Friday, September 12, 2014

Every Sunday afternoon at 4:00, Mission Arlington®’s Bible Study workers gather to worship together and encourage each other after their morning services in the community.  Barbara did not attend the first 4:00 meeting 29 years ago, but she was there for the second.

Barbara always felt called to missions.  She wanted to share Christ with the world.  When she shared her feelings with Tillie Burgin, Tillie suggested she come see what God was beginning at Mission Arlington.

Over the past three decades, Barbara has taught Bible Study in several apartment communities.  She currently lives in the complex where she ministers which means she is neighbors with all her church members.  The church building is the clubhouse of the apartment complex.

This living arrangement gives her opportunities to be with her people when they need her most.  For example, one night last month she was startled by a phone call and a simultaneous knock on her front door.  It was a message that a church member’s mother had suddenly passed away.

Barbara wanted to visit and pray with the family, and all she had to do was put her shoes on and walk across the courtyard.  By the time she got there, four other members were already there, comforting the bereaved daughter. “Our church was already being a church to her,” Barbara says.

Barbara not only teaches Bible Study with Mission Arlington®.  She is also on staff full-time.  You will likely see her “outback” taking donations and helping load trucks with furniture for delivery.  She says, “Even on my worst day, I know what God has called me to do. That’s my anchor.”  She’s found a place where she can work, minister, and live among the people – all for the glory of God.