04/21/2026
Last Saturday, the President of YTM had the privilege of participating in a dedication service honoring one of our earliest ministry partners, Bro. Tim Bartlow. We are pleased to share Bro. Jimmy’s heartfelt remarks with you.
Today is a joyful and meaningful day as we gather to dedicate this facility in honor of a man whose life made an eternal difference, Tim Barlow.
I first met Tim in the summer of 2005 here at Rock Haven Bible Camp. At the time, neither of us could have known what God was beginning through a friendship that would bless and shape both of our lives.
We were brought together by a shared vision, a common passion, and a deep desire to serve the Lord.
From the very beginning, I admired Tim’s simplicity, his steady faith, and his sincere love for people. He carried a profound depth of character without ever needing attention or applause.
He simply loved God, loved people, and faithfully served wherever he was needed.
Over the years, we shared many moments together. There were conversations filled with laughter and silliness, moments of deep reflection, seasons of challenge, and times of growth. �
Through it all, we sharpened one another. We grew as men, as husbands, as fathers, as leaders, as servants, and as friends.
One of the greatest blessings of our friendship was how we encouraged one another during difficult seasons of life and ministry. Anyone who has serves the Lord knows there are moments when the road feels steep, and strength feels thin. Tim had a way of bringing courage, perspective, and peace in those moments…He could make me feel ten feet tall! He strengthened me and others simply by being who he was.
It is only fitting that a facility Tim envisioned should now stand as a testimony to his life and bear his name. �This building is more than wood, steel, and stone.
It is a symbol of faithfulness. It is a testimony of service. It is a reminder that one surrendered life can leave fingerprints on generations yet to come. And if Tim were standing here today, he would likely say he was not worthy of such honor. That humility was one of the many things that made him so deeply loved.
But today, we celebrate not fame, but faithfulness. We honor not position, but perseverance. We recognize not spotlight, but sacrifice.
My prayer is that this place will serve countless children, teenagers, college students, families, and adults until the Lord returns. May lives be changed here. May hearts be healed here. May young people hear the call of God here. May families be restored here. May the gospel continue to echo from this place for generations.
Tim, Donna, Kimberly, and so many others connected to Rock Haven Ministries have left an eternal imprint on my personal life, my spiritual journey, and my ministry. It is one of the great joys of my life to be counted among the friends and ministry partners of this wonderful work.
Today, I also gladly recommit myself and Your Turn Ministries to this partnership that glorifies the Lord and seeks to make an eternal difference.
So today, we celebrate. We remember. We give thanks.
And as we dedicate this building, may we also dedicate ourselves anew to the mission Tim loved so dearly: serving God, serving people, and changing lives through Jesus Christ.
Thank you.
