Looking back...

Looking back through the journey of these blogs; this was tucked in unpublished in the writings...THIS right here is a nugget of TRUTH that is just as applicable today as it was in 2011 when John penned it and left it there unpublished, unshared, but stirring within him and our family; then AND today.


Each night I find myself thinking about leaving in a week and a half.

Jumping back to the landing in Port Au Prince in October, I had many thoughts of what the months ahead would bring.  

Discipling, leading, directing, etc.  

But God had different plans.  

Instead of growing others I found myself growing in so many areas.

-  Growth in knowing my only hope is Christ in this journey in life.

-  Growth in my marriage.  

-  Growth in my journey as a dad.  

And how did this growth occur?  

Through PRUNING.  

Pruning by cutting away my hidden false securities that I have used to "get by" in my life.  

The last months have been challenging, there has been ups and downs, frustrations and irritations, moments that consisted of little faith...

But let me let you in on a little secret!

This is the journey of Christ followers.

A Season of Fruit

This is what Victory looks like! 

Honestly, I have to blink, pinch myself and smile reflecting on the journey, and it's not over...In some ways, it's just beginning.  The gift that God entrusted us with to disciple, parent, and educate these precious Haitian leaders is a treasure!  As we stand steadfast in prayer for provision for the HoM students, staff and community; we also cling to unwavering hope that finding jobs, future spouses, and their family's continues to ripple through with incredible testimony and tangible faith!

James - Accounting Graduation 2018

   As we seek God's will, there are still times that we rebuke fear of the unknown for the ministry, every life, and continued sustainment but this is NOT one of them - We rejoice in the fruit of obedience!   This May, we are proud to share Miselene Lucas completed her AA Science, James Joseph - Accounting and Jocelyn Jumeau - Business Management from Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas!

Jocelyn - '18 Business Management WC Grad

Miselene - 2018 WC Graduate

Miselene needs prayer to pass the TEAS exam to get in to nursing school.  James hopes to find a job in Haiti doing Accounting, as Alumni Patrick recently did!  Jocelyn looks to a bible college or seminary degree now.  He still hopes to be a pastor in Haiti.  His business degree will prayerfully put food on the table for him and his family and help with sustained economic leadership in the community God calls him to serve but now for spiritual equipping and theology!  What a beautiful season for these three.  They have strived, sacrificed and worked so hard to accomplish these goals and their dreams!  

TK

Then, their little sister Terah Kaye Barnes begins her college journey as she graduates from high school this June!  She will be fourth generation at Tarelton State University, where she received a full academic scholarship!  Her broad worldview has been a catalyst to her faith and determination.  This young warrior is majoring in sports medicine, looking toward to a future impacting those around her through Physical Therapy.

2018 THS Terah Barnes

2018 - CSUB Graduate Mama Christi Barnes

While pastoring SSCC, John is currently writing a devotional that he hopes to get published in the next year...
Last, but not least, myself, Christi, also graduates with a social work concentration completed from California State University. I continue to pursue my graduate degree in Marriage/Family Therapist professional counseling. As a pastor's wife, missionary, foster/adopt & bio mama; this degree that God has called me to, will only strengthen our life's calling and passion. My heart still yearns to be used in the mission field of human trafficking, but for now, resting in this season of equipping, bask in God's goodness and graciousness of the House of Moses family!