Barkman's Commissioning

Sunday, May 20th, 2012. a very special day in the life of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, BC but an extra special day in the lives of the Barkman family.

Having just added a brand new little one to their family, Makai Siegfried Bartel Barkman on April 3, 2012, the celebrations started with a Parent/Child Dedication.

Parent/Child Dedication - officiating is Pastor April Yamasaki.

But that was only the beginning!

What followed was a very moving commissioning and the sending of a young family into the Mission Field of the Philippines. The sermon was based on Ephesians 2:17-3:2. Very appropriate worship songs were chosen, such as "Praise, I will praise you Lord", "Will you let me be your servant" and "Here I am, Lord" just to name a few.

Emmanuel Mennonite Church was very happy to see the many visitor, family and friends that came to support the Barkman family on this special occasion.

Family and supporting friends gather for a group picture.

After the morning service everyone was invited to a potluck lunch and the celebration continued!

Had an opportunity to take a picture with the
Barkmans for Mennonite Women Canada.
(The  baby  was with  Grandma)

In March, Mennonite Women Canada chose the Barkman Family as one of 2 families that will be supported for the next 3 years through the "Pennies & Prayer Inheritance Fund" (PPIF). This is an endowment fund which is intended "to enhance the involvement of women in MC Canada Mission Work". 

They will each receive $2,500 per year.

"The projects are chosen with the hope that the women working in them will feel that there is a supportive community of women that cares about them and their work, both financially and with prayer." Liz Koop - President, Mennonite Women Canada

The announcement about the Barkmans having been chosen as the recipients for the PPIF funds was also made at the MCBC Women's Ministry "Inspirational Day" on May 5th at Bethel Mennonite Church. 

"We trust that as you, Christina and Darnell, together with you sons Cody & Makai, embark on this journey, you will feel the prayers and support of  family, friends and also the many women from across Canada who make up Mennonite Women Canada."      

May God richly bless you and your family!

           Liz Koop and the Executive Committee of Mennonite Women Canada.

You can also follow the Barkman's Philippine Mission adventures on Facebook. Click here!