Stepping out AGAIN!!!

 Praise the LORD!!!

     Well it looks like I'm stepping out of the boat again. Yes, again!!! The LORD has led me to keep on moving forward though no one has enlisted to help or join the ministry. This time it is going to be a two part notification. One, as to the style of the ministry, which, if you've been following me online you may already know. Two, the opening up, to take on others for key positions within the ministry and the collection of whatever people would like to donate.

      In the last several days I've been letting people know that VCM isn't your normal type of ministry. We're going to be working from the principles of the 1st century church. Now this is a very important aspect to take note of, for one reason alone. It means that anyone who wants to join and give everything in order to serve the LORD is welcome. This is basically what I did in the early part of 05, when the LORD led me to take part in a missions trip to Haiti, or at least this is what I thought at the time. I sold my house and almost everything I had, but the bare essentials, made the arrangements with a supervising group and headed for Louisiana. Though this trip didn't take place, because the LORD had other plans for my being there, everything that I thought had been needed for the operations of the ministry were gotten rid of. It was down to the bare necessities of life. My Bibles, computer, clothing and limited cookware was all that was left. The money from everything that was sold was banked and ready to put to use in whatever manor the LORD led me to.

   Well, for those of you that don't know the story, because you've not read about it at the ministry's website, the trip was canceled, due to kidnappings in Haiti of missionaries, and I ended up riding through two of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history, Katrina and Rita. This is where the LORD had wanted me to be, so I could garner information and witness the operations of other organizations and their ideas about disaster relief operations. Now this is also where the stockpiled money came into use. We had a pretty good pantry set up where we lived and as soon as it was safe to venture out to access the damage, I was giving it out to help those around the neighborhood survive. I'd been a 'survivalist' type for years, plus a Boy Scout, and knew to always keep a good supply of non perishable foods around, because you never know when disaster may strike or where. Believe me, when you've no power and it may be weeks before you get any, items that are quick and easy to prepare are a must.


   Now if you can recall how the early saints sold everything that they had and left everything behind of their normal lifestyles to serve the LORD, you're know what I'm leading to. We'll gather everything that we need to help others and maintain life for ourselves into a common fund. Living and operating out of this fund. I can hear some people now saying that this is a cult or something, well its not. A cult would make you do this, we won't. If you want to keep a personal bank account, job, or maintain a normal lifestyle, that is fine with us. But this is the principle behind the ministry. If there is one person that is in need of something, the funds will be made available to them, no questions asked. There will eventually be housing supplied at all of our operational centers. Where members of the center will be able to live, all without the worries of paying rent or a mortgage. The same will be done for insurance and healthcare and any other thing you can think of, all will be coming from the ministry's central funds. This will pertain to those that opt in completely, but for those that decide to provide for themselves for the most part, they'll be taken care of in conditions outside of the normal bounds of their provisions, in this way keeping them in the standard that they've set for their lives.

   How is all this going to come about? I've no idea, but this is where my stepping out of the boat comes in. The LORD has led me to this set up and I've faith that HE shall bring it about. How and when, I've no idea, but I do know, it shall be as HE has shown me. If I were to lean on my own understandings, I'd be saying forget it and going to find me another means of making a living, but I don't, I trust in the LORD completely. It's HIS ministry, it's HIS leading and it's faith in HIS provision and guidance that will make this ministry into that which HE wills for it to be, not mine. This all sounds a bit crazy, I admit, but GOD isn't known for doing things in the normal ways. HE's known for doing things in ways that show HIS power and abilities to change things and make things out of conditions that most would think impossible. If I didn't have the amount of faith that HE's blessed me with, I'd be telling HIM "to find someone else to build this for YOU, because I don't see it happening." But I'm not, because i do believe in HIS ability to do anything HE deems.

   Another aspect of the 1st century church that we must take note of, one that most may of forgotten about. That is, that they're willing to put their very lives on the line to serve and glorify the LORD. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. When it comes to their bringing glory to the LORD, it takes center stage and they give it their best and their all to accomplish this task. Right down to their very blood, sweat and tears. Giving their life if needed, to share the GOSPEL and to show the LORD's love for all of mankind. I'm talking about people here, that will go into extremely dangerous situations to save the life of another person. Kind of along the lines of firefighters, police officers or members of the military, those that are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for their cause if need be. Not that everyone with the ministry will be in these kinds of conditions, but this is the heart that we seek our people to have, a true Christian spirit, one that knows that their rewards truly are awaiting them with the LORD and not here on earth.

   So why am I telling you all this now? For one great reason, to serve CHRIST is to operate totally in the open, or as is spoken of today in ministry circles, ministry transparency. All the facts and figures are laid out for everyone that wants to see them, nothing, absolutely nothing is hidden. There won't be people in the future that will be able to say that funds were misappropriated by this ministry. Or that these facts weren't revealed in the beginning. Because here it is right before your eyes and the eyes of anyone that wants to check into this ministry. Every detail of this ministry will be open for anyone to see, every cent will be accounted for and all records will be constantly checked for accuracy, by numerous people. This will set this ministry apart from all others and also make it operate unlike any other of its type. Accurate records help to produce accurate results. No mess ups, like those that took place in most of the disaster responses anyone can recall. Just look at Haiti's earthquake response. Fifty groups, all doing their own thing, getting in each others way and delaying and at times even preventing the help from getting to those that needed it! More on these aspects will come at a later date, something for you to look forward to.

   Now for the second part of this stepping out session. I'm currently living in a host family's home. I've been with this family for about six months now. It is time for us to begin gathering every sort of supply we can get our hands on. I've no earthly idea where anything would be put, but this is what I'm led to do and announce at this time. This means everything, and anything that you can imagine. From the smallest of office needs to heavy equipment and vehicles! You're hearing me right. If you've an old, working piece of equipment that you'd like to donate, do so. I mean it, this sounds crazy and believe me I know it does, but this is just as I'm being led. Somehow and someway the LORD is going to provide for a place to put it and have it ready to be used in whatever manor is needed. If you're wondering about this plea, don't worry you're not alone, because I can't even begin to imagine how this will be done. Both my personal bank account and the ministry's are tapped out. I've not the money to buy a piece of penny candy, let alone a storage yard or buildings, but this is that which I'm being led to do, so I'm doing it. I know this is stepping out in faith, BIG time, but this is how blessed with faith the LORD has made me. When all seems impossible, I know that HE can and will do what needs to be done, to bring HIS plans into fruition. This is the biggest step of faith I've ever even thought about making, but one I know in my very core of being, that GOD will make a way for it all to happen!!! So if you've extra office supplies laying around and you're being led to donate them, send them off. Computers, send them. Semi trucks and trailers, deliver them. Whatever the LORD is leading you to do in reference to this ministry, don't think twice about it, just do it. Someway, somehow, GOD is going to make this all work out to HIS ultimate glory. I know this all sounds like the rantings of a madman, if I am, it because I'm crazy about JESUS and want the whole world to know it. There is no better way to serve the LORD then in complete humility and trust. I don't care what a single person thinks about me or this ministry at this time, for they will see the truth about it in the near future, when the fruits of it begin to take shape and we're going in where even angels fear to tread, helping people in their greatest times of need and doing it all for the glory of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and SAVIOR!!!

   As always, I ask no one to do any of this without first putting it to prayer!!! Then and only then, if you're led to step out of the boat like I have, don't doubt in the least, just take the first step. Believe me there is nothing like knowing deep within your heart that what you've done is that which GOD has led you to do. Nothing on this earth can compare!!! So if you're on fire for the LORD and seeking a means of serving HIM like no other ever before brought together. This just may be where the LORD is leading you. So just ask HIM, not another person, but HIM alone and be willing to do all that HE's led for you to do. For to run the race, with your eyes firmly set on the rewards at the end is the goal that you seek and it is the one that only you can make the choice to strive for. So whether its carrying your cross around the globe or helping those in need. I just say, step out and never look back, for in trusting JESUS your life will never be the same again!!! 

Stepping out again!!!

 Praise the LORD!!!
    The LORD has me stepping out of the boat again! This morning, though I've not a cent in my pockets, the LORD has led me to begin making announcements through the media and several other means. I've sent out notification of this to our area Chamber of Commerce and have signed on with several online marketing groups. So you may begin to see our logo at sites that you visit.
    As I said this is only being done because of the LORD's leading. I've nothing to expend to cover the cost of even putting out a few fliers, let alone to cover the cost of a major  advertising campaign! Plain and simple put, I've expend all my current funds on this ministry and have nothing else to offer, except my trust in HIS sovereignty. I trust the LORD more then I trust myself, so all I can say is praise the LORD and may THY will be done, for I've done as YOU've led and that alone.
    Please keep the ministry and myself in your prayers, because I've no idea what tomorrow may bring. I do know this though, that with this ministry being totally of the LORD, it will become that which HE wills for it and nothing more.

 Also don't forget our prayer email system, at: prayers@vineofchrist.org

May GOD bless all and may HE bless your day to bring forth fruit in abundance!!!
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International

VCM, in need of your assistance...

  Praise the LORD!!!

    I pray that all are well and walking in relationship with the LORD today! VCM is in need of your assistance, but before I go on, I'd like you to pray for the LORD to open your eyes and hearts to what HE would have you to do!!!

    Many of you that are reading this know of me and the ministry, if not, please follow the links to find out more. I have been striving to do that which the LORD has been leading me to daily and have been making great strides in accomplishing it all. Programs are beginning to take shape and I am beginning to gather a list of suppliers and equipment that will be needed to continue building the ministry. There are many, many great needs that are mounting each day that I continue to strive to fulfill the LORD's calling upon this ministry and my life.

    There is the need to reach out and have the word spread about the ministry! I've been networking numerous of the social networks to increase the attention the ministry is getting online. There is the need to have this ministry before the eyes of as many as possible. With the hurricane season approaching, there is the chance that we will have works to do, helping people recover from that which nature has inflicted upon them. With as many as possible knowing about the ministry and the LORD's calling for us, to be there to assist in this process, it will help us to show the love of JESUS to many people. It would be awesome to have as many people out there telling their friends and neighbors, church family and coworkers about this ministry as possible. This can be done in many ways and takes very little effort to do, just a few words referencing the ministry and what the intents of it are. Maybe even giving them information that will lead them to one of our sites. All these will help to boost the visits to these sites, thus increasing it's search engine standings.

   Next on the list, is our need for improve computing capacity. I've currently only one old ( '01') computer and it is greatly lacking in processing power. Due to it's age and limitations for expansion, it's not worth investing money into improving it. This was a great blessing to the ministry, because I had to leave my '04' system back in Ohio when I left on foot on this trip (details can be found on one of our sites.)  I'm currently having to cleanup, defragment, both the hard drives and registry several times a week, just to keep it functioning online to some degree of efficiency. Anyone that has an old computer laying around, desktop or laptop we need several of each, we could truly use them to fulfill the LORD's calling. I'm currently restricted greatly from that which I can do, because of this system's problems handling graphics content of any degree. I've even problems when typing in blogs or any written material longer then a simple comment. If led to donate a system, please follow the LORD's leading, for it will help us truly make a difference in someone's life. There is no need to contact me, though a short email would be nice, just send it off. The mailing address will be posted later along in this posting.

   Next, we're in need of people to volunteer their services in any way led. This could be to help us spread the word about the ministry, enlisting as a prayer warrior for our email prayer system, or even those that will want to volunteer in some other manor. These can be online or on foot, however you're led to. Though Kingsville is limited in it's areas of employment available, Corpus Christi (less then a half hours drive) isn't. Life here in Kingsville is enjoyable, though limited in the amenities, there is great room for growth. If any would be led to move to the area, I do believe you'll enjoy it's relaxed atmosphere and slower lifestyle. We've a population of just under 25,000 and I've yet to meet any that weren't friendly. There are numerous churches of varying denominations, so I'm sure you could find one to fellowship in. For more information on the area, just check into the Chamber of Commerce websites for the cities in the area, I'm sure these will give you more then enough information. Eventually plans for on site housing will be taken care of and we'll be able to house both temporary and full time volunteers at one of them eventually. You see, VCM is going to operate on the lines of the first century church, where we'll be more of a family, then a group of people just working together. Updates on this will be coming later as things begin to take shape.

   Next, would be our need for tools and equipment. These cover a very large spectrum and it is hard to know where to start. Every sort of construction tool (power or hand), office supplies of all sorts, to Bibles and Christian literature (CD's and DVD's ). Considering the nature of the ministry and it's disaster relief operational plans, these could be filled by anything from a screwdriver to a piece of heavy equipment. Nothing imaginable would be turned down, unless it were in really bad shape. I've always stressed the fact that we as Christians are representing the LORD in that which we do, this includes what we donate to help others. When I first got out of the halfway house after prison, I was given some cookware, that I'd not feed a dog out of! They were trash and should of been treated as such, instead of being given to one trying to start life over again. That is why VCM will not give something to someone, that we wouldn't use ourselves.

   Last on the list is the one I've not ever wanted to ask for and that is the monetary donation. I'll not promise, like so many do, that GOD will bless you greatly if you give "$99.95" to this ministry. Yes, GOD does bless those that bless others, but this is HIS choice and HIS alone!!! If you take a look at the programs that VCM has in it's plans and then start looking around at the cost of the materials to accomplish such feats, you'll see why we've this need. GOD has given me a vision of a Christian helps ministry, unlike anything ever before assembled. There are going to be branches of this ministry eventually reaching around the globe, covering many fields of work. All these will take time to accomplish and a great amount of funding and labor. But what the LORD has shown me is that it will happen and that the glory won't be ours, but HIS alone. Yes, people will know about us and all that we do, but they'll also know that we fully operate by and for the glory of the greatest ONE alive, JESUS!!!

    Any physical donations can be sent to the following address:

Vine of CHRIST Ministries

c/o Rev. Marshall Barth

204 Otis St.

Kingsville, TX.,78363

    Email inquiries and other contacts, please use:

contacts@vineofchrist.org

    I must stress this again, I ask that whomever takes this under consideration, to please first pray and ask the LORD to lead you in how HE and HE alone wants you to assist this ministry of HIS. The ministry is not mine at all, everything that is in plans for it, has been given to me, as a servant to all, by HIS leading alone. I want no glory for myself, but want all that ever is done by this ministry to bring nothing but glory to the precious name of JESUS. If I am to work this by myself, until I take my last breath here on earth, so be it, for I accept it as HIS will. But I do not believe at all, that HE has given me these great visions and filled my heart with such compassion, as to let it be expended on the little that I've been able to accomplish. If you want to see that which I've been doing so far, do a search of my name or one of my user names (revbarth, hisson1, hisson7, hisson33, Rev. Marshall Barth, Vine of CHRIST Ministries or Vine Ministerial Network International), and I'm sure you will find enough to let you know I am sold out to this calling.

   I want to thank you for your time, if you've read this far and thank you for even considering helping me to achieve that which the LORD has set before me. May GOD bless you and guide you in these matters and may you listen to HIS still quiet voice and do as HE leads!!!

    GOD bless and good day,

    Rev. Marshall Barth

    Vine of CHRIST Ministries

    Vine Ministerial Network International

   p.s. If any of you are in need of prayer, please email your request to:

prayers@vineofchrist.org

"Notes from the Vine" March 2010 VCM Newsletter

A message of warning!!!

 

Praise the LORD!!!

   I pray that all are well and growing in their faith. For truly I am greatly concerned, for the many that claim faith in JESUS CHRIST. For there are many out there that would enlist you to follow their words and teaching and not that of the MASTER!!! I’ve been spending a lot of time online as of late; due to the weather here is south Texas. I’ve over five hundred follower/friends on the two largest social networks and they all know that I’m a Christian and proud of this fact. If you’re reading this, there is a high likelihood that you’ve come here from knowledge of me or the ministry at one of these sites. Then again it could be from one of the other dozen or so that I visit and post on also.


   I have a good number of people that request I enlist them as friends, which usually I will do, after just briefly checking out their personal sites. With the current state of the ministry’s computer, I’m limited to the sites I can visit, due to the graphics content of them. Not that it’s pornographic or of a violent nature, but the amount of graphics on them. This system doesn’t handle a lot of graphics well and begins to slow down greatly or freeze completely up. Si, I will take a very brief glance at the wording of their speech and symbolism that the site contains. If it shows anything resembling a Christian nature I will allow them in as friends. Then it is up to them to remain on the site by not falling outside the bounds of decency and good moral judgment. To date, I’ve but knocked off two people that have joined as friends. The LORD has blessed me here greatly!

   Now to the point of this article: I have met more people that are preaching false doctrines then I’ve ever met before. There are those that believe in the redeeming sacrifice of JESUS, but not HIS teachings. Grouping the WORDS of JESUS and the apostle’s as only being applied to the Hebrews and no one else. They believe that the apostle Paul’s teaching are the only thing that gentile Christians should follow. These people start from the fact of errors within the translation of the Bible from the original text, which there are a good number of, but then they use their own slightly different wording to adapt it to their own beliefs. The basis of this is that all are saved by CHRIST crucifixion alone and there is no need of a person’s confession, repentance or acceptance of anything else. I other words, you are saved whether you want to be or not, no matter what kinds of heinous sins you’ve committed, you are guaranteed salvation and a place in heaven.


   There is another group that follow after a man that claims to of received direct revelations from GOD and still does to this very day in all aspects of the Christian faith and the soon return and judgment of the LORD upon all others beliefs. Now this is a fairly small group at this time, but there are many that have grown tired of fodder that is preached in mainstream Christian churches and are seeking after a quick return of the LORD. In this school of thought, they’re taking scripture, mostly prophetic, and adding more words to it to make matters seem more grave and judgmental.


   Another of these groups consists of the new apostles and prophets, preaching out of the Book of Enoch. These follow along the lines of basic Christianity and the doctrines of the church, yet say that if one doesn’t follow after the teachings of their ‘apostolic governance’ and authority they’re condemned and completely forsaken by GOD. These utter long lines of their apostle’s teaching and adhere to all that they teach and preach for fear of falling out of grace with GOD. Their words are luxurious and finely tempered with scripture, but with many words added within to draw new mean from within it. According to these, every denomination out there is wrong in their beliefs and we should all turn and follow their apostles and prophets. They will take any scripture that one places before them and use it right back against the person with but a few words added or subtracted.

   There other groups that I could go into, but for brevity I will keep it to these. Two things that all of these groups are very potent in, is their understanding of that which they follow and the understanding of scripture as taught by the Bible. Not just our Bible, but those that they claim to be better then ours. I have talked with members of all thee groups and seen firsthand how they can take scripture placed before them and twisted it, or disprove it to suit their whim. This is a very sure sign of a cult and one that all Christians should be aware of.

   I am a firm believer in the fact that we as Christians should be well versed in the Bible. We should not just read it, but dive deeply into every knock and cranny of it to understand it to the great depth possible. In other words, we should study to find ourselves approved. Being able to stand strong against any that try to change that which we believe, and also being able to disprove the errors of their teachings. This is a big task, especially considering the amount of time these kinds of groups have enlisted to studying their beliefs. I have found that some of these have great piles of ‘teaching’ lying at their side, ready to find the needed information to stand against whatever you’ve placed before them. I’ve even gone as far to find their sources and read massive quantities of these myself, so as to better understand what they insist is the truth.


  I will now ask of all those that read this, to start honing your skills in the apologetics of our faith. Start diving deeper into scripture then you ever have before. Doing all this with the leading and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT and not depending upon your own wits or intelligence. There is a very well trained enemy out there, one that can weaken the faith of all but the most astute scholar, let alone one depending on their own strengths and not that of the LORD. So, pick up your sword and sharpen it well, honing it’s edge to the finest it can be and prepare yourself, for the battle for true Christianity has begun and many are those against us. Our swords must be sharpened and our armor polished, for the battle will be great. Though we know the outcome and we fight the battle well, there may be many that fall at the wayside if we don’t lead them into a fuller and more perfect understanding of what it means to be a CHRISTian!!!
 
 

This month in ministry

 

   In the last month, there has been a lot of work done online and due to the weather this alone. The weather on the coastal bend of south Texas has been cold and wet. Not like a lot of the country, but as to the normal for the area. This has kept me mostly inside doing that which I can out of this old computer. The headers here posted, are one of the gleanings from this work. It is a colorization and improvement of the original which was drawn for me while in prison. I would like to thank J. Conrad for his artistic help to me at that time, for without our logo would not be today.


   There has also been other graphics works being worked on, some are posted around our sites and at other places online and others yet completed. The current daily devotional has been going well, with a post for almost every day in the last month. Thank YOU LORD, for it is only by HIS grace that this was accomplished. There has been few blogs other wise from me, though there has been several posted or re posted.

   We now have a new member on board with the ministry. Donna Duncan has come on board to assist with the email prayer line. Though she lives out of state we’ve set up a means of her praying for those that enlist us for their prayer needs. Thank you Donna and welcome on board.


   The greatest amount of time has been spent on organizing our international branches. Team Liberia has had phenomenal growth this past month. We now have over twenty members, a board of trustees and several of these are ordained ministers willing to add to their calling for the LORD’s work through them. Thank you all and may GOD continue to bless this movement to win hearts and souls for the KINGDOM of GOD in the name of JESUS CHRIST!!!

   There have been several changes to the website; several slide shows have been added to pages. The work isn’t the best and this is due to several factors: 1 my personal inabilities in graphics, layout and design; 2. the computer system’s inability to render graphics well; 3. the need for an improved web service, whether a better package ($) through Office Live or a different service provider altogether or maybe just someone that has a better knowledge of this system of programming.


   One thing is for certain, Vine of CHRIST Ministries is growing, but there is a long way still to go and until others begin to catch the vision, this will not happen. So I ask you, please pray for the LORD to open your eyes about the truths behind this ministry and to that which HE would have you do to help in its growth. There are many great needs that can only be met when others from the KINGDOM of GOD here on earth catch the vision of sharing the love of CHRIST to those in need!!! If you feel the LORD calling you to help, don’t ask me or another person, just do it. Take the risk and just step out of the boat and trust the LORD to fully take care of you in the works that HE has called you to!!!

About my FATHER's works...

Praise the LORD!!!
   In the last several weeks I've been enlisting many new friends online in the social networks. One thing that I've seen a lot of is the focusing on prophecy. Don't get me wrong, prophecy is great, but truly it isn't that which we are called forth to concentrate upon.

   We are told in scripture to know the signs of the times and to be watchful, yet we are also told to be about our daily routine. Our daily routine as Christians is the spread of the GOSPEL and showing the love of CHRIST to all of mankind. How can we be focusing on spreading the GOSPEL when all that comes from our lips is about our dreams and visions, the prophecies that we have receive or those of another? We can't, plain and simply put we can't! We are to busy reading, listening to, researching and praying on that which we already know to be coming. Truly, what does it matter if all these were to happen tomorrow or even today? Nothing at all for the believing Christian, but to the millions of people out there that aren't saved. It means a whole lot! The difference between an eternity of suffering compared to an eternity in heavenly bliss.

   Many of us out there have friends and family members that are not saved. From our closest loved ones to people we may never meet in person, are all in need of knowing the saving grace offered through JESUS CHRIST. If we are pondering the great calamities that are soon to come upon this earth and not worried about leading someone else into the family of GOD, are we truly being about our FATHER's work? No we are not!

   The "Great Commission" was given us to fulfill and we as believers must be about it. We must pick up our Bibles and pray for the LORD to grace each of us with another person to plant a seed within. We must ask for the guidance and wisdom needed to know those that have seeds planted, but need a little nurturing to bring forth a harvest. We need to truly be about that which is to be our focus and not that we know is going to happen. Trust me, it is going to happen, just as it is written and no different. There are thousands of thousands of people reaching out to those that offer the slightest bit of relief to their lives and that which they're grasping hold of are but the lies of the adversary. This is because there are not enough workers in the harvest field with their eyes open and their eyes attuned to GOD's leading. They're too busy worrying about those things that they can't change, instead of that which they should be about.

   I enlist all of you that read this, to tell another believer about it, but not to stop there alone. Reach out and touch the heart of someone else that doesn't know JESUS as their personal LORD and SAVIOR. Or show someone the love that CHRIST has for all of mankind by showing HIS love for you through your works. Let us stop allowing false preacher and prophets to lead others away from the truth. Stand up and speak out the WORD of GOD as it is written in the Bible. Stop allow others to fall prey to those that would deceive them into believing something that is not true. Stand as a beacon of LIGHT to all those around you. Let that LIGHT shine forth like never before and let the world know JESUS CHRIST is the only way to salvation and eternal life. Let our voices rise above the noise of the world and let everyone hear the truth about JESUS CHRIST. The Way, the Truth and the Life, the ONE and ONLY Way to eternal LIFE!!!!!!!

A turning from the past...

Praise the LORD!!!
   In the last several day I've been sick, down with a bit of the 'bug.' This time, though most of it spent resting, was not to be considered waste. For the LORD, in HIS still quiet voice and ways, was working through this. I became aware that in recent weeks I've been spending more and more time away from that which the LORD wills for me. I've turned my attentions to more worldly endeavors, not a complete turning away, but still a turning.

   Some of these have been towards my personal needs. I've been single now for several years and looking for a helpmate has come into focus. Though allowing the LORD to be the guide in these, I've allowed it to take on a more prominent role in my day. Seeking less from the LORD and more on my action in doing the searching. I've gone to several dating sites and networked sites seeking out a helpmate more on my own searching for, instead of the LORD's provisions in such. It isn't unusual that a single person should seek out another for companionship, but doing so totally on their own is outsides the bounds GOD has for this action. It brought me into an area where I opened myself up to hurt at the hands of another. There are many out there that are trying to scam people whom are seeking to find love and I venture to say that I found several of these. Offering all kinds of physical delights, if only I could do them this great service for them first. The old Nigerian "419" scam. 'We'll give you this, but first you must do this for us,' scam! It just about had me in it's grip when the LORD opened my eyes to it and I searched out the means to identify it. This started with  searching out federal agencies that deal with this sort of problems. Then there were several, literally laid in my lap, through a Christian friend that had recently suffered at these people's hands. These will be cut out!

   A growing amount of my time has been given to the 'apps' on several of the sites that I've been using to network the ministry on. You may be familiar with them if you're reading this, because these sites were instrumental in my starting the blogs and daily devotional. It is from these, that the LORD led me to begin these two undertakings, giving others places to seek out GOD and HIS guidance on the internet. But in doings so, I've begun to fall prey to the many other 'apps' at them and spending to much time playing them. I'm sure you may be familiar with some of these, almost every social network has them. The little gifts and prizes offered for your spending a little time with them doesn't seem like much, but add it all together and you'll see hours have gone astray. These I will be cutting out!

   Where am I going with this, you may ask? Right here. Wherever I spend my time and attentions is where my life is focused. If I'm spending it on searching for a mate, or in some game or other 'app,' it isn't being spent on the LORD. My life has been totally given to serving the LORD and all that I do should be in pursuit of this goal and only this goal. So this is where my intentions shall be from now on. Not on being social and seeking out a loved one or joining in the 'apps', but in searching out the internet to bring glory to the name of JESUS. HE has set forth for me a ministry, Vine of CHRIST Ministries and Vine Ministerial Network International, and in the broadcasting of these and HIS actions within my life will I bring notice unto HIS glorious works within my life. Not that I'm saying that these other things don't have their places in my life, but that they'll not have center focus within it any more. My intentions are to bring glory to JESUS' most holy and precious name and doing anything but this, isn't life to me. My intentions are clear and the goal in clear sight, JESUS in all and all for JESUS!!!

   You will be able to find me on the internet with easy, but staying up with me will be harder to do, because all will be concentrated on serving JESUS and HIS ministries for me. So If you look for me and can't find me, you are not looking in the right places:)!!!

The appalling state of the American social system...

Praise the LORD!!!

   The appalling state of the American social services system that allows events such as the following to take place within our border. It is tragic to say the least, that Americans can die as we spend millions to bailout other countries around the globe. Isn't it about time that all people, not just those that live on 'main street USA' get the attention they're supposed to. The native American has been getting the shaft for hundreds of years and this is just another case of 'out of sight, out of mind!'



Date: 1/28/2010 4:41:13 AM
Subject: EMERGENCY AT PINE RIDGE - PLEASE REPOST


A State of Emergency has been declared on the Pine Ridge Lakota "Sioux"
Indian Reservation. People have died. Many more people are at risk of
freezing to death. Another cold front is coming in, yet where is the
national media coverage?

Does the 'Lacreek Electric Company' - a non-Indian utility often thought
to be prejudiced, care that people are suffering, since they are pulling
meters every day? (which is illegal throughout the rest of the u.s. during
the winter months).

What will Obama and the federal government do about this? While they dig
out Haitians, indigenous people right here may freeze to death. What are
we going to do about it?

Help put this message out for help. The children and families of the Pine
Ridge Indian Reservation need our help now. It is urgent that all 40,000
residents of the Oglala Nation have electricity and propane.

Call LaCreek toll free at 800-655-9324 or (605)685-6581 to see how you can
help pay into a customer’s account, example $5 into ten customers would
require a $50 donation by you. Tell LaCreek to make sure tanks are full
for ALL area residents between the months of November to March – and to
collect any delinquent payments between April and October.

Also, check out this non-profit to see if it is appropriate for you:
Arlene Catches The Enemy 605-867-5771 Ext 13.
Tax Deductable, Non-Profit (501-c-3). She can take credit cards over the
phone: Pine Ridge Emergency Fund, C/O Economic Development Administration
PO Box 669, Pine Ridge, SD 57770-0669

And call Lakota Plains Propane at 605-867-5199 and find out what homes have
elderly or children and if they need money put down on their account to be
able to have a warm home tonight.

*..***************

List to assist Elders at Pine RidgeShare

Below are several Elders in the Kyle Community of Pine Ridge that are in
immediate need of assistance. The contact information has been confirmed
and permission has been granted to share their information with you.

There are several ways I will mention where assistance is needed and I'll
share here before I begin the information for where you can assist in
paying for Propane for those who need it or to contact a local grocery
store to pay for food for families who need this. Other ways of assisting
the individual families will be listed with their contact information
below.

To pay for propane for any individuals listed below use the information
here and be sure to make your payment to the account of the individual(s)
you choose to help. The propane company requires a minimum order of $120
of fuel before they will make a delivery to the individual. You can also
pay for a persons propane and they will credit the individuals account so
that when they do run out of any fuel they may have at the moment they can
simply call and the company will deliver more.

Lakota Plains Propane (will take credit card)
Highway 407
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
605-867-5199
Be sure to request a receipt and use the contact for the person you are
helping to call and followup to be certain they received the help you paid
for.

Kyle Grocery (will take credit card)
Owner: Liz May
605-455-2824
Again be sure to follow up with the person you make a donation for to be
sure they received the appropriate credit for purchasing food.

Elders in need are as follows:

Adolph Bull Bear
605-454-2190
He remains in need of continued assistance for propane, his son who is
disabled lives with him and he is in need of food assistance which you can
contact Kyle grocery (above) to make a donation for food. He will also
need help with his electric bill.

Arlene Talks (age 72)
605-407-8243
She has a daughter and a granddaughter (age 7) who lives with her and is
in need of propane and food assistance and you can contact the propane and
grocery above to assist. You could also contact her for mailing address to
send items for her granddaughter such as clothes, etc.

Janice One Feather (age 61)
605-455-2889
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 44, Kyle SD 57752
For Propane Delivery give House # 307
She has two grandsons living with her. Asa Steele age 7 and Dillon
Westover age 9. You can mail donations for the two boys to the mailing
address above for her and if you mail by fedex, UPS, etc use the house
#307 Kyle SD 57752. She is in desperate need of food assistance and
propane and you can use the info for propane and grocery companies above
to pay for those items.

Donna Garnette
605-455-2527
605-441-7541
She has two grandchildren (Boy and girl), you can contact her for an
address to offer assistance in clothes, etc for the children. She is in
need of Propane and food assistance and you can use the info above for
both companies to assist them with that.

Lilly Mae Red Eagle (age 88)
605-455-2612
Mailing address: P.O. Box 2, Kyle SD 57752
For propane delivery give House #HC2
She is in need of Propane and food assistance. You can use the info above
for both companies to assist them with that. For deliveries by fedex, ups,
etc use the house #HC2 Kyle SD 57752

Perlene Yellow Wolf (age 65 approx)
605-455-1458
She is in need of propane and food assistance. She lives with her daughter
Crystal and three children. You can use the info above for both companies
to assist them with that. They have a lot of problems with pipes freezing
so if anyone in the immediate area could help with this that would be
greatly appreciated.

May you be richly blessed for sharing your blessings with these elders and
ensuring some relief to their suffering. Please help now as the need is
immediate but please remember to help again in the future if you are able
to as their needs are continual. Thank you in advance for sharing your
love and helping these elders.

May GOD forgive those that are responsible for these events even beginning to happen and may HE judge those that continue to allow it!!!

GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial network International 
p.s. if it sounds like I'm a little stoked, its because I am!!!!!!!