Braille Circulating Library

Dear Friends of the Braille Circulating Library,
"We see and experience the glory of God on the mountain tops, but we live it out in the valleys."
I have that quote written in the front of my Bible and I reflect upon it often. Life and ministry are filled with both. In the ten years I have been at the BCL, I have seen God work in many wonderful ways. There have been many mountain tops. A couple of years ago, Dr. David Cook gave his permission and help to the BCL to produce his book "Golf’s Sacred Journey" in Braille. His book has recently been made into a movie called "Seven Days In Utopia". The movie is outstanding. It has a wonderful message and is a great family film. Even if you don’t golf, I believe you will enjoy it. If you do golf, it is a must see. It has been a tremendous blessing to be able to provide "Golf’s Sacred Journey" to blind folks across the country. If you have blind friends, or know of any blind folks who would like a Braille copy of "Golf’s Sacred Journey", please let me know. The BCL is currently in the process, with permission and help from The Navigators, of producing in Braille and audio formats the book "Growing In Christ". This book will be a wonderful tool in helping blind folks to grow in their relationships with the Lord. Ten years ago, the BCL did not have the technology that is needed to accomplish these projects, but with God’s provision we are now able to do so. To God be the glory. Another recent mountain top was the phone call I received from a blind couple who are home-schooling their children. They needed a Braille copy of "Little Pilgrims Progress" which the BCL was able to provide them. They told me that the BCL was the only place that could help them. Again, to God be the glory. Along with the mountain tops however, also come the valleys. A few weeks ago, my wife, Coralyn (Cory), was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and had the tumor removed, but she is now beginning chemotherapy which will be followed by a series of radiation treatments. This is a difficult valley for our family to pass through. Your prayers for Cory are greatly appreciated. Another valley all of us are passing through is the downturn and uncertainty of the economy. Things are very difficult for many families and ministries, including the BCL. Giving has been down and our operating funds are very, very low. This is a difficult valley for our ministry to pass through. Your financial support at this critical time for the BCL is greatly appreciated. Mountain tops are wonderful, but the valleys are where we put into practice what we say we believe. Health issues and financial pressures can be dark valleys to pass through. We can become afraid, feel alone, and give up hope. In passing through these valleys, I need to be reminded of the three promises of Psalm 23:4, (1) don’t be afraid, (2) the Lord is with me, and (3) the Lord will comfort and protect me. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Your friendship and support of my family and the BCL is a tremendous encouragement to me. Thank you for your prayers for Cory and for your financial support of the BCL. "We see and experience the glory of God on the mountain tops, but we live it out in the valleys."
Serving Him,
Rev. Brian J. Barton, Sr.
The Braille Circulating Library for the Blind, Inc.
2700 Stuart Ave
Richmond, VA 23220