Correspondence
Dear Friends & Prayer Partners,
Since much of our time now is devoted to correspondence, both foreign and domestic, I’ve decided to let you in on a bigger portion of what is going on. I’m starting with a letter of commendation to Randall Murphree, editor of the afaJournal (afa = American Family Association).
Good afternoon, Randall,
Your July afaJournal was once again power-packed with vital information and stimulating articles. Thank you! For now, I’m focusing on “By Design,” so please pass on my “Thank you” to Anne Reed – and “Thank You!” to all of AFA for launching “a national initiative to reflect God’s beauty through marriage.” Anne’s article sparked an idea for what I want to share in a prayer letter. Here it is:
The Blessings and Benefits of Marriage and Family
On December 14, 1962, when Della and I each said, “I do!” to our marriage vows at our home church at 18th and Eastman in Boise, Idaho – we were both determined to make it a life-long commitment. Now, over 58 ½ years later, we are still determined to make it! And we still love each other deeply, thank God for our years of partnership in life, in ministry, and in marriage. We laugh a lot together, grieve together over the degeneration of America, pray together for a massive spiritual awakening – and very much appreciate the fact that our son and his family live only three miles from us and our daughter and her family live only two miles from us – plus the fact that we have emotionally adopted sons, daughters and grandkids scattered across this country and around the world. Oh, yes – I shouldn’t forget to mention that God has provided for us the cutest and most brilliant grandkids on earth! (Don’t even think about contesting this claim – we have the evidence! 😊)
Many of our former classmates at Boise Bible College and ministry co-workers have already crossed that river “Jordan” – and are waiting for us on the other shore. We are looking forward to the reunion with them in glory, but in the meantime (for as long as Almighty God affords us life and breath), we want to live to His glory, proclaiming the grace and truth of the gospel of His kingdom! But what about the turmoil, trouble, and tribulation on this earth? Not to worry! Our God is in control – and He has a plan that is unfolding precisely true to design and right on time! (His timing – not ours!)
Remember Who is in Control!
There is only One Sovereign Ruler – in this country, in this world; in the entire universe – and no one can dethrone Him. Remember also that His throne is NOT a duplex!
We have had good examples of being “determined to make it.” Kenneth Beckman was President of Boise Bible College and preaching pastor of our home church in Boise (and he presided at our wedding). Kenneth & Martha Beckman had nearly 75 years together as husband and wife. Ernie Chamberlain was director of development at BBC. He and his wife, Zella, had almost 70 years together. Charles Crane is now chancellor of BBC – and was President for many years. Charles & Margaret passed their 60th anniversary some time back.
Why am I writing this to you? Precisely to highlight the wonderful benefits of God’s plan for designing male, female, family, and marriage. Yes, we still frustrate and irritate each other sometimes, but we consider the fact that our Lord is a Master Carpenter. He uses those irritations as sandpaper to knock off the remaining rough spots of pride, anger, selfishness, etc. (I’m glad He isn’t still using the rasp on me! 😊) So, if you are frustrated and struggling in your marriage, I have some recommendations for you:
1. Remember that marriage is often similar to flies on a screen door – those on the outside are wanting in and those on the inside are wanting out. God’s word says, “Be content with such things as you have.”
2. Carefully, prayerfully read and obey Ephesians 4:21-30. Here it is: “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.” (NLT)
3. Ask – Lord, what would You have me do?
4. Pray for your spouse, thank God for his/her good points, and commend him/her often for those good characteristics. Focus on what attracted you and what you can commend.
5. Praise God for what He is doing in your life and in your marriage.
If Della is irritated at me, sometimes I can get her to smile or laugh by dancing around the house to the gospel music we both love. (If you ever see me dance – you will laugh too!) It’s hard to argue when you are laughing together! 😊
From Our Mailbox
Representative Russ Fulcher is one of the most conservative, consistent, constitutional Americans I know about, and now he is battling cancer. Kevin Miller interviews him early on Monday mornings (about 6:00 a.m.), and I’m impressed with Russ’ candid comments concerning culture, corruption, and control. If you want to send him a note of encouragement or ask a question, his address is P.O. Box 1375, Meridian, ID 83680.
From Russ Fulcher (used by permission)
“Hello Rick & Della!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, information, kind words, and prayers! With your support, I will be ok. This section of road in life is a bit bumpy, but God is using this in my life to make me a better person. Thank you! – Russ”
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“Hi again Rick & Della!
Thank you again for your kind words and prayers! I would be honored to be in ‘From Our Mailbox.’ Yes, I will be running in ’22, and I prefer prayers over anything else. I would be happy to purchase a set of your books but my ongoing ‘hand out’ for the campaign is the ‘Patriot Bible’ (NKJV). Thanks again! – Russ”
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Good morning, Russ!
I thank God for you because you are a man of principle, potential and political savvy, and convictions! (The Constitutional and Biblical worldview kind of convictions.) We will be glad to add you to our list of Overseas Outreach recipients for our prayer letters. Please be sure to notice page 1 and page 6 on the back issue prayer letter I’m sending you now. On the bottom of page 6 and top of page 7 you will find “How About Starting Every Day with Three Prayers?” I’m thankful that you consider prayer your most important resource – and we will be praying for your health (with a quick recovery from cancer), for your family, for your protection from Marxist radicals, and for your re-election.
I’m also glad (thankful) that you are using The Patriot Bible as an appreciation gift to donors for your campaign. Your high regard for prayer and the Word of God speaks volumes to me – and fits perfectly with our national motto, “In God We Trust” – and with the introduction to our most basic national document, the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident – that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights…”
From my perspective, the most dangerous branches of the Marxist agenda are these: 1) The pro-death agenda of abortion, euthanasia and suicide because of the propaganda that this world is already overpopulated and millions (even billions) of people need to be eliminated. 2) The LGBTQ agenda. 3) Critical Race Theory – to stir hatred and controversy to divide and conquer. 4) The flood of illegal aliens to recruit as voters. 5) The bankrupt America agenda to economically strap our nation with pork-barrel projects. Do you see this too?
Concerning our books – you won’t need to purchase them because I want to donate them to you. Your service to Idaho and America is a genuine ministry!
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Respectfully yours & His, Rick
From the Owyhee County Jail
“Dear Mr. Deighton,
I am writing to you concerning your book, Is the Bible without Any Errors? This book has opened my eyes as a Christian about the age of the earth and how to view it from a Biblical standpoint. I received your book recently in Owyhee County Jail. I don’t want to be here, but if I wasn’t I never would have learned of you and your books. For this I thank God for setting me on this path of growth. Where can I find your other books and the cost thereof?
I often struggled with the 1000 years is 1 day and you cleared that up for me! Thank you. I thank God for you and your ministry. I hope I will get to meet you one day, either in Idaho or heaven. God Bless you and your wife.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Eytchison” (Used with permission.)
Note: Owyhee County Jail is about a half hour drive from our home in Nampa, so I drove down hoping to visit him and leave more books for him. A couple years ago I had repeatedly visited another inmate there, but because of added restrictions I was not able to visit him. I was allowed to meet briefly with Lieutenant Vincent and leave four of our books for Jimmy. Since that time, I’ve received a series of four more letters from him. We are sharing excerpts from these letters along with my answers to his questions next month, our Lord willing.
He Looked Beyond My Faults
By Dottie Rambo
Amazing Grace shall always be my song of praise
For it was grace that brought me liberty
I do not know just why He ever came to love me so
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.
And I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.
The Eurasian Apologetics Center
“Thank you so much, brother, for another exciting, thoughts and praises provoking and encouraging newsletter!
We have received your generous sacrificial gift for the Eurasian Apologetics Center renovation! It came right in time for purchasing the flooring and reserve power source (the generator working on propane).
I got a message from Marina, our translations team manager. Despite all the challenges with health issues and even losses they face (please pray!), your book translation is going on. Russian translation is finished, and the text went to the editor already, Ukrainian translation has to be finished by the end of the summer. We expect to have e-copies of both versions done by Christmas.
May the Lord bless you in all your ways like you are blessing for many!
Yours by the grace of Jesus,
Sergei (Golovin)” – Note: The translations into Russian and Ukrainian are for our testimony booklet, Powered by Prayer! Propelled by Passion! Protected by Providence! If you don’t yet have a copy, feel free to request one. It’s free to you if you will read it and share it with someone. Also, the “generous sacrificial gift” Sergei mentioned is because of you – our donors and prayer partners!
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“Rick,
I so much look forward to each correspondence from you – including this most recent July newsletter. Thank you for your unwavering stand on the Word of God and the gospel message – the absolute centrality of Jesus Christ and His propitiation. I appreciated the copy of the letter that you sent to Randy Guliuzza of the ICR for his “bold stand for truth and righteousness.” I too am encouraged by the thoughts expressed in his lead articles in Acts & Facts each month. And I thank you once again for the sermon recordings – each of them. Enclosed please find help for that expense as well as monthly support for Overseas Outreach. May my Beloved Lord Jesus continue to bless you and Della as you faithfully serve Him.
Ken Morris”
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“Dear Rick & Della,
I’m sorry, my dear friends, that you haven’t heard from me. A lot has been going on in my life. In March, I was in a wreck. I was on my way to a Dr. appointment. His office is in a Mall. He worked me in to see me at 7:30 AM. I was blinded by a blinding sunrise, in a big empty Mall parking lot. I was being careful to notice any cars that might be coming my way, and I hit 2 women. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t see them at all. One wasn’t hurt too badly, the other had a couple of fractures in her back. I still can’t believe that I changed their lives so drastically. They immediately hired a law firm. My insurance agent said it’s a very aggressive firm. I haven’t heard anything from them yet, except about her back fractures. My phone company records showed that I was not using my phone, and the car tech examined the ‘brain’ in my car and said I was going very slow. There were other extenuating circumstances, but in it all, I had a heart attack and was hospitalized for a few days. I’ve had a number of other health issues since then and have really just been devasted. My Insurance agent said this could possibly drag on for 2 years. I certainly hope not. I’ve always had such good health – and never taken it for granted. I thanked God every day for blessing me with it – this is hard.
The last line of your May newsletter – Isaiah 41:10 has been my life verse since I became a Christian. Since this all happened – I’ve added Isaiah 56:3. “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” These have been prayed many, many times over the last 3 months. As well as many others.
I would really like to have your Testimony book – when it comes out. I promise I’ll read it – and share it with others. (On the condition they give it back when they’ve finished.)
Della, I’ve really enjoyed your ‘Della’s Corners.’ They’ve brightened my days. I was deeply touched by the piece ‘Does Jesus Care?’ Rick, I really appreciate your writings. You lay things out so clearly – and with God and His Word as the basis. I’m also glad when you include news about Ukraine, that we don’t get on our news. It really concerns me about Zhenya & Natasha and their family. I believe they live close to the border…
My best to you both.
Your friend always in Christ Jesus, Gwen”
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“Dear Rick & Della,
I’m so sorry to hear about your fall, Della. I hope by now, they might have found something to relieve your pain. My thoughts and prayer are with you, dear friend.
Thank you for your testimony booklets. What an amazing life you two have lived. You’ve been an important part of so many people’s lives. And God isn’t through with you yet!
If you still have my last letter, Rick, I would like you to photocopy it and send it to Zhenya & Natasha. You can also tell them that I’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer. I’ve been through so many tests and appointments lately, but my surgery has been scheduled for Friday, July 16th. This was really a shock. I was encouraged to read about your sister Mary Alice, Rick. My life is in God’s hands, and I wouldn’t want it any other way… Thank you for the encouraging words and scriptures you always send.
Your friend in Christ, Gwen.”
I AM A PRAYER WARRIOR.
I have learned, you see,
That prayers are stronger
Than any trouble here on earth
Could ever be.
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’ At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:34-37 (NIV)
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
It Won’t Be Long
“It won’t be long
Till we’ll be leavin’ here
It won’t be long
We’ll be goin’ home.
Count the years as months
Count the months as weeks
Count the weeks as days
Any day now – we’ll be goin’ home.
We shall be like Him; We shall be like Him
We shall be like Him
Any day now – We’ll be goin’ home.
It won’t be long; It won’t be long;
It won’t be long
We’ll be goin’ home.”
~ Andrae Couch
Prayer Requests
- Please pray with us for God to touch and heal Russ Fulcher, protect him from harm, and give him wisdom and courage in his service for Idaho and America.
- Please pray with us for Jimmy Eytchison to be true to Christ, faithful to his re-commitment and to use him mightily in prison ministry! Jails and prisons may be our ripest fields for evangelism!
- Please ask God’s healing touch for Adrian Mansayon and his son Christopher. Adrian – massive stroke 15 years ago and a bad fall recently, so he can barely walk. Christopher – a bad infection. Also, for God to stir Christopher’s heart to repent and come home to Jesus.
- The situation in Ukraine is even worse than we realized. Since the war with Russia started 7 years ago, 10,000 Ukrainians have been killed, 20,000 wounded and 1.7 million dispersed. Only about 1/3 of the destitute survivors have any humanitarian aid. Please pray for massive spiritual awakening.
- Please pray with us for a productive time of planning, prayer and fellowship for our four Overseas Outreach representative couples in Odessa on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, August 25, 26 and 27. In spite of the nine-hour difference, Della and I hope to participate in some of the sessions via FaceTime.
- Sergey & Vera Yurevich are experiencing a rough transition time, so please pray with us for the restoration of their Eway business and ministry outreach and their more permanent place to live. The Covid-19 shutdown coupled with constant danger and increasing inflation have been devastating for many businesses.
- Please pray for all four of our Overseas Outreach representative couples in Ukraine – for health, safety, protection, wisdom and effective outreach to multitudes of lost and destitute souls.
- Please pray for Michael, a little five-year-old boy in our area who has been lost for well past a week now (August 5). Let’s pray for him to be found and returned safely home.
- Please pray with us for God’s healing touch for Gwen Eichel, our faithful friend, supporter, and prayer partner. She has had one massive trial after another – yet has such a positive attitude and sweet spirit. Maybe she has been reading and obeying passages like the Triangle of Triumph: 1) Rejoice evermore! 2) Pray without ceasing! 3) In everything give thanks – for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Praise! Because of a large donation from one of our former lighting customers, we have been able to supply significant funding for ministry partners in Ukraine – including our four Overseas Outreach representative couples, Mulberry International, Schalbyetski family, and Christian Center for Science & Apologetics. Praise God!
- Pray for wisdom and boldness to share the love of Christ with this confused, corrupted culture. Paul wrote to the Colossians: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
Della’s Corner
Our world is not at all like it was when we were growing up! Sometimes that makes us think, “O Come, Lord Jesus – and take us home to be with You.” But we know He has a reason for us to still be here, and that there are many who are not yet ready to meet Him. Until then, let’s sing the song below and keep praying, “Wait a little longer, please Jesus – a few more days to get our loved ones in.”
Until Then
(Until the day God calls me home)
My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a path that’s winding always upward
This troubled world is not my final home.
But until then my heart will go on singing
Until then with joy I’ll carry on
Until the day my eyes behold my Saviour
Until the day God calls me home.
— Instrumental —
The things of earth will dim and lose their value
If we recall they’re borrowed for a while
And things of earth that cause this heart to tremble
Remembered there will only bring a smile.
But until then my heart will go on singing
Until then with joy I’ll carry on
Until the day my eyes behold my Saviour
Until the day God calls me home…
– written by Stuart Hamblen
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