Today we lost a true kingdom worker. Early this morning, Brother Bill Barton, founder of the Home of Grace passed away. His life and mission were about service. Over these many years, Brother Bill has served as a pastor, a counselor, a leader and an advisor but to those who were touched by his work – we will just call him, “Friend”.
Brother Bill, we will miss you.
(please click below on the word "comment" to leave a comment, condolence or tell your story)
22 comments:
I think it was day four maybe. I am not sure what the occasion was, but the situation which brought me here was "rehab day four outing". We were in a typical Southern Baptist Church in Mississippi, a little bigger than most Baptist Churches in the south, but a Baptist Church in the south nonetheless.
I was way over Baptist Churches in the south.
WAAAYY over it. and I was a little cranky to be honest.
Need Little withdrawl anyone?
"Oh Jesus, here we go"
(Please turn to number 420 in your hymnals)
I was four days in, and about two weeks out of a fascinating (disappointing) failure of an experiment with what a fistful of Zoloft, when chased by a fistful of Tylenol P.M., and washed down with one of those mighty big bottles of vodka - would do for depression.
Apparently if it doesn't kill you, it does not in fact make you stronger.
It certainly doesn't cure what ails you.
It felt like death coming back up, but it not actually kill me unfortunately, so I now still, had to face everything. I was kinda pissed about that honestly. I didn't understand why God wouldn't just let me die. Its not like I was doing anything with my life anymore.
My life had unraveled at an astonishing pace and I was out of options. At that point, I had not eaten anything substantial in three days, not out of choice but because I had really REALLY run out of food. I was out of (Cigarettes which was worse than being out of food) I felt awful. There were rats in my loft and in my head. I used the last of my "emergency quarters" to buy that tasty concoction which was designed as a clever exit strategy for the Titanic mess which I had made of my life.
The rest is still pretty cloudy, kind of a whirlwind, the next thing I knew I was on my way to the hospital (Stop the car I need to throw up) followed up by a nice holiday weekend in the Funny farm,
Home for a minute
and now I was at Home of Grace,
Rehab.
In Mississippi.
at a southern Baptist Church.
(a Baptist Church as an outing!?!.)
I actually wanted to be at rehab cause I was tired of being sick, but I wasn't entirely convinced I wanted to be alive still. I had no hope at all and did not believe I ever would again. I was not even sure I wanted or trusted Hope because Hope lets you down, Hope walks out of your life and doesn't look back. Hope likes flying better than slumming, at least that's what I thought at the time.
So Yeah, rehab was okay in my book, but a big ole southern baptist church in Mississippi was not so good. As I finished up the chorus of "Oh Jesus, here we go" in my head, a man took the podium and began to speak.
He was a diminutive, man 'bout 2000 years old (he looked to be to me, give or take a hundred years) he spoke softly in a singsong southern voice that lulled me into listening.
You almost had to lean forward at times to hear and understand what he was saying.
He was pretty matter of fact and humble as he shared stories about his life, opening the Home of Grace in the 60's and the people he met along the way. He wove kind of a verbal tapestry placing Jesus and all the people he had come to know in the center of it.
Part of his storytelling covered his ability to overcome a cleft lip. He said while he was in college, one man told him he would never preach. "Down in my heart, I knew better," Barton said "I knew God had called me."
He came across as a guy who just sorta thought he could do something, and sorta thought if he could do something to help someone, he sorta outta do it. So he kinda just did.
He almost seemed like he was embarrassed at all the attention being given to him.
After he shared his stories someone got up and began to sing "Thank you for giving to the Lord" I looked around the room and took it all in. There were maybe 500 people there and they all felt they owed a thank you to this man. When the chorus got to "I am a life that was Changed" a thought hit me like a rocket.
I was here, and for the past four days I had slept in a clean bed in a room, with no rats, eaten three meals a day, and showered in a warm shower in a room with working electricity, because one guy thought he might be able to help a bit and sort of thought if he could help then sorta should.
So he did.
In that moment I KNEW I would find healing, and I KNEW that all hope had not left me behind. I KNEW there was a bigger hand holding me still, and that hand that had taken one man and reached so many people. And if that hand could do so much with one guy, that hand could do something with me too. I knew that it mattered that I sorta tried, as just one seriously sad chick who used to love Jesus, to reach for healing.
Bill Barton has been quoted as saying that Home of Grace was a miracle that started with just a piece of land. To me he is a testimony to what one man can do, and how much it matters to try.
Since the 1960's over 40,000 people have gone through the programs at the Home(s) on Grace. That's quite a ripple one man who couldn't pronounce his "R's" made. When you factor the families that have been changed because someone came home sober and filled with renewed joy, its starts to look like a tidal wave. When you consider how many of those people reached back to minister and help someone else up, because someone reached out and helped them up, its difficult to even calculate the effect ONE person can have when they just do what little bit they felt they could do.
I do believe there is some rejoicing going on in Heaven today. I imagine God is singing "Open up the pearly gates of heaven, build another mansion next to mine, everybody dance and shout for Joy around the throne, MY child, Bill Barton, is coming HOME!"
I am not going to be able to go to the services in Mississippi because I have to work this weekend at the recovery home I am blessed to get spend my working days. Every time I am there I am humbled I get to reach a hand to hold someone else's hand as they get up up and walk forward into recovery. Just as it was done for me.
I wish I could be there to see all the people who will surely stand up to acknowlege what Bill Barton meant to them. I wanted to take a minute and at least do the same from here in Cali....
Thank you Bill Barton for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was Changed.
My family in Jesus. it is a grate loss to us now. We know that the time for sleep comes to all and it can only be BAD to the one with out Jesus. I came out of the H.O.G. IN 2006. A slave to satan in need of the truth about my life Brother Bill Barton. That dear sweet man of God. Gave me the one thing that this wourld can not give. LOVE,FORGIVNESS,ACCEPTANCE. It started for me there with you and there i was given the word and the understanding of what a child of God must do with it. Know that the word in you is a fire and to shair it with other comes hard and fast. At the Home of Grace i was given this understanding. At this time im in Salt Lake Citiy Utah. A diciple to other men in a God programe looking for something the same way i was there with you at H.O.G. Im a provider of the word at times there. God has made my calling clear. Thank you Brother Bill Barton i'll never see you on earth but if im here on the day of our Lord and Masters return i'll look for you in the sky. Thank you for the example of(colossions 3:23 diligents),(being dependable Colossians 1:10,(fearless 2 Timothy 1:7),(joyful Ephesions 4:32)this list can go on Brother Bill Barton becouse its something that will give me the thing that you hade so much of, CHARACTOR OF A CHRISTIAN. To you that was with him every day.God be with you my heart sing a song of joy for he has been called home to the one he has given his life to. Thank you all my name is Brian Scott Barrow pray for me im praying for you. John 17:21
I had heard of Brother Bill Barton all of my adult life. One of my best friends spoke of him often and seemed to marvel at his tenacity as well as his ability to raise funds for the Home.
In 1992, I had just returned from a mission trip to Russia and Romania. The president of the Rotary Club was an acquaintance and asked if I would speak at their meeting. When I arrived, I learned that I was one of two guest speakers who had recently made the trip to Russia. The other was Brother Bill. It was there that I met him for the first time.
I remember thinking, “So he’s the local legend I’ve heard so much about?” Then, he got up to speak and within just a few moments, I got a glimpse of the kindness and humility that has touched so many for so long. After we both finished speaking and just before we left, he asked for my contact information. I would soon know why. I’ve been receiving the Home of Grace newsletter every month since.
That day it never occurred to me that I would become a small part of the work begun by him. When I think of the many clients I’ve come to know and love, I always arrive at the same conclusion. There is no limit to the number of people our Lord can reach when just one person is obedient. Because of his obedience to our Lord’s call on his life, God has blessed many thousands.
But Brother Bill would not allow us to look back for long. There are those who will become clients who have never heard of the Home of Grace or the Haven.
The legend will always be with us. His spirit of encouragement will live on until the Lord returns. I will always carry with me the memory of the sparkle in his eyes.
Thank you for inspiring us do what we can for all those who come. Thank you for giving birth to the “place where miracles happen.”
Wayne Hudson
Bill Barton reminded me a lot of my grandfather. A visionary. Without him and the Lord ,, I simply would not be here today. So many owe their gratitude to Bill Barton. When I think of him I know what a Christian truly is. I am grateful to him and all the Barton family for being obedient to the Lord and pursuing the work that Brother Bill began, and for being good stewards of what God has provided. Thank you Bartons. Brother Bill, I look forward to seeing you with the Father.
Bro. Bill was the sweetest, most humble man I have ever met. I graduated the men's Home of Grace a couple of months ago, and I would always talk to Bro. Bill every chance I got. I loved listening to his "stories". He always wanted to hear what you had to say, and offer you advice and encouragement. Bro. Bill just had an aura around him. He glowed. He was an angel. I wish I had known him longer than I did, but the time I did know him I know I'll never forget him. To me he was the closest thing to a PERFECT christian. He was like Jesus on Earth to me.
What stands out most to me is that Brother Bill had a Holy Spirit Annointing, a way about him that said it all when he said nothing, a calm assurance that God was who he said he was. Rest for a little while now and enjoy the treasures God has prepared for you.I love you and I will miss you. Most of all thank you for being there when I needed you the most. Valerie
I am an Alumni of the Haven, graduated April 2006, and was truly blessed by meeting Brother Bill. I couldn't wait for Wednesday mornings when he would come do our devotions. Loved his stories, he made the whole day seemed brighter. A few occasions I got to speak with him personally and I was so proud that he took the time to talk with me. He was so kind and sincere. I will always remember him.
Brother Bill Barton has always been a real man in my book.A man living his life to Jesus. A true inspiration in my life.He took me in all broken and left for waste from the addictions of my own desires.Giving his support trough living a Godly life. TODAY as I reach out to others trough My own ministry, I think always about the one who reached to me. My heart goes out to his family and those who loved him so much. Thanks for caring for me and teaching me the word of God Brother Billy. Love Calvin Fields, Alumni 2000, Saved by Grace Ministries.769-233-8469
May God always bless your family.
It is fair to say that the Home of Grace in Baldwin County Alabama would not be here if Bill Barton had not answered the Lord all those years ago. The "spin-off" effect of a man or woman getting saved and sober cannot be counted. This Home of Grace, and all the women who have come through here and will come through here, as well as their families, are all spin-offs from the work and dedication of Bill Barton's love of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord for your promise never to leave us or forsake us.
Patrick Collins
Executive Director
Home of Grace for Women/Baldwin County, Alabama
I am sure if Finley was here he would have nothing but nice things to say about brother bill. As his wife I can say the Home of Grace was one of the best things that ever happened in his life. Drugs destroyed his heart and eventually took his life. However I do know Finley said the time he spent at home of grace he became very close to God and for that Im greatful. I have no doubt he is heaven and we will see each other again.. christina hair
To say that Brother Bill was a great man is an understatement. In 1972 I met Brother Bill for the first time and His work with men in recovery was my inspiration. This wonderful man helped me in following my calling to start the Home of Grace for Women in Mobile County in my own home. Because of his inspiring work 1000’s of women have been helped. In 2007 I talked to him about the burden I had to start a program for women in Baldwin County. He was so excited with the possibilities of helping even more women. He blessed us with his presence at our open house. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved everyone. Just last month I had the honor of Brother Bill visiting The Home of Grace for Women in Eight mile for chapel. We all had a wonderful time. He will be greatly missed by me and the many others he helped. He will certainly be rewarded for all the great work he has done.I will miss my brother in Christ and look forward to seeing him again one day in the future. To his dear family I pray that God’s peace will surround you in this time of sorrow.
God Bless,
Doris W. Littleton
Executive Director & Founder
Home of Grace for Women, Eightmile
Founder & Former Executive Director
Home of Grace for Women, Baldwin
I JUST HOPE THE HOME OF GRACE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN THE WAY BRO. BILL RAN IT...HE WAS SO SPECIAL, THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE HIM..WE ALL MISS YOU BRO BILL
Many, many times I’ve heard, "Bro. Bill just loves people". I’m sure you didn’t love us because of our inherently good nature. Certainly, the arrows of our brutality hit you with full force at an early age. Yet, you loved and believed always in what Christ could do within us. You were certain His power could transform our nature into His and just as the metamorphous of your suffering had become a fountain of compassion and rescue for the forgotten, so could ours become hope for many.
I remember reading something aloud I had written for you at the beginning of devotion a couple of days before my graduation and with complete humility you answered . . . "I don’t deserve this". That day you spoke of the time Miss Jean had cried all night because someone had relapsed and you told her, "Now Jean, if we’re going to do this, you’ve got to learn to roll with it". Then one day after receiving a call of a similar nature, you hung up the phone and vomited to which Miss Jean replied, "I thought we were going to roll with it". You looked up at me, your eyes expressing total vulnerability, and confessed, "I’ve never learned to roll with it". You don’t know how many times I have sobbed over the divine strength and beauty of that statement and I’m sobbing now. PRAISE GOD, you never learned to roll with it. You were void of the excuses that keep most of us from ever really living. After over 80 years, you still had the courage to feel the pain of another person’s defeat even when the defeat was self-induced. We all knew that your shoulders were always broad enough for just one more or just once more.
Bro. Bill, you were truly free indeed! Knowing you and having you call me friend has been one of Christ’s most beautiful gifts to me. I know that you weren’t Christ, but when I looked at you . . . all I saw was Him.
Everyone from the coast knows about the miracles that Brother Bill was doing in Vancleave. Back in the day all there was to Vancleave was "Home of Grace" and Bluff Creek. My how times have changed. I am happy that Brother Bill's legacy continues.
Community suffered great loss
(Taken from Mississippi Press - Wednesday, July 09, 2008)
Our community has suffered a great loss with the passing of Brother Bill Barton.
He was a true American hero, but not one that we typically think of as a hero in today's society. He never led a football team to victory, hit the winning home run, or scored the winning basket. He never picked up a rifle to go into battle in a foreign land, pulled a child from a burning building, or rescued someone who was going to fall off of a cliff, at least not a cliff here on Earth.
Brother Bill was a hero because he changed people's lives, including mine. This humble man's soft spoken sermons about God's love would come from the pulpit as powerful as thunder and at the same time could soothe and uplift a broken heart. His stories about real life experiences could make you laugh and cry. You always knew where he was going with them, but he would surprise you at how he would get there. His many visits and kind words of encouragement could make even those of us on "the back row" know that God has a plan for our lives and wants us to be "on the team with the King."
His many ministries including the Home of Grace have reached not only people in our community but all over the world. He was a man small in stature, but giant in heart, and showed us how to overcome adversity through his own life. He was a man of honor, courage and strength but most importantly, he was God's man, and it was my privilege to have known him. No words that I could say could ever pay a fitting tribute to such a wonderful man so I will end by simply saying "Thank You Brother Bill, for giving to the Lord."
Matt Wood
Big Point
Brother Bill full of compassion, love
(Taken from Mississippi Press - Tuesday, July 08, 2008)
Growing up I never realized the impact my grandfather had on people's lives. To me, Pop as we called him, was just the granddad who knew everyone, shook hands with everyone and would start his stories to us with "Now back when I was a little girl."
Driving down the road, Pop would always blow the horn and wave saying, "Hi there Mrs. Smith." "How are you today, Mr. Johnson?" Of course, there was no one really walking along the roadside, but we always laughed for hours waving to whomever Bro. Bill saw next. A few years ago, my husband and I were driving with our daughter Jordan and my niece, Haley. I honked and waved, "Hi there Sally!" My niece and I laughed and laughed. My husband, of course, thought I had lost my mind!
I practically grew up at the Home of Grace. I colored pictures and sold them to the men for 10 cents each. To me the men were an extension of my family. After college, I worked at the Home of Grace for six glorious years. I was often asked by friends if I was scared to work there. I couldn't really understand the question. They were men. God loved them and I loved them. Bro. Bill taught me that.
The compassion and love that Bro. Bill had for everyone never ceased to amaze me. I was the oldest grandchild, followed by my sister, Jeri, and then our cousin, Christy. Nana and Pop would take us on a vacation every year. When I was around 8 or 9, Nana and Pop were taking the three of us and their daughter, Melody, to Astroworld. No trip was a direct trip, however. We set off in the old Home of Grace vans that were like cargo vans; two seats up front, two benches in the back and we would lay out blankets for us kids to sleep on. We drove to the Houston Downtown Rescue Mission where Bro. Bill was friends with the director. I can remember stepping over a homeless man to get in the door. We stayed the night at the mission. After our trip to Astroworld, we stopped back at the mission, where the director gave Bro. Bill some twin mattresses for the Home of Grace. So now we had the van loaded down with twin mattresses in the back, plus the four of us kids.
We passed under a bridge and Bro. Bill noticed a man sleeping on the slant of the bridge. He stopped and went to talk with him. He told him about the Home of Grace and that he could help him. The man was ready to get help. So, we set off with Nana and Pop in the front, four kids and the homeless man in the back and twin mattresses between us as high as they would go. I do not pass under a bridge to this day without looking to see if someone is there.
Bro. Bill's compassion for everyone was never ending. Every time I left his house, he shook my hand and said, "Glad you could come." I always felt like I was leaving church.
A good friend of mine called early Thursday morning when she heard the news. She made the comment, "You know that's one man who made no stops on his way to Heaven." I know he went directly to Heaven to meet with his Jesus.
Jill Barton Chastant
The Anchor Holds
Yesterday, July 5, 2008, I sat in this magnificent country church in Wade, Mississippi looking across the casket holding the heroic remains of my hero of the last 15 years of my 4 score plus years. All his many friends and admirers had filed by to pay their last respects to a great Christian minister. The casket had been secured when thirty stalwart young men dressed casually in blue jeans and khaki pants filed singly into the large choir space.
They stood patiently until the organist began playing then burst forth in loud masculine voices to sing “Victory in Jesus” in its entirety accompanied by rhythmic clapping of hands and right hands periodically raised on high. The Home of Grace choir was saying farewell to their founding father who was a tough minded dreamer who served his God with the dedicated intensity of a twentieth century Abraham.
The choir members were clients of the Home of Grace which Brother Bill Barton founded on the banks of Bluff Creek in 1965. The Home of Grace is a Christian rehabilitation center with a three months on campus program for addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other debilitating addictions. At present we have about 100 male clients enrolled in the program and about forty female addicts in a Home of Grace (the Haven) program in a nearby separate location. The chorus was singing a loud and heartfelt farewell to their founder and benefactor. Each one of them were profoundly grateful to Brother Bill as had been the approximately 40,000 other addicts who had preceded them in the Home of Grace from 1965till June of 2008.
I became aware of the presence of the Home of Grace through a church friend but had no special need or interest in the program until a nurse who was on the Board of Directors of the Home of Grace called me to see if I would be interested in serving on the board of directors of the institution. She was quite frank and open with me saying that she needed an M.D. to help her with the medical care of the men in the program of the Home of Grace. I parried her questions to make some inquiries about the program. As it so happened, my Gulf of Mexico fishing buddy, who is a devout Baptist Christian citizen, was well acquainted with the work of Home of Grace and Brother Bill Barton, a Baptist minister who had founded it years before. He strongly recommended that I along with my wife, Merry, accept the honor of being chosen to serve on the Board of Directors of the Home of Grace near Vancleave, MS.
I drove up to Vancleave, some 18-20 miles from my beach home, to eyeball the Home of Grace on the bank of Bluff Creek. What I saw in the church at the Home was unique and impressive while the office buildings, cafeteria, and cottages for the clients were acceptable. Also across the sand bar of Bluff Creek were three enormous white crosses poised in a straight line standing out against the dense green trees behind them. I also noted that the curved asphalt road from the main road was planned to avoid steep declines on the hill from the road down to the creek.My conference with Merry, who is another devout Baptist, met with enthusiastic acceptance of membership for both of us on the Board of Directors of the Home of Grace. I phoned this message to our nurse board member and noted the meeting date when we would be inducted. My first impression of the Barton family as executive director and administrators of the Home of Grace was mainly curiosity as to what my role would be as a physician directing the medical care of groups of men and women addicted to drugs and alcohol. Brother Bill said the prayer at the beginning of the meeting, but he spoke with a light lisp.That slight lisp, however, did not prevent him from conveying his message of “thus saith the Lord” to thousands of people in sermons during his many years of ministry. In addition his son, Billy, had assumed the role of executive director of the Home of Grace, because Bro. Bill had become a full time minister of a local church.
Sufficient to report that the nurse and I did establish a country doctor’s office at the Home in 1997 and enlisted retired doctors and nurses who continue to offer medical care to Home of Grace clients who become patients when they enter our office.
Only as time passed, did I begin to hear the fascinating story of Brother Bill and the Home of Grace. In 1965 he was the minister of a church in Jackson County when he found himself visiting a Christian rehabilitation home in Georgia for alcoholics. He was profoundly impressed by the work he saw going on there and resolved that he would make an attempt to see if he could do the same. I can only imagine the immensity of the project when you visualize starting from scratch by pulling old drunks out from under bridges and then finding a place to house them while at the same time telling them that Jesus loved them and wanting them to be sober Christian gentlemen.Mountains should be so tall.
First there was the donation of the acres of land on Bluff Creek with no road access thereto; then build a road and persuade the Faggard brothers to donate small trailers to house his early clients while at the same time serving as counselor and being ably assisted by Jean, his wife.
The many struggles of the founding years of the Home of Grace have been documented in two books he has written. It was my pleasure to know him in his later years and to address him as “my hero.” He seemed slightly non plussed when I first told him I had added him to my short list of heroes. He asked who the others were, and I told him Jesus Christ and Jack Dempsey. He understood Jesus Christ but asked about Jack Dempsey. I answered him with the confession that every boy has to have a macho male role model just to prove that he is a real man.
I developed a profound respect and admiration for Brother Bill as a minister and a tough minded fisher of men. There must have been many difficult and anxiety producing days and decisions that he and his devoted wife and children had to face and manage to cope with and continue to build the Home of Grace. I have never known a man I thought more worthy of being welcomed by the loving arms of Jesus Christ as he entered the pearly gates of Heaven.
Brother Bill Barton may he rest in peace and enjoy his new job as a tour director in Heaven.
C.L. Austin, MD
I'm not even sure how to begin writing this message. Bill Barton is one of the most respected, well-loved, admired, and honorable gentlemen that our little piece of the world has ever been "graced" with. God knew that hurting and helpless people on the Gulf Coast would need a hero in this era of life that we've known as "Baby Boomer America".
As good as we may have thought it has been, with all our technological advances over the past 100 years, with all the pleasures of life at our fingertips, with all the benefits of "the good life" right here in our back yard on the Mississippi Coast -- there have always been hurting, helpless, and hopeless hearts who have needed to know that somebody cares. Bill Barton has been that somebody.
Bill Barton was a simple man. And, he had his own set of challenges. But, he learned to love himself as God loved him, and he passed forward that love to thousands of others in his lifetime. How simple ... and yet how difficult that concept is for most of us.
I love Bill Barton. And, I did not tell him that enough. I am sad that he has left us here. But, I know where he is! And, I'm going there one day too. God Bless you, Bro. Bill ... yours was a life well-lived for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom!
--
My Prayer today: Thank You, Father, for allowing the citizens of South Mississippi and our surrounding communities to enjoy Bill Barton for 83 incredible and wonderful years. Thank You, Father, for his unselfish and seemingly endless love and compassion for those who tend to become considered as "un-lovable" or "unworthy" of time, attention, and mercy. Help me, Lord, to love people like Bill Barton loved. Give me the strength to give as he gave. And, Father ... give him a big "welcome home hug" for all of us ... we're not too far behind him on this trail we call "LIFE".
My family and I have had the opportunity of knowing and loving Bro Bill since the late 1950's. He has been there for my family and I during times of great tragedy. He will be greatly missed. Ms Jean, just remember we love you.
Nick and Norma Parker, Duluth, GA
Everett and Faye Murphy Pascagoula
The Love He Showed Me: First I thank God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit whom guided Bro. Bill to and through his ministry. I have been very blessed both directly and indirectly over the last three years of my life. Due to an unbroken chain of events and the calling on his life he was chosen to mentor a lady named Ms. Doris Littleton and the Home of Grace for women was founded in Eightmile Al. On July 29, 2005 I entered this Home of Grace due to my lifestyle of addiction for 25 years. On August 3, 2005 I accepted Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior and began a journey seeking God. I had fallen back into the way of the world not once but twice and by God's grace and mercy I had gotten back on my feet again to continue the journey. After my relapse a door was opened at the Home of Grace in Gautier MS. thanks to the staff at both Homes. Here I began drawing closer to God and letting go of what I had just done. My thirst for God could not be quenched. Not only were there great counselors here but The Counselor himself began speaking to me and I actually listened this time. As my journey continued here I had the honor and pleasure of personally meeting Bro. Bill. I was amazed listening to him and knowing that he was touching many lost souls as I too was once there. I have found a new way to live each day. I have a peace I never knew was there for me. I now see that a relationship with Jesus is the key to life here on earth. Truly the love of the Father resides at the Homes of Grace. I saw this love in Bro. Bill on numerous occasions. His legacy now continues through family and friends here in MS. I am blessed to be a part of this ministry and continue to see lives transformed by God's grace and mercy. Today I say thank you to all his family and those who touched his life in obedience. Had it not been for you he may not have been who he was and I wouldn't be writing this today. I am a new creation in Christ, the old has passed behold the new has come. IICor.5:17 A major obstacle that was overcome in my life last year was that my mother at age 82 accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior too. What an awesome chain of events that continues as our days become shorter here on earth. Thank You Bro. Bill for your calling and your obedience to God. Melody
I would like to say if it wasnt for Home Of Grace or as we call it up there the " HOG " i wouldnt of never been able to fix my life through God Mr Bill helped so many people and God will bless him so much for it .But i would love to thank everyone up there all the Bartons for everything that place is a life saver ,, this is Ben Havard
Brother Bill Barton will always be a memtor to me. He was an instrument of light to everyone with whom he came in contact. His compassion, encouragement and love was exhibited in all areas of his life and blessed many persons. Not only was I able to renew my relationship with my Lord Saviour, Jesus Christ, I also was joined in the bond of matrimony to my beloved husband, Danny L. Guidry, by Bro. Bill the day I graduated from the Home of Grace. All glory, honour and praise to God Almighty. Amen.
Your Sister in Christ,
Dawn LeBourgeois Guidry
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