I grew up in a rural farm community in Maryland. Every Sunday, our family attended a United Methodist Church. We sat in the second pew on the right side, went to Sunday School, participated in most of the church functions, and had a wonderful time. I was baptized as a baby and confirmed (a member) in the church at a young age, having completed a course on the beliefs of Christianity and professed my beliefs in front of the church.

I continued to attend the same church until I left for college at N.C. State University in 1984. During college, I forgot about the little church, (forgot about studying) and had a genuine good time. Shortly after college (a 7 year venture comprising of two schools in two states, 170 credits, and a B.S. in Business Management), I started Spectrum Products with my lovely wife. During that first year in 1991, came across a Christian radio program called Insight For Living, featuring the speaking of Charles Swindoll. Everything he talked about reminded me of the Christian education that I had received in that little farm church in Maryland.

But, one thing that he talked about was a personal relationship with the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I realized that throughout my childhood, I was going through the motions of a Christian without actually knowing the Lord. The Bible promises that those who seek Him shall find Him, and during that same year, I turned my life over to Christ, asking Him to direct my actions, thoughts and body, giving me the strength to live my life as He wants it to be.

Since that time, I have continued to study the Bible daily and absorb good teaching from other books and radio programs. I have developed a relationship and faith in a Savior (that I cannot see or audibly hear) through prayer and careful sensitivity toward His direction. I have watched this company grow by means outside my own power. I have seen his unmistakable hand in events in my life and business.

The Bible clearly states that as a believer in Christ as my personal Savior, giving myself over to Him, I shall possess something that no one can give me - eternal life with Him in Heaven and the power to live as He wants me to. The Bible also clearly states that all Christians tell others about the risen Christ. Christ has chosen to spread the word about Himself through the mouths and writings of Christians. Christians gain nothing from this action, it is simply being obedient to the teachings of Christ.

I am telling you about Christ so that you will have the same opportunity of obtaining eternal life while experiencing the daily renewal and purpose that I have. Christ has given me this business ownership position and I will use it in any way possible to tell others about Him. It is not a requirement that our employees be Christians; many are not. We do not put any message on literature and product that is sold through our distributors. We do not force our beliefs on anyone. We allow everyone to freely choose to read the information we present. When you meet me at a trade show, conduct business with us, or experience our customer service, I hope you experience a Christian owned company.

Jesus Christ came over 2000 years ago, spending 33 years as a man on Earth. His coming was told about in the ancient Jewish books we now call the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the only way to God was through an impossible life of obedience to the written laws of God. Because we are all born sinners (a weakened state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God - Webster's Dictionary), it is impossible to fulfill the Law, therefore making it impossible to reach God. God built this impossible life on purpose - to pave the way for His Son, as the only way to God.

In ancient Jewish law, Jews would sacrifice an animal (usually an unblemished lamb) as reconciliation between God and man. Jesus Christ came to be the final sacrifice, (granting all that believe in Him as the Savior and in the blood sacrifice He made), the bridge between God and man, offering eternal life with God after death. Indeed He was sacrificed on the cross (Gods plan) by the people He came to save. He was resurrected 3 days after being placed in the tomb, appeared to a handful of His followers, and ascended to Heaven. The followers who witnessed this resurrection were given the power to spread the word of Christ in a time when they could be killed for their beliefs. Now, millions of people worldwide have accepted the risen Christ and are living with His power and direction. Will you?

The Christian Bible is the inspired word of God through the pens of men. Many people possess this book without ever having turned it's pages. The Bible passes every test that has been derived necessary to prove a historical document true. Many pass it off as collection of stories, while without question, believing a history book given to them during their schooling. If you will accept this book as a true historical and accurate writing, I challenge you to read it. You will come to understand that no man could write such a book. Believe what you read as truth and make the decision for yourself. Start with the Gospel of John in the New Testament. This book presents the love of Christ for the common person that is easy to understand and offers you the opportunity to believe in faith (without sight or audible hearing) in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you want to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, simply ask Him into your life through a prayer. Ask Him into your heart and to give you the power to live your life as He wants. Admit to Him that you do not have the power, on your own, to live a life free from sin. You do not need to be in a church to accept Christ. You can say this prayer anywhere. After accepting Christ as your Savior, you are guaranteed eternal life after death and the power to live, change and handle your remaining life on Earth while giving you the joy and hope of an eternity with the Savior.

I hope that as you use our Treegator® products and conduct business with us, you will experience a Christian owned company. As a business owner, many of the decisions I face are difficult. I learned a great deal from past mistakes and will continue to learn. I am taking this company forward in the manner I feel directed by God to do.

If you are not a Christian, I hope that you will take a step of faith and believe. It changed my life and my business, and it will change yours as well. If you desire to talk to us about our faith, or to share yours, please contact me or our plant manager, Rob Barton.