About Us : :

The Barkman family consists of Gaylord, Celesta, Cherie, Zach, Christy, Trevor, Michael and Chloe. This blog will chronicle their adventures as they move from Ohio to the land of Thailand.

 

GAYLORD and CELESTA …

… were married on April 10th, 1992. Their dream was to raise a godly family and serve in missions wherever God placed them. Gaylord has been the associate pastor of Christian Life Mennonite church (Beach City, Ohio) for eleven years and has worked for Buckeye Veal Services since 1995.  Following the move to Thailand in January 2013, God’s call for him will be to pastor the staff and students of iGo (Institute for Global Opportunities) for the foreseeable future. Celesta is a stay-at-home, home school mom who loves her mission as a wife and mother. One of their favorite bible passages is Philippians 3:10-11:

  “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any  means, I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.”

 

CHERíE Clarae …

… is nineteen and graduated in 2011. She is happiest when with her family, and her friends, and can’t think of anything she’d rather do than spend quality time or go on adventures with them. As special as being with loved ones to her is meeting new people and discovering their stories. Her passion is Jesus bringing light to dark places, raising up godliness and making a difference through her. One of her favorite bible passages is 2 Corinthians 2:15,17:

  “For we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. We are not, as so many, peddling the Word of God; but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”

 

ZACHARY Raymont …

… is seventeen and graduated in 2012. In Ohio he worked at Swiss Valley Fence for two summers and in Thailand will be studying the native language and becoming involved in whatever ministry opportunities he can. He enjoys leading worship with music, learning about creation, exploring the outdoors and playing sports with his brothers and friends. His passion is truth–fighting for it and proclaiming it to the world. One of his favorite bible passages is Psalm 40:2,3:

  “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth–praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”

 

CHRISTINA Celise (left) …

… is sixteen and in 11th grade. She loves adventures, journaling, coffee shops, music,  reading and bright colors, as well as almost everything else. Children have a special place in her heart and she enjoys any kids’ ministry. Some of her dreams are to travel the world, work at an orphanage, learn a different language and write a book. Her passion is people. One of her favorite bible passages is 2 Corinthians 12:9:

  “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

 

TREVOR Wesley …

… is fourteen and in ninth grade. He is athletic and loves playing almost any sport with his brothers and friends. He also enjoys making things with his hands and will even venture into the kitchen to hone his chef skills every now and then. His passion is to make an impact in the world for the cause of Christ. One of his favorite bible passages is Romans 8:11:

  “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

 

MICHAEL Brady …

… is eleven and in fifth grade. Everything he does is done with all his energy and his ardor is envied by many! His hobbies are anything active, with anyone who will join him. He enjoys music a lot and can often be heard singing at the top of his lungs or pounding out a new tune on the piano. He’s a great source of entertainment to his older siblings and a wonderful big brother to Chloe. His passion is to make a difference. One of his favorite bible passages, like his dad and mom,  is Philippians 3:10:

  “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death …”

 

CHLOE Chantelle …

… is seven and in second grade. Her favorite people are her family, and any person or animal is quickly welcomed as a friend by her. She likes to make up songs and stories, play with her pets and dolls, be with friends, and bake cookies. Her favorite song is “Amazing Grace.” Her passion is to tell people about God, and one of her favorite verses is Psalm 91:1:

  “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”