're reading this I presume you're familiar with the ministry that I've been working to develop, so I'll not go into this.

   With one of the branches of the ministry being that of disaster relief, my heart is torn over these events. It's been thirteen years since I began working on the ministry. To date, I'm the only one that has shown any interest in bringing the love of JESUS into the lives of the suffering through it. From the collecting and distribution of food and clothing in Springfield, MO., to the rebuilding homes along the gulf coast, to the current attempt to set up it's first fully functional office and D.R.O.C., I'm still alone. Yes, I've receive many a donated item from people around me, all of which I'm very thankful for, but all the labor and all the cost, have come directly through that which the LORD has blessed me with or enabled me to do.

   I'm sitting here this morning with a heart torn open, pouring out my prayers and petitioning the LORD about all that could right now be taking place for HIS glory. V.C.M. could be on the ground right now in many of the effected areas, working to reveal the love JESUS has for all of mankind to those suffering from great loss. It's not and I'm not! I'm sitting here, behind a single 'outdated' computer, attempting to stir up the love of JESUS within the hearts of those around the country. Those that have the means. Those that have the abilities and equipment. All those that could, right now at this moment, be helping their neighbors to recover from these disasters. If I'm doing any good, only the LORD knows, but I will continue.

   If I were at this moment leading a church, there would be no Palm Sunday service! I would be gathering all the man power and supplies the congregation could gather and be sending them off to the front lines. Many were the times that JESUS HIMself broke the Sabbath, all to enrich the lives of those suffering. Would HE expect and different from us? NO!!! HE'd expect us to be doing the exact same and be revealing HIS love to those that are in need. Not gathering inside the 'four walls' and putting on a great show of pomp and circumstance, but doing the very labors HE HIMself would be preforming. It could be as little as 'giving a cup of water' to one thirsty, providing a meal to a worker, or getting out there and helping cleanup the debris. JESUS set the example and it is our calling to fulfill it. It doesn't have to be great or news worth, like many seek! (you hear their names already on the news, for it's what they seek.) But even the most basic of need met in the name of JESUS, would suffice to bring glory to HE that is truly worthy!!! 

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

 Your prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org

Rolling Away the Stone...

 Praise the LORD!!!

   Currently I'm watching a Joyce Meyer video and I do mean currently(though it's not playing at the moment), but the LORD has led me to post this! For many years I've never made a statement about the direct needs of the ministry. I've made many indirect ones, but never out and out said "this is the need!"

   Well, this morning I'm 'rolling away the stone' and doing so. I've operated this ministry for around twelve years, alone and completely out of pocket. From the small basement clothing and food pantry in Springfield, Missouri, to rebuilding works along the gulf coast. All this was done by my hands, though others donated most of the items donated or used to do the work, my hands were the ones doing it. You won't find a list of all that's been done and that is one big difference between V.C.M. and others. We're not here to glorify ourselves, but JESUS CHRIST alone. Sure you'll find many references to areas and some work, but never the details.

   The stone that I'm rolling away, is this, Vine needs others! Whether through donated items, your coming on board with the ministry(either directly,by coming here, or indirectly), or support of some other means. It needs other people willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring glory to the precious name of JESUS through the works of their hands and the words of their mouths. If you're a BAC and tired of seeing secular groups getting the glory for people doing those works that Christians should be, then maybe you should consider V.C.M. Pray and ask the LORD and then do only that which HE leads you to!!!

Vine of CHRIST Ministries, what is the vison

 Praise the LORD!!!

   This is going to be something I've never been led to do and is only coming about because I've been getting promptings to do so all day!!! I'm going to try and keep this as short as possible, but this like all things within my life are in GOD's hands alone.

 Due to the depravity of my early life, when the LORD showed me all of my wrongs and HIS grace awaiting me, I didn't make a half-hearted choice, but a complete, petal to the metal decision. I was never known for doing things to a minor degree, but always stepped in with complete devotion to whatever it was. My giving my life to the LORD, was none the less.

  It maybe easier to state what the ministry won't cover, than what it will, because of it's total reach of Christian ministry. That might defeat the purpose of this post though, so it will not be the case. Early on in my walk for the LORD, which you all should know by now took place in prison, I was beginning to see many great needs in the body of CHRIST. Having at one time making a confession of belief, age 16, I was soon to fall away. This due to a lack of proper mentor-ship. You can see then that there will be a focus on discipleship training, not just conversion through a GOSPEL message, but the follow through that is needed after wards.

  During my prison time I was beginning to see how the families of the incarcerated were cast into a deeper pit than the incarcerated themselves. Shunned by those around them, even when these weren't any great saints themselves. Children being ostracized by their once loyal classmates. Churches and ministries that are supposed to reach out and assist those in need, turning a deaf ear. This because they weren't members of their 'out standing community.' What? Here I am having just been a Christian for a short while and I hear my wife(X) say she was told this! From this you can see there will be a section of the ministry that deals with the needs and cares of the families of the incarcerated. This should also allow you to see that with this would also come a focus on those within the confines of prison too.

   Since so much of my life was spent wasted on drugs and alcohol, there will be a CHRIST-centered drug and alcohol intervention and recovery program. I've become familiar with a number of good systems over the years through research and this may be a combination of several, working together under one 'roof.'

   Other areas that we'll have services in will be those related to sex. Yes, you heard me right, sex. Since I was molested at an early age by several of my sister's girlfriends and the way my life was presumed after wards, there will numerous groups of focus here. Some may be porn addictions, the sex trades and those effected by them(sex slavery included), pregnancy consoling and assistance, a men's responsibilities group. This list could go on to encompass most of the current social services programs, but truly as Christians we should focus on EVERY ASPECT of life. Part of loving your neighbor as yourself!!!

   Of coarse there will be the normal Christian fair of 'soup kitchens', food pantries, clothing and housewares recycling, job training and procurement services and the list could go on for some time:), but for brevity purposes, I'll stop with these. 

   OK now, let me go onto an area of the ministry you may of seen more of, the disaster related one. Maybe the best way to describe this branch of the vine would be, an army. Not a defensive one either, but one that actually assaults the disaster. Going into areas, when most are waiting for the problem to settle down. This is not going to be a little branch either, but a massive one with over 15 DROC's located in the continental U.S. alone. As I was shown, by vision, in the beginning, this will be like taking ten of the largest world spanning disaster relief agencies and clumping them together. A massive undertaking in the least and one I take very seriously. For I've been involved in numerous disasters, from the flooding of my hometown in the mid '70's' to Katrina and Rita in '05.' I've witnessed firsthand the shoddy example man calls relief and it isn't good at all. Kind of like defending against a rogue elephant with a fly swatter. Far from effective.

   Here there will be a massive computer network set up. For the monitoring of weather and earth related issues. These will be tied with every known source for the gathering of the needed information and where there isn't one, it will be created. Then there will be the stores of equipment and supplies needed to begin an almost immediate response to any need. Not the gathering of the items when needed, as we currently see, but the items already on hand and readied for distribution to an area, if not their being in transport already. The goal, as I was shown, is to be on site within 24 hrs. of a disaster.

   So far, this sounds like an impossible feat, for man, it would be, but for GOD nothing is impossible. Though I've worked on developing this ministry for 12 yrs. now, with but the leadership of GOD and it is myself alone at the helm. I know that HE would not have kept me working on it, going through almost every different division of it, for it not to happen. I'm no businessman, great logistic coordinator, or computer guru, I'm but a simple man that has humbled myself before GOD and realized that HE has called me to do this. An though I've done a lot of charity work along the gulf coast, because I'm a carpenter and work with my hands, I've not the slightest ideal as to how HE'll bring this all about. The only thing I do know, is that this is my calling, GOD has chosen me for and I'll work it until the day I die, alone, if need be!!!

   (I don't know the reason for this posting, I'm just doing as led, for most of this can be found somewhere on the ministry's web site. I pray that the LORD will open the ears and hearts of those that HE wants this to come to and they'll pray and follow that which HE leads them unto. My life is GOD's and in HIM only I trust!!!)

 May GOD bless you and lead you,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries     

WHAT???

 Praise the LORD!!!

    WHAT??? You may ask and it is my intent to tell you. I'd been working here at the apartments for eight months. Asked at first, while still working at another complex, to fill in until they could find a full time person. Two were hired and both were short lived. One for a whole day and the other, didn't even make it to lunch. With both of these I was allowed to give them a several hour 'briefing' as to what their job would entail and then given the boot:) From what I've written you should be able to see that the boot wasn't on the foot for very long and I was asked to come back and take over my work. Now I didn't mind doing this, because I saw it as doing that which JESUS would want me to. Helping someone out that was truly in need, which they were.

   This began to wear on, to the point that they removed their adds from the paper. They also began to add more work to my already heavy work load, even requesting that I do works to which I'd already to them that I wasn't qualified to do; plumbing and electrical. Have grown up with an old fashioned craftsman, I can do much in many fields, even plumbing and electrical, but there are limits that I set as to how far I'll go in these fields. Personally, I'd rather see a job done correctly and not have to return and redo it, than to jury-rig it in the first place. It is a much better profession attitude than what they were wanting, but one I'll not give into!

   Most of you are familiar with my online postings and if you've not noticed, most were made in the mornings, while a few were made during the lunchtime break. These though were beginning to become more and more scarce. The reason behind this is that as the day wore on, I was falling deeper and deeper into a state, for lack of a better word, depression. A deep foreboding fog would envelope me by mid day. Something which was causing me to spend most of my day in prayer for relief from it. I was sinking into a mire of mud so thick, that I could barely be removed from it's grasp. My personal hygiene was beginning to suffer, there was a total lack of desire to do much of anything and this began to take a toll upon my relationship with the LORD. It was getting to be the norm that besides early morning time with the LORD, was the only time spent with HIM and I don't like that. Even my practice of being constant in prayer was faltering and this is one asset that I consider primary in my walk. Everything and anything that I undertake is put before the LORD, before it is done. These kind of conditions should be a 'red flag' to any Christian and one where a reaction is needed.

   My reaction to this was along the lines of what I'd normally do, prayer and lots of it. It started on Friday and continued all weekend. Monday morning I'd yet to receive a viable response to my prayers, so I continued to go to work, but also poured out my heart even more so. By quitting time Monday things had only gotten worst and I continued to increase my level of prayer. I was so deep in the quagmire by this time that I didn't even grab a bite to eat until almost eight PM. and then ended up going to be just after nine. When I awoke in the morning my heart was full of but one thing, that was the fact that the only way to get out of this problem was to get out from under that which was causing it, the job. I didn't just jump up and quit though, for I've learned to 'try the spirit' of a message, never just going with first impressions. For the adversary can use this manor to side-track us quickly and I wasn't going to fall for it! After two hours of trying this solution it was clear to me that it was of the LORD and my action was quickly to follow. I went to the office and told the manager that I quit and the reasons behind it. In short time the deep foreboding fog that had been covering me, was replaced with an unbelievable peace. Sure I don't know where my next months rent will come from. Or where I'll get the money to purchase food and other items. But to once again be at peace within and with GOD far out shadows any of these problems. I've faith that the GOD that got me here from Ohio with but twenty dollars in my pocket,, will be same one that will carry me through, through to the fulfilling of that which HE brought me here for. The set up and bringing to full operational status Vine of CHRIST Ministries' first fully operational office and D.R.O.C.!!!

 May GOD richly bless you and guide you this day,

 Rev. Marshall Barth

 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Joy

Praise the LORD!!!

   Since June of '99' I've personally worked alone on the set up and formation of V.C.M. Though every cent has come out of my own pocket and every hour has not been for pay, I've loved every moment of it!!! From the earliest set up in the basement of my rental house in Springfield, Missouri to my current rental in Kingsville, Texas, it has all been an awesome experience.

   Now it all hasn't been by my own hands, because there were a great deal of goods that were donated. These for the bulk went out to others along my way, though there were those that were specifically given to the ministry for it's operations(like this computer, which was frozen by a virus.) From those in need of food or clothing, to those whom had their homes destroyed by disaster, it was a combined effort afforded me only by the grace of GOD through my belief in JESUS CHRIST. It is a great joy to see a smile on a person's face when you can provide the needed food for their families table for the week, or that from helping do the labor of repairing their home after it has been ravaged by storm. It is a greater joy to see this smile when you tell them that the reason you've done these things isn't for personal glory, but because you want to show them the love GOD has for them, through your actions.

   This joy is really unexplainable. It's so intense and lasting that human words and feeling can't fully express it. I guess the best way to say it would be, that JESUS loves you and wants to share eternity with you, because HE is what it is all about anyway, now isn't it!!!

VINEnotes January 2011

Praise the LORD!!!

   I pray the LORD has blessed you with a pleasant transition into the new year. It's been a while since I've been able to afford the time to post a newsletter, but this is it, though a bit brief. There has been little accomplished along the lines of the ministry in the last several months. This due to the fact that I've been having to work at the apartment complex and haven't had the funds or time to do much else. As most of you know, I am basically all that the ministry is. I'm the soul person involved in it's make up and the only contributor to it's works, Anything that has been accomplished over the years has come about by my hands and financial support. I'm not complaining, just stating simple facts. Much more could of been accomplished if there had been others involved, but this hasn't been the case.

   There have been those that have told me that "if it were truly the LORD's will for the ministry to be, it would happen." True, but people tend to forget, that all things happen according to GOD's timetables and not our own. You can believe me when I say I've spent many hours in prayer over this and I know without a doubt that eventually(in GOD's timing) it will happen. I'll not stop working at it, or even waver from that which the LORD has shown me. I'm that sure that the visions shown me will be as they were given!!!

   Over the last two months I've been led to spend a good bit of my time on Twitter. Joining in with the Christian community there, uplifting the LORD and the GOSPEL to the best of my ability. I've had interactions with many great folks, and a few contrary ones, and yesterday posted the highest visits to the web site ever. Though only twenty visits and page views it is a 'milestone,' for it shows the word is getting out. Now I've had many offers, like most of you, of all kinds of methods to boost web site traffic. These though are all worldly and I'll not operate the ministry in that way, EVER!!! The same goes for asking for donations. As stated numerous times, this ministry doesn't do this and people shall be led by the LORD alone to contribute. The constant battering by ministries for money, was one of my biggest 'pevs' before I was Born Again and one I'll not repeat with this ministry. This means no matter what happens. Now there are fliers out at the two complexes at which I work, but these just ask people to pass on those things that they're already getting rid of, so they can be passed along to those in need. No 'give, give, give', just asking to allow us to assist in passing along usable items they're disposing of. With these and my gathering of items left in apartments, an inventory is beginning to grow. Slowly, but it is growing and I've already been blessed to pass some of these items along.

   Where and what the ministry will be doing in the next month, I don't know, but I trust that the LORD will continue to bless it, so I can pass these blessing onto others!!!