Braille Circulating Library

BCL 2011 SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends of the Braille Circulating Library,
The other day I opened my Bible to do some devotional reading. To be totally honest, I was struggling with the burden of how to fulfill and grow the mission of the Braille Circulating Library. I was looking for encouragement. As I read, I saw where I had previously written the letters "BCL" beside the 20th and 21st verses of the 3rd chapter of the book of Ephesians: "Now onto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." As I reflected on those verses, I remembered why I wrote "BCL" there. When I allow myself to become encumbered by the issues of life and the responsibilities of ministry, I must be reminded and reaffirm my understanding that the Lord is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Sometimes I think, "I can’t do this", or "How will the Braille Circulating Library continue?" The truth is, that God is able to do "abundantly above" what I think. The Lord, for His glory, has seen fit to sustain this ministry, for nearly 90 years, as He has touched peoples’ hearts, "according to the power that worketh in us", to serve and to financially support the BCL . A very dear blind friend of mine sent me an email where he said, "Clearly you have won allies among the blind in the Richmond area and the testimonials continue to trickle in from all over the globe about what this ministry means to them. I remain strong in my conviction that God has placed you in the right place with the right spirit." What he was referring to is that the Richmond Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia has become a regular monthly supporter of the BCL. Another encouraging item he was referring to is that the BCL has received permission from NavPress, the publishing ministry of the Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO, to produce in Braille format and to record on cassette tape, the Bible study book, GROWING IN CHRIST. This opportunity will help us to fulfill one of the mission goals of the BCL "to encourage integration, involvement, and discipleship of the blind through the local church." It is a tremendous blessing to have the regular monthly support from the Richmond Chapter of the NFB of Virginia; however, the overall financial support of the BCL is down by 25%. Could I let this discourage me, yes; however, the Lord "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think". It is truly a blessing and an encouragement that year after year the Lord has touched peoples’ hearts, "according to the power that worketh in us", to provide for the financial needs of the BCL. Is the Lord touching your heart to give? A financial gift of any size to help this ministry is sincerely appreciated. Let us never forget that the Lord is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Thank you for supporting the ministry of the BCL. I pray that the Lord will continue to pour out His blessings upon you as you bring blessings into the lives of those who have lost their sight. Thank you again.
Serving Him,
Rev. Brian J. Barton, Sr.
The Braille Circulating Library for the Blind, Inc.
2700 Stuart Ave
Richmond, VA 23220