Ministry in Powell River
by Mike Barkman
Our world was turned upside down this year with the arrival of our beautiful baby boy, Elijah Hesed Barkman, born on May 9. He has had many health problems since he was born. We have made 8 trips down to Children's Hospital in Vancouver, 4 of them for him to be admitted for different reasons. But this is not about him. It's about what God is doing in and through us all, by using him in our lives. Make no mistake, most days we feel like we've been through the meat grinder. But there's a glimmer, an underlying hope, a reason to keep believing that it is going to be okay, no matter what the outcome is. And that's because God is good.
This trial has opened our eyes to a much bigger world that is out there. First, it's a world of pain. There are so, so many sick babies and children out there, so, so many hurting parents who would gladly carry the burden for their children if they could. Second, it's a world of wealth, both of knowledge and resources. Children's Hospital has an amazing network of people working together for the good of each child, and we are so thankful for them. Third, it's a world of love. Walking through a crisis has called us to reach out, and rely on others. Many of you have offered prayers on our son's behalf. Some of you have cried, cooked, babysat, hugged, supported and walked with us each step of the way. Fourth, God doesn't want us to journey alone. Often when we have felt the most despair, the most alone, the most worried, God has sent some kind of encouragement, either through an email, a pop-in visitor who offers a prayer, or just a word from somebody who has been praying for us. Fifth, God is good. Without him there is no hope. Although we've struggled so much these last 6 months, God has always been there. He has provided. He has protected. He has loved. He has embraced us. He is our 'refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear...' (Psalm 46). And finally, it's not about us. God has broken us through this journey. We have wept many tears for our precious little boy. We've felt sad, alone, worried, and angry, but it's not about us! This isn't the Mike and Sherri story, nor is it the Elijah story. This is all about God, and what He is doing in the midst of our weakness. It is all about His kingdom, and His will for our lives, even in our brokenness, even in our sin, and may He be glorified through it all!
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best - as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Mathew 6, The Message
