Tribute to a Friend

I learned today of the passing of an old friend from a former church where I served on staff.  Barton Salisbury was only 51 years old and had a wife and two children.  He passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 28 while visiting the mountains of North Carolina.

Barton was always someone you could count on.  He loved helping people and serving others in a variety of ways.  I don't ever remember a time when I saw Barton not helping someone.  As I served in music ministry in the church, he was always a positive encouragement to me.  I kind of saw him as a Barnabas type man, ready to serve and encourage others to do the same.

But there's one experience with Barton that I will never forget.  I was saved at age 9, but I drifted away from the Lord and church for a time during college and early in my marriage.  I didn't turn my back on God, but I sought to do things that I wanted to do.  Anyway, a friend of my wife's invited our family to VBS at this church.  I came up with a million reasons not to go, but we went anyway.  I remember I wept during the VBS commencement that last night, realizing I needed to run back to the Lord, and bring my family in tow with me.

About a week later, the Pastor came to our house to visit.  The Pastor brought another man with him - Barton Salisbury.  I remember the time very well.  As the Pastor and I talked about various personal and theological issues, Barton sat quietly, listening and praying.  When my girls, who were very young at the time, needed something, Barton would get it for them.  He also played with them at times to limit any possible distraction to the conversation going on.  He even answered my phone for me when it rang.  When we were finished, we prayed together and the two men left.

I later learned that Barton had been participating in some evangelism training at the church, and he had served his role perfectly as the silent/praying partner.  As I reflect on this event again today, I realize even more than ever a few important things.  First, God needs all types of people - those who can share the Gospel in words and actions, including being silent and praying at times.  Second, I believe Barton wasn't looking for the limelight that night in my house.  He only wanted to be an obedient part of what God was already doing in my life.  Third, I will always remember how God used Barton in bringing me back to Himself.

I certainly believe Barton Salisbury was a believer on this earth, having trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  That means Barton is celebrating and worshipping with his Lord today.  Casting his crowns, including at least part of one that was representative of his impact in my life, at Jesus' feet.  May God be praised, and may He use me to have the same impact in someone else's life today.

Pastor Randy