Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Sharing the love of JESUS with those in need! Not a handout, but a hand up!
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 "VineNotes"

Our monthly newsletter




 PTL!!! It has been awhile :)))
   10.08.11
     It has been some time since, I've made an entry here. There's been numerous problems, which if you've been following the happenings thru my numerous postings on the social sites I frequent, so I'll not post them here. This would just be a bit redundant and only rehashing the past :))) Being that the ministry has been blessed with a new computer and several donations, there is a bit more movement towards the goal of establishing the ministry. Most of this has been witnessed online only, due to the fact that for the ministry to really establish a footing in the real world, it will take far more funding. The LORD has shown me great visions and all that I've been able to complete to date, are are from fulfilling even the most basic of these. You can't develop a global ministry, with but the work of a single person, it takes an army of people and equipment.

   With the new computer and some of the donated funds, I've purchased hardware for the computer, to upgrade it's operational abilities. Adding RAM(memory) and a graphics card(to remove part of the drain from the RAM used for this.) The next moves will be to acquire another slightly smaller monitor(19") to have my Bible study programs viewable while visiting at one of the social sites. This will allow for improved postings of scripture related post.
  
   There will also be a need for increased efficiency in other areas and there will be the need for other programs to do so. There are three of these that I've currently in mind.
  • Microsoft Office Professional
  • Adobe Acrobat X Suite
  • DeLorme mapping program
   With these programs the ministry will be able to begin operating along the lines of a proper ministry. Able to produce the proper paperwork, promotions needed to represent the LORD correctly in this world. Also, with the mapping programs, it will open up a far better understanding of those areas of interest that are being dealt with. Such as this spring's tornado outbreaks, where my current system just wasn't giving me enough information to post warnings properly. It would also be nice to have better online coverage of such events, through a paid account, but this will be at another time :))) When posting on such events, it is best to have the most detailed maps as possible, for when you're only able to get close (5-10 miles) of a storms location, it doesn't give those within the area as many details as possible !!! I was having to post a generalized location and had posted on both the Joplin, MO. and Tuscaloosa, AL. tornadoes(along with many others), but rightfully couldn't pinpoint these systems exact(or as close as possible) locations. For the ministry to properly function along these lines, this will have to be improved upon and these programs will be of great benefit in accomplishing this !!!

   As with any growing adventure, there is much more that can be improved upon, but these(as with all things) will be taken care of as the LORD allows them to take place !!! All things in the LORD's time :)))


Praise the LORD!!!
 4.17.11
    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 by 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 detail on 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!!! 
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!!!

 

November 2010
Praise the LORD!!!

   As has been habit lately this is being posted a bit after the first of the month. As you know, or should by now, I do as led by the LORD and work according to HIS timetable, not my own! Along with working the two part time jobs I've been spending a large amount of time on Twitter. Posting comments about the LORD and also the ministry. Social media is one way of fulfilling the 'Great Commission' from one's home, while avoiding the expense travel and personal contact with others. It may not be the best way to do this, but is one of the greatest currently available to the CHURCH today, if used properly!

   Another item that has been being taken care of is an increase in contacts among those doing disaster relief work around the globe. I've read numerous reports, from the many disaster taking place, and gathering details from these that would in no way of been possible even fifteen years ago. The internet is a valuable tool that must be used by Christians today to do those works set forth by the LORD for them. Again, let me state, "if properly used," for there is also easy access to every form of sin known readily available if one is not on guard!!!

   In much of these readings I've been gathering information as to the many needs of those involved in relief work. I've also been paying deep attention to how the organizations respond to these needs (logistics.) One thing is clear to see, is that there is a greater need for preparation and supply chains to be set up and working efficiently then any of them ever realized. To many problems have been encountered, that should of been worked into the equation beforehand. Sure one can't predict all events that may arise during an operation, but preparations can be made and had waiting implementation if the need arose. Much like the Cholera outbreak in Haiti. When you move millions of people into substandard living condition, providing inadequate clean water and sanitation, an outbreak like this one should be foreseen!  In this instance, the medical supplies were in Haiti, but far from the areas where they were needed and the shipments of these took far to long to take place. A rapid response to even the slightest 'outbreak' needs to be swift and thorough, even to the point of 'overkill,' for the lose of even one life is to great!!!

   Early on in life, I was taught a great lesson. The one of learn from your own mistakes, but the LORD has taken this a great step farther and has had me learning from the mistakes of others also. I so doing, I've been highly blessed to be led in a manor that will cause VCM to function in a manor more efficiently and cost effective than these other groups. This is the purpose of the DROC's and their being highly stocked with all the supplies needed for even the most unusual disasters. This is also the reasoning behind the multiple locations with an overlapping operational areas. When a disaster happens in one operational area, those centers around it will also go on alert and begin assembling supplies and personnel for activation into the effected area. It will even bring into effect a second level of activation for those at a greater distance from the disaster, having them monitoring all that is occurring in the higher levels and preparing that which may be needed down the line. It is a very intricate plan and one the LORD has highly stressed upon my heart. VCM will be representing the LORD, first and foremost and HE leaves no little detail to chance. Everything is considered and no possibility or preparation is left out.

    This is the reasoning behind my looking into the most advanced computer systems available. The amount of information handled will be tremendous and very multi-faceted. The number of people will also be great, for there is no way humanly possible for a few to undertake what lies ahead for this ministry. All these things are in the future, when they'll be fulfilled only GOD knows, but I must continue everyday to do that which I led too. For without the life giving resources from the Vine, all will be but the   works of man and be no different then those we currently see, disastrous, for the lose of one life is too many!!!

October 2010
Praise the LORD!!!
 
   All is well this month, though I've not had much time to work on the ministry. We received our first donation, praise the LORD, $30 which was placed on the phone account on which it was earmarked for. This came about after several hours of phone conversations in which we'd be cut off due to the account limits. I remedied this by changing the account to an unlimited one, though at this time I don't know if I'll be able to maintain it at this level. It all comes down to the cost of doing so!

   With having to work the two part time jobs to meet the bills, I've been very limited to that which I can do online and off for the ministry. Recently I've ran into a young couple in need and gave them a bunch of cookware and half of the sectional couch that the LORD has blessed me with. They're expecting a baby girl soon, very soon, and I've enlisted the manager(a Christian) here at the apartments to gather whatever resources we can for them. We've been blessed to get them a good number of items already!
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   Almost daily I have to respond to email from individuals around the globe that would like to come into communion with the ministry or enlist me to go to their country and assist them in their works for the LORD. I've had to turn these all down, which is heart breaking, for two reasons. 1- My being a convicted felon, I've no rights and can't get a passport to travel outside the U.S. 2- The limited funds and resources that the ministry has, makes fulfilling their request impossible at this time. Most of these have come from groups of small ministries that have undertaken the LORD's work in their impoverished nations. Taking in orphans and other under privileged  people and meeting their needs, along with doing out reach ministry and raising up disciples.

   As many of you know, or should if you've read through this site well enough, this ministry has been basically funded and worked by myself alone. This has put a great restriction on it's operations and materials on hand. It would be a 'GOD send' to be able to send them the items requested, such as Bibles, food and other needs. But with the funding limits this just isn't possible. It would be awesome to be able to send them several hundred pounds of rice or beans, or any other food items needed. Or even the Christian reading material requested. I've spent many an hour in prayer over this exact situation, yet matters haven't changed along these lines. I praise the LORD for this current state and expect that in the LORD's time it will change. But I'll have to continue to apologize via email until HE remedies this.

   Now I'm not a 'newbie' to the internet and know that some of these may just be scams, but not unlike those that use others for profit in other ways, we're not to judge them or even try to 'weed them out.' "What?" you may be saying! This ministry operates on the principle of GOD being ultimately the one in control. If someone tries to use it for personal gain, it is the LORD that they're stand before to be judged, not us! You may think this will lead to a large amount of wasted funding, but is anything given ours to restrict. GOD blessed us with it in the first place, HE has allowed these people to seek out our assistance(for whatever purpose) and we will channel HIS funding to them. This doesn't mean that we'll be giving 'blindly,' because all that we do will be totally guided by prayer, TOTALLY!!! We may not know what a person's reasons are for using that which they've requested, but the LORD does and HE has a plan behind it. This is what knowing who is in ultimate control of all things will lead one to. Not taking into consideration that a person may have 'fleshly' intents behind their request, but that GOD has 'KINGDOM' intents behind them and it is HIS will that will be done.
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SEPARATION

   I have recently started going to another church and this for  personal reasons. For those that have been following me and the ministry, these won't be new, but for those that haven't, I'll explain. This ministry, as well as myself, are GOD founded and led!!! I function on the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT within my personal walk and the operations of this ministry. Nothing that is done is done out of mind, but only by the LORD's leading. Normally at this time I'd be at work at one of the apartment complexes, but I awoke this morning with a sinus headache and a strong leading by the LORD! I called in and let the manager know what was up and had plans to take some medicine and lay back down to get rid of the headache. Though the LORD had other plans, which you're reading:)))

   Now for the reasons behind my leaving my old church for a new one. I'll not mention name, but will say that it is one on a list of the top fifteen fastest growing churches in the nation. This growth is not coming from the fact that they preach a true GOSPEL message, which at times they do, but like JESUS had happen after the miracle feedings, people are going there because their personal/earthly needs are being met(John6:26). You see, that during the Easter season this year, this church gathered huge amounts of donated materials; cars, computers, furniture, big screen TV's,and the likes there of. Attendance rose alarmingly even at the numerous satellite churches, which did the same, though on a smaller scale. Then the head pastor began 'hawking' his soon to be published book and enlisted 'all' church members to purchase as many as possible so he could get it listed on the best sellers list as soon as it was released.

   My heart began to get very unsettled on these matters and I began praying over them. As Christians, though we live in this world, are supposed to be separated from it(John17:16). It ways and ours are to be totally opposed to each other. Now in a normal church setting I'd go and talk with the pastor himself, but in this set up of 'satellite' churches,it is next to impossible. Each 'satellite' is initially funded and set up by and around the main churches operations. The majority of sermons are pre-recorded and aired at the satellites at a later date. The 'satellite's' pastors have been raised up under the tutelage of the head pastor and are devoted to following his lead, so it does little good to talk with them. Let me say "they know which side their bread is buttered on," and where their basic support comes from, though they supposedly are 'self funded' through tithing. Little could be done by talking with the local pastor, when it is the 'head' that is generating the problems.

   All too often these days people are flocking to churches that preach ways that are focused on adapting to the ways of the world. This because what is preached is a soothing message, one that calms the soul and allows us to blend in with the rest of society. Now I don't know about yours, but my Bible just doesn't read that way!!! We as Christians are supposed to follow our LORD and HE alone. Not a watered down 'gospel,'  but the GOSPEL that is outlined within the pages of the Bible and it alone. The true GOSPEL message is not one that soothes our emotions and feelings, but one that cuts to the quick, dividing soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12), bringing one to a state of contrition and repentance and preparing the heart to receive GOD's grace!!! Now I don't know about you, but when I hear this type of message preached, all kinds of alarms go off within my spirit and I begin to spend a lot of time in prayer over the matter. Praying for knowledge and wisdom for myself and also for these blessings to also be poured out upon the offending party. Though I may not be able to call up chapter and verse, like so many today can, due to my long drug history, I've a strong dependence upon the HOLY SPIRIT to lead me and guide me into a right understanding of all things. Thus I've been led to find another church home and this was done with much soul searching and prayer.(I have found one, which I had no doubt that I would.)

   Too many times these days we hear of huge churches that are growing at an alarming rate. People flocking through their doors in mass. Yet when we examine their sermons and programs we see that which operates in conjunction with the world and not that which is un-worldly(of the KINGDOM). We should not be alarmed for it is Biblical. We're warned in scripture that this very thing will happen during the end-times. People will not listen to sound scripture, but will flock to those that preach what is pleasing to their hearts(2 Tim 4:3). This, such as those in political power, is ordained of GOD to happen and there is nothing that we can do to change it. We as true Christians must do what we can to bring note to these practices, such as this article, and continue on preaching a strong Biblical GOSPEL. Our hands are tied when it comes to changing this practice, but not from broadcasting the true GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST so others can hear it in it's full power!!! This can be likened unto the 'refiners fire' or the 'wheat and tares,' where GOD has allowed impurities in so as to separate that which is true and of HIS KINGDOM.

   As usual, I'm stepping on some 'theological' toes and really don't care! That which I'm entering into cyber-space is that which I'm being led too. My wording, but not my context. For these are those things that have been laid upon my heart and that is what I broadcast. I will not judge these people, but I will separate myself from them in Biblical matters. I will do my best, as led, to reveal the truth to those that will listen. I'll not go beyond doing that which I'm led to do. For I truly understand that GOD is moving through all things to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind. I may not understand but a part of what is happening, but this I am sure of, that GOD's plans are perfect  and will come to be reality!!!!!!!

 


September 2010

Praise the LORD!!!

    "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:14)

    It has been a while since I've written a newsletter. I've been quite busy working for man in order to pay the bills. This, in itself, has left me little time to do much along the lines of the ministry. Though I was blessed to help a Christian widow, by cutting up several trees that fell in her yard during  tropical storm Hurmime. Very little else has been done along the lines of work for the LORD. Though I have been blessed to show HIS love for man through the work that I've done and the words of my mouth.

    Now what does the above verse have to do with the ministry? The LORD laid it upon my heart a short while ago and HE has me writing this newsletter with HIS purpose in mind. We all should know the story behind the book of Esther and I'll not go into great detail on it. GOD had moved within her life so as to bring her into a position of 'having the ear of the king.' Many are the times that GOD moves within our lives to bring us into a position or place in life to effect the lives of others. Esther's was for the preservation of the Hebrew peoples scattered across the nations. Most of you know the story about my recent travels to Kingsville, Texas. If not, you can find them somewhere at the website or at one of the many places I network online, with but a little searching. These travels have brought me to this place 'for such a time as this.'

     As many of you know this portion of the gulf coast has been having a great deal of weather related activity. A tropical depression, two tropical storms and one hurricane have all had an impact on the area. Though in various ways and degrees, they have all assisted in bringing about the current conditions in our area. Currently we're over seventeen inches above the normal rainfall for the year and we're only three quarters of a year into it. Over the weekend there have been numerous rainfall records set in the area and the landscape is showing it. One look at the local news will prove this. Corpus Christi has many areas currently underwater, with more rain predicted for the coming days.

    Needless to say there is and will be a great deal of work along the lines of that which the ministry has been brought to this area to assist in. For years now I've done all of the work that the ministry has accomplished in all the areas that it has been formed up to cover. From it's very beginning, with the collection of food, clothing and household items in Springfield, MO., to the reconstruction works along the gulf coast, I've been the hands and feet of the operation alone. I'm currently being plagued by a back injury(herniated disc) suffered while working for a 'storm chaser' construction company in Mississippi.

    What does this have to do with the verse? It is for such a time as this that I've been brought to this area, under it's current conditions and needs. There are a lot of works that need to be done and it is clear that I can't be the only one doing them. Vine of CHRIST Ministries needs others! Born again Christians that want to see JESUS CHRIST receive the glory for the works of their hands and hearts. Those that are tired of seeing secular groups doing the works that Christians have been brought up to do. We as Christians have been brought to these times, to reach out with the hands of JESUS to show the world HIS love for them. Either through the work of lifting them up during their time of need or leading them unto a saving grace by HIS WORDS. JESUS is the one that must make a difference in their lives, but we're the ones that HE has ordained for such a time as this to be HIS hands and feet. We're the ones that need to stand up and step out with a love that surpasses all understanding. Are you one that has been brought here 'for such a time as this?'

    If you feel you are and are willing to give your all for the glory of JESUS CHRIST, use our email address:

                                                            contacts@vineofchrist.org

or snail mail us at:
                                                          Vine of CHRIST Ministries
                                                           2420 S. 6th St.
                                                           #301
                                                           Kingsville, Texas, 78363

    Even if you decide not to work with VCM, due to our lack of funding and reach, there are many other groups in this area that need your assistance with the recovery work that will need to be done. Search these out and show those in need that JESUS is alive and using your hands to accomplish HIS works through your hands!!!

August 2010

   Praise the LORD!!!

    Though currently having a bit of a hard go, I thought I should get this months newsletter out. If you've been following my writings on the networked sites, you'll know that I've been pushed to the max when it comes to working. The problem is that it hasn't been the LORD's work that I've had to undertake, but man's. I'm not overly happy about this situation, but someone has to pay the bills around here! Since this has been my position since the original formation of the ministry, it will continue to be until the LORD provides another means.

       Due to my working two jobs to accomplish this feat, I've had very little time to do much else at all. My online presence has been very limited. Usually only checking emails and making a few replies to comments posted. I have managed to post several devotionals, but these have been for the most part short and limited. Something I regret having to do.

       For those that have been watching the weather down here on the coastal bend of Texas, you'll know that we've had almost six straight weeks of 105(heat index) degree days. With working as an apartment maintenance man for two different employers, I've been constantly exposed to the heat in some way or another. Though one of my employers keeps the power on in the apartments, the other doesn't, and this is the one I've been working for the most. My list of chores includes landscaping, so I've been mowing and weedeating a lot of grass. Needless to say, six to ten hours out in this kind of heat really will take it out of a person. I've drug myself in in the evenings, sometimes barely able to fix a small meal, cleanup and get ready for bed. Now this wouldn't be that bad if I were helping those like the ministry is intended too, but I'm helping to fill the pockets of those that seek their own glory and prosperity.

       This has brought on a feeling of weakness and depression when it comes to spiritual matters! Though something I've faced numerous times before, not that which I relish. My zeal for the LORD and my spiritual 'fuel tank' seem to run dry at times like this. Mostly due to the fact of the works being done are for the profit of men and not the LORD. I have worked in conditions like this numerous times since the LORD renewed me and will do it again, any day! But to bring profits to those that only take advantage of others and line their own pockets, totally saps my strength. I've gone the extra mile and some more in both these cases. I've turned the other cheek. I've done all to the best of my ability, as if unto the LORD. The whole time, letting both know the reasons they're getting this amount and quality of works from me. I'm starting to feel like a slave and though being obedient to my masters, abused and constantly kicked to the curb.

       I will continue to work for these until the LORD provides something else. Whether it is another better paying job, or the moneys to get the ministry off the ground finally(you should know which one I'm praying for:))) .)  Oh for the day that I can wake up and look forward to only doing works that will clearly bring glory to JESUS! Oh what a happy day that shall be and you'll most likely hear my shouts of praises to the LORD no matter where you live:)))!!!

***This may sound like a lot of complaining, but there are times that we must just open up and let it all out. I've always promised to be straight forward and transparent and this is it. Please keep these ministries and myself in your prayers. For we could really use them at this time:))) )GOD bless and good day!!! Rev. Barth***
 
July 2010

"VineNotes"


If you've noticed the change in the name, this is the original name that was intended for our newsletter.

We will be using this from this point onward!


   Praise the LORD!!!


    I pray that everyone is well and being greatly blessed by the LORD at this time. I've been off line for some time and not able to take care of any, online, ministry items at all. This was a bit hard to handle given the amount of time I'd been working on setting up our online presence! As of the 27th of June though, this was remedied. The reason for being off line was my move from a host family's home into an apartment of my own. As most of you may know, this brings a great number of cost along with it and I've been working two jobs to take care of these. This in itself has left little time for taking care of ministry issues, but the LORD has blessed me with being able to take care of most of these fairly quickly.


    During the last month I've run into a good number of people with their own small ministries. The exact reason for this the LORD only knows, but you can know that I'm keeping my eyes and ears open to HIS reasoning for this. I've learned, over the years, that nothing that happens just happens. In other words, there is no such thing as chance or luck or fate. All things are ordained by GOD to bring about HIS perfect will for mankind and the KINGDOM. This even includes tragic events. Yes folks, GOD does allow bad things to happen to good people and HE has reasoning for these events. For many years I believed that GOD is only a GOD of love and that HE'd not allow anything bad to happen to us or within our lives. That satan was the one that brought about all the tragedy within the world. But then GOD taught me a lesson, through scripture and events, that opened my eyes to the truth on this matter.


    For many years our teachers have been directing us along these lines. Teaching that GOD never allows any harm to come to Christians or even the world to be a fact. This has blinded many to the truth, truth taught within the annuals of the Holy Bible. Isaiah 45:7 points this out, plain as day! A simple reading of the Old Testament will also show many events along these lines. For example, look at the events of Moses' life, when he was confronting Pharaoh. How many times do we find GOD telling him that "HE will" bring about some tragic event? Too many to count if you take into account the whole of the "OT." If GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever"(Heb. 13:8), to dispute this would be to call GOD a liar and everything we Christian believe a lie! In Exodus 14:11, GOD HIMSELF tells us this very same fact. HE has caused events which we deem tragic(is not blindness, muteness and dumbness tragic(?)) to take place. I personally don't know when this shift in our doctrine or theology took place, but I know it is wrong! It is basically giving the adversary more power over existence then he even deserves. I'll leave this matter at this time for I could really begin a sermon here if I don't, this should be enough to get many good Bible studies started though:)))


    Yesterday I signed VCM up to be a member of the "National Preparedness Month Coalition." In doing so I've made the promise to promote this event, which is the month of September. Part of being a coalition member entails preparing people to face disaster within their lives, through the publication of papers, flyers, articles and/or events. This is perfect in keeping with the goals of the LORD and this ministry's "DROC." I've begun to correlate a number of disaster preparedness forms offered by other groups to present ones that are in better standing with the beliefs of the ministry. Remember, I've personally been through disaster and know firsthand what it takes to survive through them. Sure, not everyone may sit through a cat 5 hurricane feeling the brunt of it's fury, but being prepared has nothing to do with this. It has to deal with being ready to face even the smallest of events also. I'm in disagreement with a good number of the items most of these offer. I deem them as a bit under what really is needed and will present both the original suggestions and those from personal experience. For example, most state that we should have on hand a 72 hr. supply of both food and water. I personally don't rationalize this as being enough. I'd rather see people ready to handle a much longer period without relief efforts reaching them. More along the lines of a week would be more sufficient  and even longer if the disaster is larger in scope. More on this will be coming in the next months, so keep your eyes open for it!


    There are going to be many changes coming to the ministry in the time ahead. We'll be getting more and more of our programs up and functioning, or at least set up to operate. Exactly what the LORD has in store for the ministry, I can only imagine, but I've a fair knowledge from visions and inspirations HE's given me throughout the years. Please understand, Vine of CHRIST Ministries was not born yesterday, it has been in development since Aug. of '97.'  I've been through processes for many of it's branches, learning all that I could about their operations and procedures. Which ones and to what extent they'll be activated, only the LORD knows, but I do know that the time has come for VCM to begin bearing fruit for the KINGDOM. There are many needs that will have to be met as this begins to happen and I've great faith, that all our needs will be met as the LORD opens the doors to each and every branch that HIS ministry will entail. If you see yourself working in the future for the LORD, step out of the boat and get to it. For there is no better place to be then in one of service to the LORD!!!


GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth


June 2010

  June 25, 2010 Update

 "I'm back..."

Praise the LORD!!!
   
    Since I've been off line for sometime, I believe I should let y'all in on what has been happening in my life and in the ministry. Going off line was caused by the fact that I moved out of my host family's house and into an apartment of my own. In so doing I was out an internet connection until I could afford to get one on my own. I've been working two separate jobs, doing apartment turnovers for two different companies. This has left me with very little time to do much else then work. Because when on hasn't the work for me, the other one surely will. I've been putting in 10 to 12 hrs./day. Now this wouldn't be that bad if the pay scale was better, but $8-9/hr. barely affords me the comfort to meet the bills. I've been cutting corners on food expenses, so I've managed to save the money to get the internet turned on. I've faith that the LORD will bless me to keep it on also.

   While off line there were some problems with the computers. As you may remember there were two old systems, both donated systems. The better of the two was frozen from a virus and to get it functioning I had to use a Windows disk from the other system to have an operational system for it. Well any of you familiar with "Windows" policies know about the activation period they grace you with. Well it ran out while off line and it blocked the computer completely, causing me to redo things in this same way. Now this wouldn't of been that bad, but in the process the hard drive designations were changed. This messed up every program set up, causing many files to be lost somewhere in 'hard drive' hell:))) Something else that happened in this snafu was the lose of all the updates to the operational system that had been made. This put the operating system on par with Windows 98, none of the latest graphics programs would work, nor my Logos 4 Bible study (needs SP 3 to work!) I was greatly bothered by these loses, though not worried about them, especially the lose of Logos Bible studies.You see, with backpacking here to Kingsville, I could only carry one Bible with me. This left me at a great lose, because my Logos programs have over 350 Bibles, commentaries and other studies available on them and I depend on them greatly in my writings! I went to sleep last night while running a download(4.6 G) on these and awoke this morning with one of them up and running. I still need to get the older version running though (why two programs, when they have basically the same books? They're both great and have a few differing features that are usable to study and open up the WORD!!!)

    The ministry now has several other computers to work with. One of my bosses donated several(6) older(03) systems to me. I've been blessed to get two of them functioning at this time, but with the same problem as before. I've had to use a operations system disk for another computer and can't activate them properly. This means I'll have to come up with the money to purchase a Windows XP Pro master disk with multiple license Which will cost and at this time I just haven't been blessed with the funds. Please join me in prayer, that people will take this ministry seriously and begin making donations!!! Shortly we should have the ministry coming under an "umbrella clause" for our 501.c.3 Non profit classification. This will help by allowing us to receive discounts and a tax-free status on purchases of such items. Though these saving will be small at this time, every cent saved will help get things up and running better much sooner.

    I'm still currently working on getting all the sites I'd been networking logged into and updated. Plus there are still a good number of programs and other functions that have to be straightened out to have our systems functioning properly. All this will come in the LORD's time and I'll remain diligent to keep working until all is back to where it was before the move. Please keep the ministry and myself in your prayers, for truly we do need it and GOD is the only one that can truly bring this HIS ministry into fruition!!!

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


Praise the LORD!!!

    This is coming out a bit early, due to the fact that on the first, I will be moving into a new home. I'll be making the transition from living in a host family's house, to that of an apartment complex. I will also update our mailing address today, because for a while I may not have an internet connection. This will be a bit of a drawback considering that most of the work for the ministry is online at this time, but I'm sure that the LORD will provide the needed funds in HIS timing.

      Over the last month there has been a good deal of progress for the ministry. We've now a newer (05) computer system up and running. This is a donated unit, that was frozen up when given to us, but the LORD blessed us with being able to find the proper programs and knowledge to take care of this problem. Since getting it up and running, more RAM has been added and with the fact that it had a video card, more has been accomplished. We've made some VCM t-shirts, to help get the word out around town. These are mostly worn by myself as I'm out and about town, either while working or out taking care of chores. Even though there were mistakes on numerous ones, like the program not mirroring text, we've used every transfer printed (we'll waste nothing.)

      There has also been reworkings of the website, if you've not noticed, though nothing major at this time. I need to better familiarize myself with the programming methods of the website before I really start to rework it heavily. As some of you may know, this website has been the workings of my hands alone for almost four years and it would be a shame to lose a percentage of the information by preforming the wrong procedure. I could easily lose a page in but one click and you know how long some of these pages are :)))

      There is also going to be another change made. This is to be a return to our focusing on the Christian duties and/of the family unit. Not just that of the incarcerated, but all families. As Christians, we've been given some pretty direct instruction as to our duties in the formation and practices of our families. The LORD laid it upon my heart, just days ago, that as Christians, we've sorely neglected HIS guidelines for the most part. The majority of families in this country, and around the globe, are falling apart due to a falling away from these guidelines. A very large percentage of Christian parents fail to raise their children up in fear of the LORD! Allowing them to function for most of their time in worldly manors and following after GOD only during church activities. Most of us know this is wrong, yet the practice still seems to dominate in our faith. I can hear a bunch of parents now saying, "We raise our children up in the LORD." Yet, many of these very same parents are those that allow their children's lives to be focused on worldly endeavors. Video games, TV and secular music to name but a few. Instead of leading them by example and showing them that as Christians we're to focus and center our attentions upon GOD, family and then others. We need to set forth for them the fact that all the glamor of the world is deceptive and draws one's attention from GOD's true goals for us. I really could go more in depth right now, but I'd be preaching and this isn't the place for that:)))

      There are many other things that will be taking place with the ministry and I'll fill you in on these as led to. For now, these are of most importance. There is also the fact that I've taken on a part time job, working doing apartment turnovers. For you that don't know what this is, it is going in after an apartment is vacated, cleaning up and making any repairs needed, before the next tenants move in. Strange thing about it, I've not even asked what my pay will be! I've a Christian boss and he's told me all aspects of the job and how he'll assist me in every way possible and I guess (:) ), I just forgot to ask. I'm truly not worried though, because I do know that however much it is, will be just what is needed to provide my personal needs and those of the ministry. For truly, our GOD is an awesome GOD and has made this promise and I know HE will provide that which is needed to bring glory to HIS most holy and precious name, JESUS!!!

May 2010
  Praise the LORD!!!

    There has been little time to do much of anything except work to provide money for the ministry and myself. In the last several weeks I've managed to buy a few person hygiene items and put some money into the ministry account. The money in the account was greatly needed, for without it having been there, this website would of disappeared before mid month. Also I was able to do a minor update to the computer, buying a USB 2.0 PCI card and installing it. This has helped out a little in some areas of operations, but not greatly, but it has allowed for the usage of the new printer that I purchased several months back. Though I've not been able to print out the logos(iron on) for the ministry's shirts, due to program problems of some sort, which I've yet to figure out. In the LORD's timing this will be corrected or overcome, I've no doubt on this!
    
     For the last several weeks I've had to do a lot of re posting for the devotionals.This due to not having the time or inspiration, from the LORD, to do so. I treat these each like everything within my life, and will not do a less then quality job. The work of my hands and mind are to bring honor to the name of JESUS and I will not do anything that I don't feel does this. I've written numerous articles that seemed to be of my own doing and they never made it to being published. They may of sat in the computer for several days, until they were deleted, but when I feel that what I've done isn't that which the LORD would have me do, it either gets redone or rejected totally.

     This is being written on 5.1.10, if I've the time and the leading to write more for the newsletter before the end of the month, I will. This though is totally in the LORD's hands and will only be done if HE leads me too!!!


April 2010
  Praise the LORD!!!
 
      It has come to my attention, after a recent article I wrote, that few people really know the vision the LORD has given me, as to what VCM is to be and is about. For those that don't know my history, I'd been raised in numerous churches and never fully given a GOSPEL message and seen much wrong within the church. Then when I did receive the GOSPEL, it wasn't backed up with any follow through, no discipleship training shall we say. So from the very beginning, GOD was moving within my life as to problems within the church itself and of my own. That which had been meant to be to HIS glory, HIS CHURCH, was no longer that, but had become man's interpretation of it. As usual, man has messed it up, and it has become that which is very hard to distinguish from any other business or secular organization out there.
  
   The CHURCH as JESUS intended it to be was to be a group that worked together under extreme circumstance and went to all lengths to bring glory to the LORD in all that it did. This was it foremost mission, to witness to the glory of the LORD and that which HE did for mankind. Then it was to show the love for mankind that JESUS has for all men, by its works of charity(love). These two are to be united within the operations of all Christian ministries and truly there is to be nothing else. Today we see Christian ministries that are named after their creators, a person and not JESUS or anything close to scriptural. We see ministries that function primarily as a business and not reaching out to an extreme measure and accounting profit least of all. We see Christians that serve these ministries, that seem more interested in getting the glory for helping others, then they are in showing the love of CHRIST to those people in the first place.
  
   So now  we have Vine of CHRIST Ministries, what will make it so different from all these others?
  1. Our name says it first. We are not about ourselves,we're about JESUS CHRIST and glorifying HIS name alone. Yes people will know who we are, but this isn't why we are who we are or do what we do. We seek to show the love JESUS has for all mankind, thorough the sweat of our brow and the blood of our being, if called to do so. Some may be questioning that last part, 'blood of our being.' That's right,I'm totally willing to give my life to serve the LORD and I'm seeking those of like mind, to stand with me in this ministry. Why? Because some of the areas of work that we'll be going into, will require that a person places their life at risk to help save another person's life. Whether this be while working for one of our DROC's, or for one of the street outreach teams, or one of the world missions groups that my happen to go into a dangerous area to reach out to people. One must be willing to lay their life on the line to spread the GOSPEL, either by words or our works.
  2. VCM will not operate like most business'. Our bottom line is going to be controlled by the LORD and not us. We will not be seeking after numbers to fulfill our work, but upon quality and willingness to go the extra distance to help others. Sure there is a great need for an enormous funding base to get the ministry established and functional, but even during this time we'll still be working to provide the needs of others more so then our infrastructure. If it takes another twenty years to develop the ministry to a level where it can have all the needed supplies on hand for emergencies, so be it. But we'll never let go of the fact that this ministry is about helping others and not about helping ourselves!
  3. A large portion of what will make VCM different will be the people. I'm looking for people that are truly willing to go that extra mile, or to lay their life on the line, to reach out to a starving person in some third world nation, or go into a collapsed building in a disaster area right here in this country. Those that won't be looking at what they can get out of working for us, but how their working with us, the name of JESUS will be glorified. Yes, this is what ministry with VCM will be about, serving JESUS CHRIST to HIS glory, not the ministry's or ourselves, but only the LORD!!!
 
   Now these may sound like some big dreams and I'll have to agree, but when I first was given this vision back in Aug. 07, I asked this very question. The answer that I got from the LORD was simply this, "I AM a GOD of wonders and mighty works. Why doubt me?" This kind of silenced me at the time, but I still had wonders, until I heard a man who had built a mega ministry for GOD make the statement, "that our GOD should not be restrained by our thinking and placed within boundaries that we can understand, but if we are to dream for GOD, never fail to dream beyond human measure. for our GOD can do far greater works then we can ever even begin to imagine."
  
   So if you feel that there are many things wrong in the world of Christian ministries and you're seeking a way to serve the LORD, that brings HIM the glory and only HIM. Vine of CHRIST Ministries just may be for you. Though the vision the LORD has given me is far from even started. We are currently working on setting up the first office and DROC here in Kingsville, Texas. There will be much growth and opportunity to work with us around the world, eventually, but for now the Kingsville location has to be completed first, and there is lots of work to do here first. After this location we'll be moving to the east and the Biloxi, MS. area, to setup DROC (GC (Gulf Central)). Then another gulf coastal DROC, following this over a dozen others, scattered around the continental U.S.. Then we'll begin to spread around the globe.
   
   There will be a global outreach ministry under the VMNI banner, operating while all of this is taking place. These will be focusing on evangelistic missions along with outreaches through other charity works, no so much on the disaster relief branches. For though the world has many disasters occurring all the time, there are many that are helping in these and having a hard time at it. Just witness that which has happened in Haiti within the last several months, a logistics nightmare. We need to get this branch of the ministry functioning properly before we step out and take on global disasters. The logistics of local efforts is hard enough, let alone trying to preform them half way around the world. If I were only worried about money in the first place, I'd step right into it on this level, but VCM is not. We're focused on bringing glory to JESUS' name, and will do nothing without making sure it is done to HIS glory and nothing but!  
March 2010



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, 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!!!





February  2010
  "In the last several weeks of networking the site, I've run into that which the LORD has laid upon my heart as an important message to the Church. This has been blogged at several sites, yet others, for some reason won't post a copy and pasted version. So here it is "About my FATHER's works..." and addition to this months newsletter!

 
 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!!!!!!!


 

 Praise the LORD!!!

      This month been one of forward strides and battles with the computer system. Great ground has been made with the formation of VMNI's Liberia, West Africa team. Outreaches into the areas outside Monrovia have provided a great amount of excitement in those doing the work and those hearing of our plans. Many are beginning to come on board to work with and help promote the works needed in their area. One look at the photos on the VMNI page will show much. There are the smiling faces of those that have just received our message and yet there are those that show the great needs of these people. There are more photos coming in the near future, but from that which I've seen, my heart goes out to all of them. Many are living in conditions that we can only imagine, yet they continue day in and out to carry on with a hope of a better future. The work is great, but the volume of workers coming into the ministry there is growing everyday. They've already had their first 'Board of Directors' meeting and are striving to organize all the needed materials and workers to go out on another trip later this month.

   In the last month I've added more sites to the network of those being used to draw attention to the ministry and it's operational plans. Still, it is only I whom has the vision, but I've faith that the LORD is working within peoples hearts right now and things will begin to happen here as well. I've been lead to add a daily devotional to my writings, the address can be found here on site with just a little searching. Over all visits to the site are up from several months ago, yet not that which they should be. This too is totally in the LORD's hands and shall change greatly in the near future.

   As I mentioned, I've been having to fight nearly daily with this computer system. It is just to old and slow for the great amount of work I'm putting it through. Several times in the last month I've had to forgo any internet work to restore the system to proper functioning levels. I've had to forgo using more then one program at a time, even when online. This has made it where I've had to shutdown important programs to visit sites with large amounts of graphics. The computer has no video card, so uses shared memory and will bring the system to a grinding halt if I'm not especially careful. I've been typing emails and not looking at the monitor, then when I do look up, the system is still typing several lines behind me and I'm not the fastest at typing. I'veput this matter before the LORD in prayer and ask all of you that read this to please do the same. I'm confident that HE will stir someones heart great enough that they'll provide the money or a system that will take care of our needs!!!

   If you've not noticed, we've now the ministry's logo on our pages and in color! This was a chore, system considered, but I was blessed to get it and several others worked up. These will be making an appearance on the website before long, I've just got to figure out how to do it. I've been blessed, because this is the first time I've worked with graphics to any extent and I'd say they came out pretty good. Especially considering they came from hand drawn prints, not from a program of any sorts. These are the logos that the LORD has shown me over the years, one of them all the way back in '97' when HE first anointed me into the ministry!!! All I can really say is Praise the LORD, thank YOU JESUS!!!!!!!

   The weather has been a mess down here and no work has been able to be done on the one house I've been working on. The other job I've lined up has been delayed because I've hurt my hip and would have a hard time climbing a ladder. Both of these will, LORD willing be taken care of by months end and it will be on to bigger and better works for the LORD. May JESUS receive all the glory, for it is only by HIS grace that any of this has happened!!!

GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth


January 2010
   With all that has been happening, I've not been able to get the time to write out a newsletter for this month, part of the problem of doing this all by myself ! So I've decided to kind of re-post my blog from yesterday. I pray you all can forgive me, but I really should of had something here last week and I'll try to post several days in advance of the month's end from now on!

Praise the LORD!!!
   Any that have checked into the VCM website will know that there are things happening there. Not a lot to the site itself, but expansion within the ministry, or I should say ministries! Though I am the only one here in the states working on this ministry, GOD has brought in others from around the globe. There is now an international branch being formed. Vine Ministerial Network International will be the official name and each of the branches will amend their name behind this.
   Currently there are two; Liberia, Africa and Chittoor, Indian. The total number of workers operating in these fields I currently am not sure of, but do know that there are more then here in the states! I believe that at last count in Liberia there were well over a dozen, with more coming on daily. We will even have a school, which is already open, coming under our control. There are a good number of details that are lacking and I'm in the process of gathering them so it can be recorded and kept official.
   All of this has come about through the LORD's leading these men to read my book, "Out of the LIGHT", and then them undertaking to translate it into their native tongues, Liberia was easy, because they speak English there. Then the LORD began moving on all  of our hearts at the same time and VMNI came into being, well the first stages of it. As many of you can imagine, there are many details to be worked out and organized. These are being taken care of as they are presented.
   One of the biggest obstacles to all of this is my current standing as a convicted felon and not being able to gain a passport to travel outside the country. I've known that the ministry was going to be international from the very beginning, but was lead not to worry about this matter  and to this day, haven't and won't! This is one of those things where GOD has promised to do the works completely and I must simply, let HIM. To me, there is no better place to leave a matter, then in the LORD's hands. For if HE can create a universe with just a spoken word, what is impossible for HIM to do on this earth!?!
December '09'
 

   For the last month I’ve been working on networking the ministry online at several social networks. You most likely know the names of these, so there is no need to say more.  For this whole time I’ve had to nurse this computer system through the whole thing. What you may say? Let me fill you in on the details. The ministry’s current computer is an ‘01’ Dell Dimension 2100, a 1.1 processor, running a big 256 M of RAM which is shared. I don’t know how familiar or knowledgeable you are about computers, but for just the simple chores that I’m performing at this time, it greatly underpowered. When I run into a site that is high in graphics content, forward motion slows to a crawl, sometimes completely freezing up the system. Forcing me to reboot the system , so far I’ve been blessed not to lose any important information or documents.

   Now this is happening just with the minor chores that I’ve been doing. What is going to happen when I really begin to do major works for the LORD? Even with just typing this in, I’ve had problems when another program, such as the spelling correction in this program itself, has gone to work. Slowing typing to a snails pace or completely shutting it down for a short while. All this is happening while the ministry’s foundations are being set. A lot of paper work is being read, which truly doesn’t bother it much. Until it comes time to change articles or something else that may be memory intensive.  

   I’ve  several sticks of RAM ordered, which will max out the system to it’s 512 M limit and a PCI card to upgrade the USB’s . These will be but minor fixes, for a system that should be left to data entry or some other simple task! Well why you may ask don’t I upgrade the system? One major factor, its called funding. Most of the funding to date has come from out of pocket, not that which has been donated by outsiders. This is the seventh computer system I’ve had for the ministry, the first to be donated and not part of the big one that was new. In the twelve years of ministry’s existence, it would be a fair bet that I’ve invested over $100,000 into doing that which the LORD has shown me. In this time there may have been $5,000 in cash donated by outsiders and another $30,000 in materials and tools.

   Now don’t get me wrong, I ‘m very thankful for everything that GOD has blessed me with to put to use in this HIS ministry. There comes a time though when others need to take note of the LORD’s leading and begin to supply the needs of others through this ministry. I’ve to date not drawn attention to the works this ministry has done through any other means then the internet and this being only through the ministry’s websites. The current one, Vine of CHRIST Ministries (a dot org site), and two other far smaller ones, basically just web pages. The current site is truly the only one that can be called a website. This has been the workings of my hands alone and only through the LORD’s leading has it become that which it is today. It is still far from what it should be, but I’m no website designer and lack a great deal of the expertise that it takes to build an awesome website.

   I’ve not to date ever asked anyone for money or anything else to be a matter of fact. This is something that I’ve promised the LORD, I’ll refrain from doing. For to many of the ministries today, this is almost all they do, pander the public for money. I’ve always had a great dislike for these ministries, they try to ply the WORD of GOD for their gain and I believe this is wrong in many ways. LORD willing I’ll not ever sink this low. I’ve great faith, thanks to the LORD and I firmly believe that this ministry, which HE has started in me, HE will provide for and bring completely through to abundant fruition. How HE’ll do this I’ve no idea, but what I do know is that HE has promised to complete the good works that HE has begun in me and to provide all of my needs to richness of HIS glory. When this will happen, I’ve no idea, but I do know that it will come to pass and all will be to HIS glory and not that of myself or any other man!!!

   There are many more needs of this ministry at this time and they can be found on the current needs pages here at the website. As I've always done, I'm not asking for donations, but that you pray to the LORD and ask HIM what HE would have you do and then just to be obedient and follow through upon HIS leading.

GOD bless all and may this holiday season be a special one for you and your families!!!


   An added note(Dec. 2, 09)

  

   Due to the translation efforts of fellow Christians, there has been a request for my traveling and evangelizing to several countries. These include Liberia, Africa and Pakistan. As most who have visited this site and read my book should know, I'm a convicted felon. This makes it next to impossible for me to obtain a passport to travel outside the U.S.. As we all know as Christians, "nothing is impossible for GOD!" Please this aspect of the ministry in your prayers, for if it is the LORD's will that this happens it will and as many as possible need to stand in agreement on this matter. It will take a 'Presidential Pardon' for this to happen and this would also open the door of the Federal Prison System to me, which I'm currently restricted from going into. Which all of you should know is at the heart of the ministry. Again, please keep these matters in your prayers.

 

   Also anyone that lives outside the U.S. and would like to translate my book into their native tongue or others, please use the contacts email address to do so and I'll get you a copy of the file (PDF) so you can do so!!!

November '09'

 

A Modern Day Parable


A certain man was traveling on foot for a great distance, to start a ministry for the LORD.

He’d already traveled a good distance and met some fine people. Even housed and feed for several weeks by one couple, not even church goers. This being just up the street from a church. Yet during his stay there, he’d never had anyone from the church stop in to visit. Though he’d gone to several services and even talked to the minister for a good while after-wards, none ever stopped into check on him.


He was helping this couple prepare an old house for sale, since he was a carpenter and the ministry was helping people with such needs. When one afternoon the LORD inspired him to make a cross out of an old carpet tube. He then was led to place this cross, about six foot tall, on the fence surrounding their pool. For three days the cross stood tall and straight though there were some strong winds blowing. On the fourth day showers came in for most of the day, for the fifth and sixth also. With the sixth’s being quite strong and windy. The next morning the cross was bent over backwards, yet in the form of another cross. This stirred questions in his heart, so he prayed, “LORD, what is YOUR message in this for me?” The answer wasn’t long in coming. ‘This is my church, as it stands today, the first three days is how my church should stand. When adversities come, today’s church wilts and falters under the pressure. Not as it should be.’

He kept this message in his heart and finished the work. After leaving here several days later he befell some misfortune. Somehow he broke several toes on his right foot. It felt like a small cloven hoof had stepped on them, the middle three toes only. Though in pain he continued on, praying, praising and walking. After several miles on one of their rest stops, because his dog let him know she was tired also, a young couple offered him some food and refreshments. Later this turned into a shower, some cash and a ride of around thirty miles. This couple, Christians yet they seldom went to church, lived a fairly devoted life. Helping many that came by their way, such as he did. They dropped him off at a campground, after seeing if he could stay, due to their not having a tent or sleeping bag. They went on their way after exchanging “GOD bless you-s”.He spent two nights in the campground free, another unchurched believer owned it.

Six more days of walking followed, foot swollen and bruised now, he met numerous others that helped him along his way. Some unchurched and a few church goers had helped. He spent two days in a motel, during a particularly stormy period, run by a generous Muslim. He made a turning point in the trip, now instead of heading southwest, he was going almost due south, a more direct path to his goal. When more misfortune came his way. This time his left knee popped out of joint. After prayer and resetting it, it’d happened before so he knew how, they continued walking. After several miles, all while in intense pain, his dog decided it was time for another break, this time in the shade. He found the perfect place, a stump in a roadside ditch which had a root coming off one side, which made the perfect seat, arm rest and all. Cutoff several feet above the ground he set his duffel bag on top. This put his reflective vest, with foot tall cross, in a very visible position. He decided to take a long break, so broke out his Bible and began praying and reading. It was still early 9:30 AM on a Sunday, he figured it’d be a good time for an hour long break. They’d already covered about eleven miles that morning, probably three with the knee problem. With his knee hurting like it was, he prayed that the LORD would provide what he needed. He thought this would be in the form of a ride and assistance. His dog and he ate the last of their food and drank part of their water, since it was early and only five miles to the next town. After reading some more, he sent another round of prayers heavenward.


It was now afternoon and though many cars had gone by, no one had slowed down in the least .In many of these cars were well dressed people, like those going to church. He decided it was time to carry on, so he stood up and got his duffel on, but the knee wouldn’t allow him to put it under pressure. He could barely put any weight on it at all. At this point he began to wonder, what the LORD was trying to teach him. For he’d learned that when times such as these came his way, a lesson in his walk with the LORD was coming soon afterward. Here they were, several miles from the next town, a sixty pound plus duffel bag, a year old wolf-shepherd dog and a broken down stranger, stranded in a rain ditch, out in the middle of no where.


Time continued to pass, finally at 3:30 PM an older couple stopped. They let him know that they’d seen him several times already and thought that something may be wrong, so they’d called 911. They left them several bottles of water and said they’d pray for him and went on their way. At this he began to worry a bit and called for a rescue mission from his family, over three hundred miles away. They had to roundup the money, having to borrow it, but did. He gave them directions and told them where to meet him, plus made plans just in case he wasn’t there. This was a gas station near where they’d started walking from in the morning. Hopefully whomever came to check on them would drive them back to this point. At 5:30 PM a police officer showed up. After running his ID he loaded them into his car and drove them back to the station. He thanked the officer greatly before he drove off.


Since it would be several hours before his family could get there, he bought them some sandwiches, dog food and drinks. They ate and relaxed the best that he could, still wondering what this lesson was. As it began to get late and was near closing time he bought more food and drinks. Praying his family would make it there soon enough to gas up and head back north before closing time. They got there just fifteen minutes before closing, he’d no known it but had crossed a time line. The girls in the store were very helpful and even made coffee after cleaning up for the night.


After a long ride, it was about 3:30 AM when they pulled in the yard. After hopping into the house, he fell asleep quickly on the couch. It felt awesome, especially after not sleeping in a bed, under a roof for nearly two months. As usual he awoke early, around sunrise and prayed. Soon the family awoke and made breakfast. He enjoyed coffee, eggs, sausage and pancakes. All of which he hadn’t had in sometime. Thanking his sister and brother in law for picking him up and feeding him like they did, they settled in for some small talk about events of the trip.


Sounds like something out of the Bible doesn’t it? Almost like the parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Let me tell you, it wasn’t. I know, because this is what happened to me. I’m the Rev. Marshall T. Barth and I was headed to Kingsville TX., to set up Vine of CHRIST Ministries disaster relief branch. My dog, Maryann and I had left Utopia OH. the morning before Easter. The rescue mission took place on the thirtieth of May, a month and a half later. For the most part I’d seen more charity from non-believers and believers that didn’t go to church often, if at all.


During my extended stay in the little town in KY., when I was put up in the house being readied for sale. I was given plenty of food, had a bathroom, laundry service and everything one needed. The couple believed in GOD, but hadn’t gone to church for many years. She was “born again”, he wasn’t. I did a lot of work for them and didn’t want paid, their hospitality was more than enough. Yet before I left, they gave me several hundred dollars and took me shopping for things for the trip.


While there, I’d been puzzled about the actions of those in the church. The story of the cross gave me the answer, because this did happen, the whole story is true. The LORD isn’t happy with what is to be called HIS Church! They carry the name, but none of the actions. Like that “cardboard cross” they have the form, they dress the part, have the bumper stickers and pins, talk the talk and go to church several times a week. Yet they do nothing that a Christian is supposed too! The “goats” in Matt. 25:31-46. They’ve all the looks and words of Christian’s, but lack the love of the “sheep.” Just like that cross, it stood fine until the storms of life came along, but then lacked the strength to stand after-wards. Not able to show it’s true glory when it was really needed. This pertains not just to those of that little church, but too all those that had passed me by along the roadside. Not just while in need, but all of the time.


We as true Christians, the sheep, are supposed to show CHRIST to the world, not by our dress, our words, or even by how many scripture verses we know. We’re to show them by our love for them and our works in their times of need. Feeding the hungry, giving drinks to those athirst , clothing the naked, housing the homeless , caring for those that are sick and visiting those that are in prison! This is far from what I saw on this trip. Actually it was what I saw from those that didn’t go to church.. From what I gathered from them in conversation, I wasn’t the first one that most of them had helped. They made a regular practice out of helping others in need. I ask you, “What is wrong with this picture?”


It should be plain to see that there’s a problem within the Christian community. When we overlook those that are needy, because of a worldly outlook on life. Our hearts tell us to help this person, or at least stop and see if they need anything, yet the worldly view tells us “to keep going, this person is trouble.” Who do we trust? CHRIST, that tells us “to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 19:19(but one of many places))”, or the world, that says “live for yourself and the hell with them.” This is not just a contemporary problem, for it was the basis for the “Good Samaritan” parable to the Jews of the first century. It is expounded in numerous places within the epistles also. So this isn’t a new problem within the Christian community or the world. Why though, haven’t we overcome this defect in our humanity? Our Christian community? Our own lives? I’d have to say it comes down to but one word, “SIN.” If you carry this farther, the center of sin is “I” or the self, pride. Our self-worth, our self-protecting, our selfish needs. Where this sin originated, the original sin, none are fully sure of. Whether it was with Lucifer or it was in the garden with Eve. Wherever it stems from, it is the center of the downfall of mankind, all our evils emanates from it.


There are many sermons that could come from this experience and someday I shall preach them, but for now, let me leave you with the WORDS of our MASTER, JESUS CHRIST, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Mt 25:45

                                                                                                                                           Pray and meditate on this verse, then think about what CHRIST would of expected you to of done had you run across the man in this modern day parable. An if by chance you see another person in need, what will you do? 

May GOD bless you and guide you,                                                            

   Rev. Marshall T. Barth Jr.                                                                            


Current harvest:
   Being new to the area things are a bit slow. I've done some work for the local church that assisted me when I first  arrived in Kingsville, Bay Area Fellowship. Some minor construction work, floor stripping and finishing and a little painting. I was also enlisted to install a laminate wood floor, molding and some painting for a young couple at the church. Now I'm in the middle of painting an elderly couple's house, where the original contractor left them hanging.
   I have made a little money to purchase tools and a few personal items, but making money isn't why I'm here. I'm here to set up the LORD's ministry for me. I'm currently being hosted by a Christian family from BAF, the second one I've been blessed with. These are some good folks down here and I'm very thankful the LORD has brought me here to set up the ministry. From the 'Modern day Parable', which was the first attempt to make it here, you can tell that this endeavor hasn't always been this good. Even on the second trip there fun times. I've had blisters on top of blisters, spent night and rainy days under bridges or in vacant buildings. Battles with cell phones, a long story in it's self, but all in all I count every second of lIfe as a blessing from GOD. Trying my best not to waste a moment of it. If you've read my book you'll know the reason for this.
   At this time the ministry is made up of the LORD and myself. HE supplies the ideas and I do the works. Whatever funds I'm blessed with get put to use in the manor HE leads me to. Thus far it has only been a little bit, but I've managed to purchase some basic hand tools and some needed personal items. I've managed to operate the ministry mostly out of pocket for ten years now, with very little help from others. If this is the way the LORD wills for it to be for another ten, I'll still be doing it to the best of my ability until then! Few people can understand why I've continued on in this way. All I can tell them is "that if the LORD had blessed you in as many ways as HE has me, you'd be doing it too."
   This is my first attempt at a newsletter, so please forgive me for it roughness. If you've any ideas of how to improve it, please contact me at one of my emails. Better yet, enlist in VCM and give me a hand growing this ministry for GOD the way it should be. This would mean relocating and providing your own needs until the ministry is functioning better. Is it worth it? Praise the LORD, I think it is!!!
 

 
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries,( V.O.C.M. and V.C.M.), and Vine Ministerial Network International (V.M.N.I.)are registered names for these ministry's and it's affiliates.All rights reserved.