Grand Valley State University"Make followers of Christ:
...go
...baptize
...teach
...trust.
"...For such a time as this."
Matthew 28:19,20 and Esther 4:14
Ron and Jackie both graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Ron majored in Pastoral Training with Christian Education and took every available class on evangelism and preaching that his electives would allow. Jackie majored in Church Music with a vocal performing arts emphasis and took every opportunity for social development that her spare time would allow!
Jackie continued her education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated with a BA in Education. She took a job as a kindergarten teacher in Arkansas and later in Michigan after she married Ron. Ron continued his interests in evangelism and follow-up by training Christians in the local church using both Evangelism Explosion and the The Navigators "Bridge to Life" approaches.
Ron's interest in sharing his faith began in high school where he experienced, seemingly, complete failure in effective communication of the good news of Jesus Christ. Larry Ostwald, a student trained by another Christian involved with The Navigators, took interest in Ron and helped him develop better communication skills so others could hear, understand, and believe for the first time in Ron?s life! Then Larry challenged Ron to equip others who could also train others also. Navigator DNA blood was forever transferred and spiritual generations had begun!
The Barkers are excited to see the current footprints of God in leading them to expand their part-time to full-time ministry beginning at Grand Valley State University and then to the other 140+ college campus of Michigan. To read more about Ron and Jackie's call and vision to full-time ministry with The Navigators, visit their website at
www.bridge2God.info/Barkers4Jesus.
