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Looking back through the journey of these blogs; this was tucked in unpublished in the writings...THIS right here is a nugget of TRUTH that is just as applicable today as it was in 2011 when John penned it and left it there unpublished, unshared, but stirring within him and our family; then AND today.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

God's Love Story is being Written as Life narratives are being changed for God's Glory!

A Story of Connection Beyond Imagination  This year, we approach seven years for House of Moses!  As I look back, I would never have imagined seeing the students spiritually grow and nurture into the fine men and women they have become today.  The planning/organizing side of me then said “how will we do this?  Who will help us?  Is this possible?”  We want so much for God to lay the ‘plan’ out in front of us, what’s the five year outlook, how about next week or next month?  Jesus never promised us that nor does the bible reference it.  Jesus simply said “I am the way”.  John 14:6 About three years ago, my wife Cyndi was able to join me on one of my trips to Haiti.  It was her first mission experience and a wonderful blessing for us as a married couple to go together.  It was then we met Ruth, a beautiful young lady who asked for help at the mission because she had severe pain in her arm.  Ruth arrived shortly after we landed to be seen by Cyndi who is an RN.  Ruth was scared, as many Haitians see tragedy and sickness to have sad endings.  Cyndi reassured her that it was likely minor but that surgery would be needed to help her. We continued to spend time with Ruth, getting to know her since she was a student at Sonlight across the street.  We felt drawn to her family and really began to understand the Haitian family unit if you will.  Ruth lived with her parents and two brothers in the area.  She was precious and humble in every way, quiet in her presence yet projecting a love that was contagious.  She loved Jesus very much and began attending bible studies at HOM. School is not free in Haiti and we felt led to support Ruth through her high school years, relieving some pressure from her family.  I made a couple of visits back over the next couple of years and we maintained contact through Facebook and handwritten letters Ruth would send back with me or the Barnes.  It was always a treasure to read her letters and it blew me away how good her English was both written and verbally. In May of 2017, we saw Ruth graduate High School in Haiti!  She finished 4th in her class with so much potential and a desire to be a nurse.  Her best chance for that was in the States, but how?  Where is the plan? Could it work?  Here I go again… Through generous giving and support of many along with her incredible host home sponsor, Ruth is thriving in California beginning her second semester of college in Bakersfield, California.   She finished her first semester with nearly a 4.0 GPA.  We brought Ruth to visit us for a week just before Christmas here in Texas.  I can’t express enough how precious this time was for us, her presence was so warming and redeeming for us from some experiences in our past.  She fondly refers to us as Mom & Dad and we call her our daughter.  Words can’t express how surreal it was after multiple visits with her in Haiti, being in her home, having dinner with her family and then to have her in OUR home after all these years.  I watched Cyndi and Ruth in awe, they had the best time doing mother/daughter things.  They have such a special bond together now. The board of directors and I firmly appreciate each of you whom receive our letters.  House of Moses exists because of faithfulness and obedience through Jesus…there is no other way and you are a part of that too.  Our work is not done, and we appreciate your continued support for these students but also, John & Christi Barnes.  They are followers for Christ and walk diligently day by day to fulfill His will with a smile and joy in their hearts.  Please know that you make a difference. Blessings to you and your families this New Year. In Him, Steve Green President, House of Moses http://www.houseofmoses.tv/donate