Barber’s Blog: The Reason for My Passion

By now, everyone knows that the legendary evangelist Billy Graham recently went home to Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but I was captivated by the media coverage.  I watched the television special, listened to his sermons before bed and to and from work for a couple of weeks.  At one point, my wife and kids actually laughed at me.  Eventually, I asked myself why I was so drawn in.  It was his passion, commitment and simple message.  For eight decades, his message was the heart of John 3:16: “God loves you.  He loves you with an everlasting love.”

Like Billy, at IM we share a simple and focused commitment to a higher calling.  We’re passionate about the work to which God has called us: to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   His love is embedded in everything we do – weekly chapel services, prayer times, resident activities and outings, meal times, nursing and supportive care services, staff and leadership meetings, even the “by chance” interactions in the hallways.  As well, it’s His love that motivated the creation of this summer’s camp series at Inspiration Retreat Center, Camp Thrive . . . to offer fun, yet intentional opportunities to share the love of Christ.

Our work is not without its challenges, including finding talented, like-minded people who believe what we do about the limitless value of people with disabilities and having the resources to do the work we believe we are called to do.  However, we are committed to living out Micah 6:8: “Do Mercy. Love Justice. Walk Humbly.”   This verse calls for action and I can assure you, we are moving purposefully.  We are trusting God every step of the way.

Billy Graham was once asked about the secret of his effectiveness. He said, “The secret of my work is God.  I would be nothing without Him.”

At IM, we would be nothing without Him.  God’s good hand is at work here and your partnership makes an impact.   You are advancing the gospel message here, meeting basic needs while helping people achieve their very best.  We would covet your prayers.

Sincerely,

Erik Barber, President

P.S. I’d love to hear from you. Contact me anytime at ebarber@ www.inspirationministries.org or 262.275.6131