July 2011
Dear Friends & Prayer Partners,
Please Pray for New Believers
John Murphy wrote that they have recently baptized two new believers and they have four more pending who are close to surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus in repentance and baptism. Praise God! Kind Road Christian Church in Odessa is reaching souls with their café outreach.
When I was in Odessa in April, John and I went with Lena (Osipchuk) Mutonono’s cousin, Alexi, to visit his father, Alexander, in the hospital after serious surgery and many former complications. Together we shared the gospel with him, including powerful evidences for the resurrection – then invited him to repent. As we left, Alexi said, “I felt like repenting all over again.” In May when I was back in Odessa, we visited Alexander in his home and had a wonderful prayer time along with one of the pastors from Alexi’s church. Alexi told us that his mother, Alya, has also come to faith. Unfortunately, we got word from John after my arrival back home in Nampa that Alexander died. Please pray for his family – and remember to repent and surrender all to Him today! Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
Proverbs 27:1
At our home congregation, Victory Christian Church in Nampa, on June 5th my new friend from one of our lighting accounts, Randy Sevy, accepted my invitation to visit. At the conclusion of the service David Skiver stepped forward to confess his faith in Christ, and John Dotson baptized him. This touched a responsive chord in Randy’s heart, so after the service, he asked John about being baptized. John referred him back to me. On June 12th I had the opportunity to preach at VCC and to baptize Randy upon his confession of faith in Jesus as his Savior. Please pray for God’s protection, guidance and empowering of all of these new believers.
Fall Mission Trip
Thank you for your prayers for wisdom concerning a mission trip this fall. We believe it is wise for me to focus on our huge project of Northwest Science Museum and making the transition in business to Havvn for this fall, rather than making a trip to Ukraine. Our NWSM Board of Directors has planned and prayed for three years to launch our museum to the glory of God, and all of us are in agreement that when this one is up and going well, we want to help Sergei Golovin fulfill his dream of a training center and creation museum on the Crimean coast. This summer and fall we will be sending funds to our co-workers in Ukraine rather than my delivering them personally.
Please pray for a building for Northwest Science Museum before August 14th (when we have to move from Zion Christian School) and for funds to hire Stan Lutz full time as our museum director. If God touches your heart to contribute to this project, please respond now! (Northwest Science Museum, P. O. Box 3933, Nampa ID 83653-3933). The amazing evidence for Creation and the Flood has the potential to impact many – multitudes – of hearts with the truth and open them to the gospel.
At the “God & Country Rally” in Nampa we distributed approximately 2,000 flyers about Northwest Science Museum, plus many powerful tracts and books. Two believers, who talked to Doug Bennett, spoke of possibilities for our building and property.
Also, a skeptic, who started out by asserting that it was impossible for all those animals to fit on the ark, actually calmed down, listened, and began to think when he couldn’t answer some probing questions about his unbelief. He promised to read both “Is the Bible Without Any Errors?” and “Ready To Give an Answer” – so I gave them to him. It was like a wonder to me that such an adamant skeptic, who was so over-confident, actually began to think and reconsider. Maybe it’s true that “wonders never cease!” Please pray for him (Kevin) to repent and come to Jesus.
Pertinent Points on Truth and Consequences
Following are some quotes that are pungent and pointed:
“Speak your mind – and ride a fast horse!” Anonymous
“Tolerance is a virtue for those who have no convictions.” ~ G. K. Chesterton
These next 5 points I believe came originally from Adrian Rogers:
Thoughts on Truth and Unity:
• It is better to be divided by truth than united in error.
• It is better to tell the truth that hurts and then heals than to tell a lie that comforts and then kills.
• It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie.
• It is better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with a multitude.
• It is better to succeed ultimately with the truth than to succeed temporarily with a lie.
Evolutionism is Satan’s monumental lie! Let’s expose it!!! ~ Rick Deighton
Report from Zhenya Molodchy
“We appreciate your partnership in the work for the Kingdom very much and trust that God is leading you in every way. We also have been experiencing dependence on God’s leading much more since our last update. We appreciate your prayers and financial contributions to our ministry. We would like to share with you some of the exciting opportunities and doors which were opened to share the Gospel message.
New Doors Open
“I (Zhenya) am still getting over the excitement of preaching the Word of God to the head of the prison in Kharkiv and his subordinates (lieutenants, captains, colonels and other staff) in the prison). God by means of His leading gave me a new acquaintance with Tatyana. Tatyana is a committed believer and a social worker at the society of Afghanistan veterans for Kharkiv. Her work allows her to work with different organizations such as prisons, army, militia, etc. She is organizing meetings and lectures with spiritual context. Since Tatyana is evangelical, she is inviting pastors of evangelical churches for such meetings. I thank God for the opportunity I have received. I spoke to 30 high rank officers and about 10 women working as staff in prison for 45 minutes, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“The books published by the ministry of Sergey Golovin which I had available worked exceptionally great! Several of them went to the head of a prison, some to the prison library and some to the officers. There were the following books: ‘The Case for Christ’ by Lee Strobel, ‘Logic and the Bible’ by Sergey Golovin, ‘Ready to Give an Answer’ by Rick Deighton, ‘Evidence That Demands a Verdict’ by Josh McDowell.
“Also ‘A Way to Recovery’ New Testament, published by Association for Spiritual Revival was given away. All literature was very well received, and especially ‘The Case for Christ’, ‘A Way to Recovery’ New Testament and ‘Ready To Give an Answer’.”
Sergei Golovin’s Overwhelming Project
While I was with Sergei in Crimea, I asked him, “What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?” He instantly replied, “Taking on this project!” – referring to the publishing of science textbooks from a Biblical worldview for Russian-speaking believers to use in training their children at home. Sergei’s point is that we have to reach the next generation with truth about science, or we lose them to Satan’s lies. Please pray for God to provide for this huge project – and for Sergei to experience God’s peace and less stress.
Expanding Outreach
Reggie Thomas has made our books available electronically on his website for White Fields Overseas Evangelism (www.white-fields.org). In the spring Dennis Petersen made “Is the Bible Without Any Errors?” available online, and now Sergei Golovin is making the Russian translation of “Ready To Give an Answer” available online. (Dennis is the author of the intriguing full color book for adults and older kids entitled, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation”. I recommended it to Sergei several years ago, and now he has it ready for publication when the funds come in. Please pray – and give if you can. By the way, Dennis is the creation science evangelist who inspired me to aspire to become a creation evangelist.) Please read both his letter and Sergei’s (below) and pray for even more effective outreach.
“I have a brand new free e-Book you’re going to want to share with others”
“Will you help me share the first in a series of powerful FreeCreationVideos with 10 or more friends who understand the power and urgency of restoring the foundations of truth?
“One basic concept has galvanized my commitment to the ministry of the gospel, and particularly the teaching of creation, more than any other. Jesus said: “If ye believe not his (Moses’) writings how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:47). People need God’s truth as much as they ever did but if the foundations of truth (in Genesis) are corrupted and neglected, what hope do God-fearing people have for turning around this generation?
“That’s why I’m launching the new website www.FreeCreationVideos.com to introduce people everywhere to some of the best teaching and presenters on creation-related topics like archeology, astronomy, the flood and so much more to confirm the accuracy and integrity of God’s Word. The first featured video program is one that I’ve found extremely effective at opening minds and hearts to the concept that Genesis can be trusted, even on the topic of the timing of creation. When did it all begin? That’s the title of a major part of my book, Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation. It’s also the title of the compelling slide show that we’ve made into a video online at the new site.
“After you login to have immediate access to the web video “When Did It All Begin?” at www.FreeCreationVideos.com you will also receive an email inviting you to share your discovery with friends. This will enable you to download for free a powerfully persuasive brand new e-Book by my friend Rick Deighton in Nampa, Idaho called “Is the Bible Without Any Errors?”
“Just watch the video and think of a couple of friends who would appreciate seeing it too. We’ll send them an invitation to see it themselves and get their own copy of the new e-Book. Then you’ll both get announcements of upcoming great free videos to add to your online library.
“Way too many people have been deceived to think they have to compromise their confidence in the parts of the Bible that are under heaviest attack. When I realized how my faith in God’s Word had been undermined by the popular evolutionary hoax of millions and billions of years, I felt compelled to make my discoveries as clear as possible so anyone could have the lights go on for them too. I believe you’ll see why this video – ‘When Did It All Begin?’ – must be put in everyone’s hands to share with impressionable young students especially.
“Please join me in spreading the word about www.FreeCreationVideos.com ! I look forward to sending you the next great video in the weeks ahead. This will also enable you to hear about special learning adventure opportunities that God is using to equip the next generation of leaders because of friends like you who are faithfully passing the torch of truth because of God’s amazing grace.
Dennis Petersen”
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“Dear Rick & Della,
“Thank you very much for a great update!
“I have good news also – we got started an on-line store engine http://apolstore.com/. It allows us to generate book orders automatically (before we had just a list of the books online). It also does not limit us with the information on a book we can post – every book has its own page. So, with great joy I am going to post on-line my opinion on your ministry and your book “Ready to Give the Answer” (as below) at the book’s page http://apolstore.com/product/gotov-dat-otvet–576/ (It will be updated as soon as we finish with the camp getting started).
“Posting this passage became for me a great reminder on how much I appreciate your care, your love, your commitment, your faithfulness, your ministry and your friendship!
“May the Lord richly bless you in all your ways!
Yours by His grace
Sergei
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“For many years Rick Deighton realizes a missionary ministry in Eastern Europe with great enthusiasm. He is actively involved in helping churches and children homes. He is preaching from the pulpits and talks to the people in the streets, leading various workshops at the youth festivals and family conferences, have interesting meetings with colleges and universities students and academic discussions with their professors..
“As a reliable Christ’s ambassador he diligently implores his interlocutors to reconcile with God. And like the early church apostles acts, Rick’s work also produces a noticeable effect. It makes someone enthusiastic and another angry; but no one remains indifferent.
“What is a secret of such a success? While traditional evangelists overload their listeners in bulk with the answers to the questions nobody asks, and the great commission ‘go and make disciples’ is often practicing as ‘go get them’, Rick, himself comes to those who are in desperate need for Christ, and speaks to them in the context of their values, interests and understanding. With the students he speaks like a student, with parents – like a parent, with spouses – like a spouse and with Christians – like a disciple of Christ.
“The book that you are holding brings us back to the original meaning of the word ‘homiletics’ – the art of conversation. It is a collection of the talks Rick had with different people at different times and situations. However all of them have one thing in common – no matter what they are about, the main goal that Rick sets is changing the interlocutor’s worldview, transformation and renewal of his mindset, drawing him closer to Christ. This is the core of evangelism, the practical apologetics and the effective proclamation of God’s plan.
“I recommend this book to everyone. For those who are unsure in the verity of Christianity it will help to find the answers to the questions they have. For those who have already accepted Christ the book will once again prove the validity of their beliefs and help them to stand more firm in the truth. As for the church leaders, the book will help them to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Sergei Golovin, president
Christian Center for Science and Apologetics”
Note from Rick:
For those of you who, like me, much prefer to read from paper, rather than a computer screen, our free book offer is still valid. If you will read it and share it, you can have a free copy of “Ready To Give an Answer” or “Is the Bible Without Any Errors?” – or both.
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Prison Ministry
We are getting some encouraging letters from prisoners about our books and sometimes quote them in “From Our Mailbox”. Please pray for those in prison who put their trust in Jesus Christ to be strong believers and bold witnesses in a very tough environment. Jesse, Michael, and Rebecca are three believers I ask you to remember.
Also please pray for believers in many countries who are unjustly serving time for their faith. “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them, and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also.” Hebrews 13:3
Through prayer we can all minister to those unjustly imprisoned – as well as those being justly punished for their crimes.
Freedom in Christ
In July, as we appreciate and celebrate the freedoms our forefathers paid for in blood, sweat and tears, let us first and foremost celebrate the freedom from sin that Jesus paid for with His precious blood, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ….” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Jesus died to pay the penalty of your sin. Have you accepted His free gift? Have you given your life back to Him?
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall surely be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:1-11 (ESV).
There we have it – freedom in Christ from the penalty of sin and from the power of sin. Someday – in glory – we will also celebrate freedom from the presence of sin. Now let’s celebrate freedom, glory in freedom, and live in freedom from the power of sin! We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! Hallelujah!
Yours & His in the grace of our Lord,
Rick
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A Note from Della
I love the ocean, so when I read the following quote, it held special meaning for me. Perhaps it will for you too.
“The character of your heavenly Father is like that of the ocean—vast, awe-inspiring, powerful. Every day the sea is renewed before your eyes and the longer you watch, the better you come to know it. It is pearly and calm on a mild spring dawn, brilliantly blue under the summer sun, wild and foaming in a winter storm, and glowing silver beneath a rising moon. You cannot know the character of the Father at a glance, but you can know Him more each day simply by being with Him. Trust Him to reveal Himself to you.”
(From “Quiet Reflections of Hope”, Published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10