MARCH 2010
MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH
RICK AND MERCY BARNES – SERVING IN MEXICO
Rick and Mercy Barnes have worked with the Dios con Nosotros (God With Us) Baptist Convention in Baja, California, Mexico since 2002. Their ministry in Baja includes leadership development for new church planting, teaching at the Seminary, and working with short-term mission groups from the United States. Their ministry includes Mexicali, Tecate, Ensenada, San Luis and Tijuana.
Rick and Mercy are part of the faculty of the Dios con Nosotros Seminary located in Mexicali. They teach courses in church planting, church history, church organization, pastoral ministry and discipleship. They also shepherd short-term mission teams and facilitate continuing education for church leaders.
The Barnes’ philosophy in teaching students or developing mission teams is to provide active support and encouragement, while not controlling how things are done or ministry is conducted. “When we work with a couple in the formative stages of a mission,” says Rick, “we have a good deal of input with that couple as we support and encourage them. We help them look at things from a different perspective, and we encourage them as they try different ways to reach their community. We are there to encourage them in the joyous and difficult times of ministry.”
Early-on, the Barnes’ explain there comes a time when students and church planters need to be able to “fly on their own.” Mistakes may be made along the way, but creativity will bloom and ministry will happen in a way that is genuine and right for that community. “We work at building up the indigenous folk so they can share Christ and do ministry in ways that are their own,” says Rick. “It’s hard to let go, but when ministry flourishes in amazing ways it’s affirmation that the good work we had something to do with will be carried to completion.”
Mercy Barnes is encouraged by short-term mission teams that give of their time and talents to communities in Mexicali. She has seen team members go into one of the city squares to feed the homeless every Saturday morning. Those receiving the food are so grateful and those serving it seem so full of joy. She says, “The act of giving our time, our talents and our treasure helps us forget about our own problems and shortcomings. It helps us get a little closer to the One who gave it all; our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”
Rick and Mercy Barnes are one of three teams receiving support through the Bellevue Heights Mission Department. Individuals also are encouraged to help support them, as they must raise a substantial portion of the funds needed to keep them on the mission field. Prayer and support cards for them are available on the Mission Bulletin Board in Franklin Hall.
