News & Photos

On February 25 & 26, United Rescue Alliance will be hosting a Life Languages™ Workshop at Camp Barkeley. While there is no charge for the workshop, participants will need to take the Kendall Life Languages Profile™ online prior to the class and print out their profile report to bring with them. The cost of the personal profile is $49. In this 6 hour class, participants will learn about each of the 7 Life Languages™ in its pure form and how individuals uniquely utilize these to give and receive communication.

For more information and to register for the workshop, please contact Sara Johnson at sara.johnson@unitedrescuealliance.org .

Life Languages™ Workshop

February 25 & 26, 2021

6:00-9:00pm

Camp Barkeley, Abilene, TX

About Edna Riley, PhD.:

Edna Riley is a speaker, seminar leader and certified trainer focusing on God’s Original Design for relationships; healing and restoration, character development, personal development, spiritual growth and effective communication.

Edna is a member of the Iris Abilene Senior Leadership Team, Senior Trainer and director of the Restoring The Foundations Training Center at Camp Barkeley Training and Equipping Center. She is a Life Languages™ Ind. Senior Communication Coach. Edna conducts workshops and training internationally.

She has served diverse communities across the nation as an educator in the public sector serving as teacher, school counselor and administrator. Her Doctorates in Educational Psychology and Clinical Pastoral Counseling, coupled with extensive ministry as teacher, mentor, biblical counselor, deliverance minister and life coach give her a unique holistic approach to how we view God, ourselves, others and life. Edna is an ordained minister and has served the church for over 30 years. Her sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit promises fresh and relevant revelation.

Sig Swanstrom is a well known author with a passion on sharing preparedness tips with the world. He has been a friend to URA and Camp Barkeley for many years. This month, we had the privilege to host Sig at Camp Barkeley so he could share more about practical tips for preparedness with our teams. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, and activating the necessary tools to e prepared. We welcomed Mr. Swanstrom and several of URA's key partners including Watts of Love and TheOne Kafè.

TENNESSEE TORNADO RESPONSE- MARCH 2020 UPDATE

March 2020 is not a month many will ever forget.
We are faced with challenging times as we seek the Lord how to navigate huge changes in the normal way we are used to doing life. Despite the challenges and the changes, there is also the knowledge that God is in control, nothing takes Him by surprise, and that He always has a good plan for our lives! There is an excitement in the air of what is to come as God’s glory is released in greater and greater measures.
Some changes for us include the evacuation and arrival of United Rescue Alliance volunteers from the Bahamas, with most of them now making Camp Barkeley (URA HQ) their temporary base and home. We are so thankful for their service in the Bahamas and it is a pleasure to welcome them to Abilene while next steps are evaluated. Their hearts to serve have already been a blessing to our local community as efforts are being made to seek out how we can best support Texas 211 - A Call For Help when so many are looking for answers.
Before restrictions were in place, on March 2nd -3rd, a series of large tornadoes touched down in West and Middle Tennessee. 26 people were killed and more than 300 were injured. The affects were devastating and widespread, with some homes completely demolished. Iris Abilene and some volunteers were blessed to partner with United Rescue Alliance to send a small team to support local contacts and the wider community in Nashville, Tennessee. Our team was able to help with clean up efforts, train and support others to connect with local communities to offer assistance, offer Watts of Love lights, and help a local church with meal deliveries.

While helping with cleanup of fallen trees and construction debris, our team had the privilege of praying with a homeowner who had sustained damage to her rental property. She was there working alongside many volunteers cleaning up the neighborhood, clearly devastated by the impact of the tornadoes. The emotions of the event were heightened by challenges with getting time off work and a husband with a terminal diagnosis. She was overwhelmed and so very grateful for the outpouring of support, and blessed by the prayers of those who gathered around her.
As an overflow of our service to Nashville, our team had the privilege of supporting one of our local team members at a local church event for the homeless and underprivileged, where she gave her personal testimony of salvation, healing and deliverance. It was a powerful message of hope that was well received by both volunteers and attendees. During the event, our team helped serve a hot meal, give out supplies, and pray for those in attendance. Comments were even made with amazement that people would travel from other states to help in their city’s time of need. It was a beautiful time of fellowship!
We met so many amazing people in Nashville. It was an honor to work alongside the incredible local volunteers and see their energetic response to help those in crisis. In the week following the disaster, it was estimated that over 30,000 volunteers turned out to offer assistance. As always, the buzz of the first days and even weeks after a disaster promotes an atmosphere of coming alongside your neighbor and solidarity. As we are all faced with varied challenges at this time, we ask that you would remember the people of Tennessee in your prayers as many of them still face the reality of the rebuild phase and embrace a new normal for their lives after the tornadoes.
Our prayers are with you all at this time. We pray that we will all keep our eyes on Jesus and call forth His plans and purposes in our individual lives, our communities, and the nations of the world. May His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!

BE EQUIPPED TO MINISTER GOD’S HEALING

Restoring The Foundations (RTF) Training is designed to provide excellent training, qualification, and continued personal healing to those called to become RTF ministers.

Learn to minister God’s truth using RTF’s Integrated Approach to Healing that brings Freedom and Deliverance in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you attend a Training Center or are trained elsewhere, our highly effective trainers will skillfully lead you into ministering God’s love and healing.

June 23,2019

Let’s Do It You’ve come this far! Are you ready to restore your life and relationships? You can—God’s way. Restoring the Foundations is here to help you. Our network of loving, professional ministry teams and trainers can help you through the process of identifying and ministering to the four sources of our problems which affect us all.

TESTIMONY
We are so excited for this new venture in inner-city Abilene at Travis Elementary. 4 acres, and a 3 story school building with a bakery, was donated to us for $1.00.

Four years ago, God showed Norm and Angel, the Founders of Iris Abilene, that this building would be used as a resource and trade school to empower and bring restoration to the community. We look forward to this partnership with other ministries to bring unity, collaboration, and hope for the generations.

We are thanking God for his goodness and the gift that this land will be for the community.

We are so thankful for Beltway Park Church College ministry for them taking time during their spring break to serve and help clean up the school building and the surrounding area. They worked for 2 days, and started the transformation process of the building!

Restoring the Foundations Training September 23rd -- October 17th
It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope. Restoring the Foundations (RTF) provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.

Camp Barkeley Training and Equipping Center is offering an extended training intensive for healing and deliverance featuring Restoring The Foundations Issue-Focused Ministry training and Thorough Format Ministry training in a four-week block of time.

For any questions, contact our team at rtf@campbarkeley.com
For more information & application please visit campbarkeley.rtftraining.org

A tornado has hit within the city limits of Abilene for the first time in recorded history. This is the home of our Iris Relief headquarters, and Iris Abilene Camp Barkeley. We have been serving in this community for many years.

We currently serve as members of the emergency management council for Abilene and the surrounding regions, and are networking with multiple organizations and local authorities to bring the greatest impact and help to those in need.

We are praying for all those affected by this horrific incident and are currently in process of assessing needs to respond in the long term recovery phase. We would appreciate your prayers as many lost many of their belongings, and suffered from damage to their homes.
At least 3 homes have been completely destroyed.
If you know of anyone that needs help, they can email us at info@irisrelief.org or dial 211 for assistance.

ABILENE SHOWS UP!!
Over 130 structures were affected by this F-2 tornado as it passed through early last Saturday morning.
Over 300 volunteers were trained and deployed in disaster response within 36 hours of the initial impact of the storm.
In 7 days time, over 900 volunteers signed up and showed up to help with the relief efforts removing debris, feeding, cuttings trees, and repairing roofs.
Over 3,700 man hours recorded in immediate efforts.
THANK YOU ABILENE!

An update from our team about the month of November,

One Kingdom Prayer Summit

This month we had the privilege of hosting the One Kingdom Prayer Summit at Camp Barkeley. Pastors and Leaders from all over Abilene came together for this one-day event to lift up in prayer some needs identified locally, and to refocus on God’s plans and vision for Abilene. It was a time of joining together with leaders from local churches, non-profits and charities to worship the Lord, fellowship, and stand together as a united prayer front. The focus of the event was not only to talk about current issues, pray and worship, but to also birth in the hearts of all who attended a fresh zeal for the importance of having a heart for prayer. A powerful time of corporate prayer and worship also took place on top of the hill overlooking Abilene.

What an honor it is to join with others across our city to pray in and stand for all that the Lord has planned for us individually and corporately. May His Kingdom come and be established here in Abilene Texas and the surrounding areas!

From deployment, to planting for development in the Bahamas

Iris Relief, in conjunction with United Rescue Alliance, is planning and implementing new goals to support the next phase of rebuilding and rehabilitation on Grand Bahama Island. Representatives from our team have been working in the Bahamas since the devastation that took place in September with Hurricane Dorian, the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Bahamas. To offer longer term support, we now have a dedicated family who have relocated to Grand Bahama Island to support this next phase, and host other teams who want to offer their support as well. Jace and Sara Johnson, along with their three teenage girls, are now based on the west end of Grand Bahama Island, though relief efforts will continue to take placed from this side of the island all the way to the far east end which suffered the most devastation and loss.
The first team hosted this month by our team was Mountain and Sea Adventures, from Catalina Island. Marine Biologists who were apart of the team gave another perspective of the huge impact the hurricane has had on the natural environment. This visiting team were able to educate our team about the local wildlife as they partnered with them in the continuing process of beach clean up to support environmental development.

This past month, relief efforts have also continued through the distribution of solar lights, food, and supplies, along with assisting other organizations to get resources into the hands of the local people who have been so grateful for the outpouring of support. As our team continues to minister to the needs of local communities, they are seeing the healing power of the Lord touch the local Bahamian people in very tangible ways! What an honor it is to be able to not only offer physical aid, but to also offer people emotionally and spiritually care at a time when it is so needed.

We are so very grateful for all those who have served with Iris Relief in the Bahamas these past few months, and we are delighted that we now have a family based there, through United Rescue Alliance, that has a passion to see God’s Kingdom come to harder to reach places. Relief efforts will continue with the goal to see the Bahamian people thriving both physically, emotionally and spiritually. There is always hope when Jesus is in the picture!

Happy Holidays

Here in America, the holiday season is marked with great celebrations. Parties with friends and family leading up to grand dinners with all the bells and whistles. Homes are decorated and the atmosphere carries anticipation and joy. We all have our own stories about the holidays, some good, some may be difficult, and some filled with memories that will be passed down to the next generation. In all cultures, stories are told to remember the past and acknowledge the impact past events have on our lives. Some stories are good, even grand, and fill us with hope. Other stories reveal life’s challenges and may leave us full of stirred emotions, and even leave us with a determination to do things differently on our watch. Each of us have our own stories, and all our stories are significant to the Lord, every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence and even every word. But the stories that should forever impact us the most are those stories with His imprint. His stories have always, and will always, be a part of our stories.

His stories impact every person, for all generations, the question is how! Will we allow His stories to have the impact on our lives that He has planned? Will we allow His stories to become our stories as we journey life together with the Lord?

This holiday season, our hope is that we will all see His stories in our stories, that His stories will fill us with hope and joyful expectation for what is ahead. May we truly allow His stories to define our stories, His Life to define our lives, and we pray that His love totally overwhelms and defines every person this holiday season! Happy Holidays from all of us at Iris Abilene/Iris Relief.

Join. Our. Mission.
We want to partner with you in bringing God's light into the world during this holiday season and for years to come. There are so many ways that you can contribute to the work we are doing to impact these people's lives. Visit our website to see how to get involved.

2018 was a beautiful year full of the faithfulness of God, and seeing Him do what only He can do through our lives.

In 2018 we launched our third Iris Global School with the emphasis of crisis response and disaster training with chaplaincy. The Iris Relief Leaders School equipped twenty students, from around the world, over a nine-week course. The school began in Puerto Rico and was completed with an outreach in Belize. Additional trainings in Guatemala in partnership with a 20,000 member church, Casa De Dios. During this school, we trained and partnered with South Hills Church, Watts of Love, Kabod International, NEMO, FEMA, Guatemalan / Belizean military, HUMANA, and ZAKA Search and Rescue. At the close of this training, one hundred and fifty volunteers were equipped with the tools necessary to respond in crisis and disaster.

In September, Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry kicked off to a great start with over 20 students participating in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year. The students are being equipped to walk in their identity in Christ and to be sent out into the world. Many are being set free, healed, and are learning how to be great leaders in their communities.

In addition to the usual church retreats, and pastors finding rest at the Retreat Center, we have hosted some rather large events. We had the honor of hosting the Revive Texas team, and joining them for a week long outreach to the city of Abilene and the surrounding communities. In 8 days, the ReviveTX team saw God move like never before in the work of salvation! There were 663 salvations in 8 days, 1,360 times that people hit the streets, 5,081 Bibles given out in Abilene, 12,700 wristbands passed out, 22 baptisms, and many people were healed. It was beautiful to partner with them and many churches for this event.

God has been continually at work at Camp Barkeley! Over the past year, we have hosted over 45 events accounting for over 650 people, representing over 8 nations. The Lord is using our ministry team, partners and facilities to see His people restored, equipped and mobilized to serve.


In September, over 20 individuals from all over the world, traveled to Camp Barkeley to be equipped in our annual Restoring the Foundations Training. In addition to this seminar, two of our team members became trainers, and one was named a ‘Trainer of Trainers’. This ministry service is allowing for individuals to have their hearts restored, be equipped in how to serve others, and then sent to their spheres of influence to transform the world for Christ.

Our partnerships here in Abilene have continued to grow! We hosted two community worship nights and local pastors and city leaders gathered again at Camp Barkeley for One Kingdom’s Prayer Summit. We also had the honor of hosting the Revellers Group who paid tribute to the veterans that trained at Camp Barkeley in the 1940’s. God has continued to bless our ministry and expand our borders.

Speaking of expanding borders, we are excited to announce that we have received some new property. What was the old Travis Elementary School in inner-city Abilene, will now be used by Iris Abilene to bless the community.

Four years ago, God showed Norm and Angel, the Founders of Iris Abilene, that this building would be used as a resource to empower and bring restoration to the community. We look forward to this partnership with other ministries to bring unity, collaboration, and hope for the generations. The best part is this three story school building, with a bakery, sits on four acres, and it was donated to us for $1.00. We are thanking God for his goodness and the gift that this land will be for many.

In 2017 we projected a 3-5 year plan, and launched our building campaign to remodel the dorm rooms and buildings at Camp Barkeley. We are happy to share with you that we are right on schedule. This December, four of our dorm buildings received a face lift with brand new front facings, windows, air conditioning units, new flooring, walls, and LED lighting to make our guests’ stay, even more bright.

This past year was amazing, and we thank you again for your gift and partnership. We look forward to serving with you in the future and sharing what God does this coming year.
For His Kingdom,

Dr. Norm & Angel Poorman
Iris Abilene Camp Barkeley
Founders & CEO

IRIS RELIEF DEPLOYMENT
Panama City, Florida. USA. 2018

What kind of disaster happened? Hurricane Michael
Who was impacted? Florida, Georgia, East Coast
Where are we deploying? Panama City, Florida
Dates of deployment? November 19th- 21st, 2018

November 19- 21, 2018
Our Iris Relief disaster response team arrived in Panama City and immediately were thrusted into disaster upon looking at the destruction from the landfall of Hurricane Michael. Many homes were destroyed, businesses and supermarkets were without roofs, and churches closed for worship services. In the midst of this darkness, we found light. A beautiful Catholic church located in Springfield, just East of Panama City named St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, opened up it’s doors, hearts, and parking lot to help those in need. With a distribution center started within 48 hours after the storm, many found a refuge in receiving canned goods, cleaning kits, and a warm smile as they drove through the lines. This distribution center served on average 6,000 people daily with supplies, and served around 10,000 hot meals every day.

We partnered with Trusted World and Rick Caywood Ministries to provide a full 18 wheeler with supplies to restock this distribution center. Pallets and pallets of food, water, and other items were dispersed to many in need. One particular item given was a water filtration system that provides clean water for over a year to a family. Many are still without the necessities over a month since the storm. Our team also had the opportunity to disperse Watts of Love solar powered lights to individuals who did not have electricity, or a home at all.
Our team stayed at Dogwood Acres Presbyterian Camp, just 40 minutes north of the coast of Florida. Although they were more inland, there was still a significant amount of damage to the 450 acres, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

We are so thankful to partner with such great organizations who have a heart to love those in need, expressed in many different ways. Giving a cup of water, a mop, boxes of food, serving a hot meal, or bagging oranges can truly save a life and give hope. We encourage everyone to be involved in recovery efforts, in some way.

CATEGORY OF DEPLOYMENT & PRACTICAL RESPONSE
Crisis Response

• Set up/ assist with distribution center to provide essential resources:
  food, water, hygiene kits, toiletries, gas cans, baby needs, miscellaneous items, gatorade, cleaning supplies, water filtration systems provided by ‘Just Water’ etc.
• Distribute Solar powered lights to those in need of electricity provided by ‘Watts of Love’.
• Serve Thanksgiving Day meal items to local families.

Chaplaincy

• Deploy Disaster Spiritual Care teams to bring hope, love, and life through practical listening, praying, and processing.

OUR PARTNERS - Watts of Love, Florida Voad, FEMA, Trusted World, Global Samaritan Resources, LOWES, Caywood Ministries, Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church, Catholic Charities, and some amazing donors.

The inaugural Iris Relief School – RS-1 – has just completed its nine-week training of its class of 20 students from around the world (Norway, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa and all throughout the United States). Each week was filled with key trainings – deep dives learning about Kingdom Ways, restoring His foundation of truth in everyone’s life and getting to serve and go on amazing outreaches while enjoying the beauty of Puerto Rico and Belize. Some of the adventures included: painting a home of a Maria Hurricane widow survivor in the Mountains of Puerto Rico, building relationships with a pastor who needed us as much as we needed him, sharing Watts of Love to those living without electricity and other basic life amenities in Puerto Rico and Belize. Our journey was capped with a visit by Papa Mel Tari who came for our class graduation and send-off, however, we took advantage of his visit by sharing him with the nation of Belize. His revival anointing was timely for the vision and purposes of the nation of Belize and for our RS-1 school. He called this team forth as a special ops team and, with his blessing, our training ends and we are each opening new doors into our life destinies. God’s dreams are becoming our dreams!

RS-1: THE FIRST SCHOOL AND STUDENTS
Students came from almost every continent beginning June 10, 2018. The initial group of 20 pioneers along with Iris Leaders came from New Zealand, South Africa, Norway, Puerto Rico, and from coast to coast throughout the United States. Only God could have set-up the unique skills, backgrounds, experience and gifts that this group of 20 would bring to the table. Each individual layed down their lives in many ways – setting aside the known -- education, family, friends, corporate jobs – and placed this season of their lives in the hands of the Father. They set their hearts to learn what relief looks like thru his eyes and learn what he is feeling and seeing for the nations.

MOVING THE SCHOOL FROM TEXAS TO PUERTO RICO
Executive Directors Norm and Angel Poorman felt led to move this first school from Texas to a land where relief was needed: Puerto Rico. God asked her to lay down her baby in Abilene and pick up a crying baby, Puerto Rico. After counsel with the Iris Relief Board and Iris Global Boards, all felt confirmation that RS-1 should be moved. Puerto Rico is still in recovery mode since Hurricane Maria in 2017. And, in doing so, it opened doors for enhanced ministry, growth and learning. Puerto Ricans were able to be a part of the school and we learned much from them and they helped provide direct in-roads to be able to identify families without electricity in key areas in the central part of the island.

THE TRAINING
Each of the nine weeks of training was created and intentionally coordinated to help create a solid foundation and prepare the students for future waves of learning. RS-1 Director, Dr. Linda Tånevik and Administrative Leader, Lauran Hassell showed their leadership skills in amazing ways and helped the school adapt the learning and application opportunities with grace. With each wave, the leadership facilitated cultures of trust, learning and love. The students would need each of the nine weeks to allow the process to fully work. It opened hearts and created increased capacity to love in each one.

The school included curriculum and sessions that included: more than 15 unique teachings on Kingdom Ways by Rodney Hogue and Shelli Presley, Kendall Life Languages and Restoring the Foundation (RTF) Issue-Focused Training by Dr. Edna Riley and Dot and Chris Hall. By the end of these first two weeks, most everyone was feeling like they had signed up for boot camp for the heart. The sessions flowed from one into the other smoothly and, simultaneously, the students were also learning how to live and flow in community. The relationships built were life-changing and life-giving for a season, and, some for life.

While the students came for one thing (relief training), everyone walked away with much, much more. The FEMA Community Emergency Response Training Level 1 (led by FEMA-Certified Trainer Paul Cull with clearance at the highest level at the UN) and CPR Certification Training (led by Dr. Linda Tånevik and Dr. Brenda Jones) fulfilled a foundational part of the answer for relief training. Together with FEMA CERT, the RTF training allowed the students to see how the practical and the spiritual come together in a meaningful way. It truly is the heart of the Father to show people what love looks like in ways that include the practical as well as the spiritual and emotional. It’s always excellence and “both/and” in the Kingdom! Marci and Steve Fish came to the school during the final week in Puerto Rico and continued teaching the pouring into and ministering to each student through a time of prophetic ministry. It was a great conclusion prior to deployment as they called us up and sent us out to walk out what we just learned and touch the nations.

PRACTICAL SERVICE AND PARTNERSHIP WITH WATTS OF LOVE
Practical opportunities to serve and stop for the one included traveling into the mountains of Puerto Rico to help a widow paint her home which had sustained tremendous damage from Hurricane Maria, a storm in her life that also took the life of her husband and son. Iris Relief, in partnership with Nancy Economou, the CEO and Founder of Chicago-based Watts of Love, had amazing opportunities to provide solar lights and serve the greatest needs in Puerto Rico where many are still suffering without electricity.
The school built a relationship with local pastor, Dollian Pastoriza and his wife Cristal at South Hills Church. We came along side this leader, attended services and poured into their ministry and got to experience his love for his community in basketball games and in building a rooftop gathering area at the church. The Iris Relief team accepted him as a spiritual father and was able to fully receive ministry, love and impartation from him. We also grew to know and love Mark and Becky Potterbaum, an amazing family with a heart for Puerto Rico.

Through a strategic relationship, Mark and Becky invited our school to use their newly leased living space where our first school community lived for the initial seven weeks. The space was lovely and came with a nearby beach and food and retail amenities. It was an amazing answer to prayer and still, the Father had more he would supernaturally supply in the few days prior to the students’ arrival. The Potterbaums, the church, the local Embassy Suites Hotel, the Glory Ship, and Southwest Airlines Cargo rallied around our effort to bring relief and brought us some as well. It was amazing to see how our basic needs for the students were covered, including: couches, chairs, tables, beds, mattresses, shipment of our van, and administrative and kitchen supplies from Texas.

PREPARTION FOR DEPLOYMENT TO BELIZE
After initial training and the next level training to be FEMA Cert trainers and an RTF Issue-Focused ministers, it was time for application and deployment. On July 28, 2018 the school moved into a two-week deployment and application of the training in Punta Gorda, Belize.

OUTREACH AND KABOD INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
We left PR at 3 am and arrived into Punta Gorda at 9 pm after a six-hour school bus ride. A beautiful relationship with Iris Relief and John and Lisa Gotz and Kabod International was forged five years ago
because their Kingdom vision runs in the same stream. Iris Relief used the Gotz’s hotel property they manage for the 20 students along an ocean front. And, the FEMA CERT and RTF training occurred at Camp Machaca, a summer campground for Belizean children and youth. Dr. Edna Riley and Lynn Eldridge led our RTF training sessions.

Upon arrival into Belize, we sent the students and leaders out immediately via deployments to Punta Negra Island (via one-hour boat ride) and the next day via a three-hour bus ride into the Mountains to visit the Otaxa Mayan and Ke’Ke Indian Village of 66 families. In both areas we partnered with Nancy Economou, inventor and founder of Watts of Love, to share solar lights. The lights gave families freedom, security and even ideas that would propel their families’ futures. Nancy and our teams taught the villagers how to consider investing money into longer more sustainable and profitable dreams for their families – $7,000 annually (average) formerly allocated to purchasing batteries, kerosene or candles. We also took time to share dinner and build relationships by visiting people in their homes.

The following day in the village, Dr. Linda Tanevik and Mary Bone, RN an Iris Relief Board Member, helped provide basic medical teaching to the villagers. Our team visited homes, prayed for the sick, played football and soccer. Out of these relationships, doors were opened to heart-to-heart talks that resulted in introductions to Christ, baptisms and our students and leaders got to hear and participate in helping the village chairman share his larger vision to help his community. Our goal was to help them not only stay healthy. We want to see Belize and all the unique cultures thrive.

GRADUATION & MEL TARI
The first week in Punta Gorda we prepped for the RS-1 graduation. Our graduation speaker was Mel Tari, Indonesian evangelist who is a spiritual father to Heidi and Rolland Baker. Mel was at Iris Global’s first Harvest School. He and Angel Poorman strategized five years ago about what the Father was showing them. He came for our graduation and we, together with Kabod International (the leaders and their students), helped us create a greater ministry opportunity for the city of Punta Gorda: a two-night revival. We know that the revival spirit Mel carries is helping to further ignite the vision in God’s heart for Belize. As partners in this, our school felt honored to get to play a role in seeing this country raised up to its great inheritance in Jesus. Each night approximately 200 people attended the open-air community center and Papa Mel spoke identity and vision into many hearts.

APPLYING WHAT WE LEARNED
The last week of RS-1 was filled to the brim training 70 Belizean future leaders, military, local pastors, NEMO and other leaders from Belize and Guatemala in FEMA CERT and RTF. The simulations and practical lessons gave trainers and trainees tangible ways to advance learning and equipped each one to know how to respond effectively in times of crises, how to care for those in trauma and how to help save lives.

GUATEMALA & TRAINING
The Iris Relief team in Guatemala has been working with the Casa de Dios church, and provided a CERT Train the Trainer course to three volunteers from Belize and three from Guatemala from the 13th to 15th of August. These instructors are now running a Spanish-language Basic CERT course, with oversight and assistance from the Iris Relief team, to around 50 volunteers from the church and from communities impacted by the recent volcano. This course started on Thursday the 16th of August and will go until Saturday the 20th. The mission is to create a sustainable crisis response teams for the platforms of resiliency, restoration, and renewal in communities in Guatemala. There has been a bridge created through this training with Belize and Guatemala that will be a strength within both nations, and future opportunity to train and multiply responders for FEMA Basic CERT, and Teen CERT for the youth in Guatemala and Belize. The Belize Defense Forces General granted permission for a Captain to train in Guatemala with the Iris Relief Team to receive Train the Trainer status. The next step is for the Captain to bring training to Belize and partner with Kabod International to train future generations and establish The FEMA Teen CERT program.

THE FATHER’S HEART OF RELIEF & RESTORATION
It is amazing to see the Father’s vision and partnership with Iris Relief’s laid-down lovers coming to life and touching the earth. Iris Relief was established in 2010 as the Iris Global arm to bring hope and healing to the nations in times of crisis and natural disaster. Norm & Angel Poorman had a dream from God for their family and said yes to God’s plans, and because of this, many years of strategic work came to life this summer. What an amazing journey He started with this group. It’s so exciting to see how these lives continue to be woven together and with others to be an extension of Jesus to the world.

RS-2, our ceiling is your floor! Come learn the Father’s heart of relief and learn His ways! You’ll never be the same. The world will never be the same either.

Family Update March 2018
TESTIMONIES
This month we have experienced the love and goodness of God in so many ways! As some of you know, we were getting ready to plan for our next training school taking place this summer 2018 in Texas at Camp Barkeley. God had other plans. Throughout the last couple of months, some of our team have been traveling to Puerto Rico and Latin America to help bring Relief, and solar powered lights to those who are in need. Some amazing testimonies were told during these trips.

While on these amazing trips, our team connected and created relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ who share a similar passions, vision, and values with us. We continued to cultivate these relationships and stay connected. After much prayer, petition, and seeking council, we have moved the location of the Iris Relief Training School to Puerto Rico. We will also be partnering with Kabod International in Belize for an extended outreach the last two weeks of the training. Students and staff will have opportunities to share, and train local pastors and leaders with the same tools they received in disaster response, missions, and freedom ministry. We are very excited and look forward to all the amazing testimonies that will come of this!!

This month, our team hit the streets of Abilene!
Together we met in downtown Abilene, had a time of prayer, and asked God to show us who he wanted us to talk to and share the love of Jesus (The real answer: EVERYONE.) Some of our team had words of knowledge, like different tattoos, colors of clothes, style of hair, injuries, or past hurts. While we were definitely paying attention to these words, we also postured our hearts in a manner of just wanting to share with everyone... Our team was ready and willing to share the love of Jesus.

We split up into two teams, and started walking. Some of us went to the movie theatre or coffee shop. Others traveled to bars, or art studios.

One story we recorded was of a young woman, 20's, who was working at a coffee shop. The moment our team entered the business, God highlighted her. As we began to share, she was starting to feel a little uneasy. She had told our team that nobody ever shared Jesus with her, or even prayed with her.(We are in the "bible belt". Church on every corner.) One of our team members had heard from God that she was having nightmares, and that God wanted to restore her sleep. She exclaimed "I have not been able to sleep for weeks because of this. I have been exhausted. PLEASE PRAY." She was deeply touched and was very grateful that we had shared with her that God loves her, and cares for her. She did not want to follow Jesus, but was very moved by the kindness we showed her.

While walking back to the parking lot, we were sharing testimonies within our team and found out that two others on our team had shared words of knowledge with the SAME GIRL! Encouraging her to chase after her big dreams, and release her creativity.

Our hearts were encouraged by the many other stories that came from this time and we look forward to going out together again this month!!

Iris Relief Leaders School June 10th- August 11th
OUR HEART AND YOUR CROSS-CULTURAL OPPORTUNITY!
Become an Advanced Certified Disaster Response Missionary
We will be offering a 9 week Iris Relief Training from the dates of June 10th- August 11th. weeks in Puerto Rico, 2 weeks in Belize. The purpose of the school is to train and equip those interested in becoming Certified Responders with Iris Relief to bring the hope and love of Jesus to others in times of crisis.

Graduates of the Iris Relief Leaders School receive a Crisis and Disaster Mission Certification which includes:
• Iris Relief Level 3 Responders Certification
• Deployed Disaster Spiritual Care Provider Certification
• CERT Team Leader Certification
• First Care Instructor Certification
For any questions, contact our team at abilene@irisglobal.org

Restoring the Foundations Training September 23rd -- October 17th
It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope. Restoring the Foundations (RTF) provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.

Camp Barkeley Training and Equipping Center is offering an extended training intensive for healing and deliverance featuring Restoring The Foundations Issue-Focused Ministry training and Thorough Format Ministry training in a four-week block of time.

For any questions, contact our team at rtf@campbarkeley.com

Family Update February 2018

TESTIMONIES
This month we asked one of our Iris Abilene Leaders to share about how her time has been at Iris Abilene, and about how God is moving in some areas where she serves. Below is Jeannette’s testimony. We pray that this encourages you to press in, and pursue God more today, than you ever have before.

“My time at Iris Abilene has shown me the importance of going low and slow and to be still and listen to the Holy Spirit and obey His leading. Sometimes we as Christians jump to do things because it is a good thing. But what I have learned that a good thing is not always the right thing to do. We can get distracted in doing good but miss what God had plan for us all the time. What I deeply appreciate about Papa God, is when I have missed it and admit it to Him, He forgives me. He is gracious and kind to give me instructions on how to get back on the right path.

One of the ministries that I serve at is Global Samaritan Resources. Every Thursday I pray with the Prayer Pastor of Global. It's a precious time and the presence of God manifests in a beautiful manner. We have prayed prayers of agreement and seen God move financially, relationally, and Spiritually in the ministry and the lives of the partners and staff. Several weeks ago, the board members called partners and asked them if they want to share any prayer requests. They shared, and the board members gave them to us to pray over. Julie, an employee at Global, called the partners to tell them we prayed, and the partners shared many praise reports.

I also serve at Love and Care Ministries. Recently, I was agreeing in prayer for a volunteer who was going to have surgery to remove an aneurysm on his spine. He had a successful surgery and is doing well. THANK YOU JESUS! When I serve, I ask Jesus to be Himself through me so that when people in need walk into the Food Pantry at Love and Care, they feel His presence and love. I give out Bibles and lots of encouraging words and prayer. I have been planting a lot of seeds. I have not seen manifestations of healing yet, but I am confident that God’s love is unconditional and good.”

EVENTS THIS MONTH

Visit with Austin Disaster Relief Network
February 1st, we traveled to Austin, TX with a small team to visit with Executive Director, Daniel Geraci, of Austin Disaster Relief Network. We shared testimonies about what God has been doing in Iris Relief on deployments and in possible future endeavors. He also discussed systems of operation, and how they collaborate with churches and leadership in cities.

Christian Values Summit, Eastland Texas
February 1st- 2nd, we traveled from Austin to Eastland, TX to attend the Christian Values Summit. This conference was both encouraging and refreshing as we sat under the teachings of multiple government officials, those fighting social injustice, and the District Attorney of Dallas. During this time, Norm, Angel, & Paul met with Doug and Lisa Stringer who are the Founders of Somebody Cares International based out of Houston, TX. SCI is a network of organizations with a defined goal to impact communities through unified grassroots efforts. They specialize in Leadership Growth & Development, Discipleship, and Crisis Response.

Puerto Rico Relief Efforts
Paul Cull arrived in San Juan in the afternoon of the 7th. The following day, some local partners took him to see some of the devastation from Hurricane Maria, and he prepared a report for the Secretary of Education about the Teen CERT program, as interest had been expressed in running this in all the high schools on the island.
On the Monday and Tuesday our connection in Puerto Rico, Mark, arranged a total of five meetings with numerous pastors. These men and women represented a network of 250 churches, a denomination with 76 local churches and several theological seminaries. There was great interest expressed in the possibility of our training instructors who could then teach the CERT course in local churches throughout the island, possibly for as many as 5,000 residents or more. These trainers could also help teach the Teen CERT course in the local high school, if this opportunity were to be available in the future.

The pastors were very interested in the idea of using the CERT course training both as a means of preparing the churches and communities to better respond to future disasters and emergencies, as well as for the psychological and emotional benefits that the survivors receive when undertaking this training during the recovery phase of a major disaster.
Angel also visited the island later this month. She attended a forum on February 16th hosted by Somebody Cares International to discuss training, strategic outreach, and recovery efforts. Other organizations attending the forum include: Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, FEMA, Somebody Cares, Iris Relief. Angel also met with Seeds of Hope Founders (Penny & Chris Williams out of Costa Rica) and other pastors to collaborate and establish a ‘Lighthouse’ for afterschool programs, feeding programs, and to bring missionaries to serve the local community.

TESTIMONY: While in Puerto Rico, Angel and the team connected with a local pastor who had not yet received power, in an area where most other residents and businesses have. This pastor and his church, despite not having electricity, had been serving His community and meeting his neighbors needs since Hurricane Maria. Angel and the team were so touched by His testimony, they immediately began to pray for God to bring back their electricity. Angel took a picture of this electric pole just outside of the church. Immediately when they began praying for God to provide, an electric company truck hauling transformer, drove by. That was the very thing that this pastor needed. Without hesitation, Angel began to chase after this truck yelling “STOP!!”. Immediately the taillights lit up and the truck began to reverse. Angel talked to these electric company workers and requested two transformers.



They ended up putting in two transformers that evening, running new wires, and a couple of days later, Angel received a text message from that pastor saying that their church had received electricity again for the first time since Hurricane Maria! Wow. All this pastor could do is worship and thank God, and he is now sharing His testimony to encourage others on the island.

Team Freedom Weekend
This month, our Iris Abilene Team had the opportunity and privilege to receive from Shelli Presley at what is called “Freedom Weekend.” She shared with us 5 teachings that gave greater revelation of the Father’s love for us, and His desire to see us walking in the fullness. She shared about the Grace Cycle, the Father’s Heart, Believing God, and other topics. It was truly impactful for our team!

That same weekend we invited a dear friend based out of the Fort Worth Texas¸ Brenda Harkins, to Camp Barkeley. She facilitated teachings and very interesting group discussions with our team about the Gallup Strength Finders Assessment. This was so encouraging to each of us as we discussed each person’s strengths, and weaknesses when it comes to relationships, leadership, and living life with Jesus. We will never be the same!!

Word Over Abilene
We are so thankful to be part of a community here in Abilene that desires, pursues, and values unity in the Body of Christ. Camp Barkeley was used as the host location to livestream a prayer over the city of Abilene, and surrounding areas, facilitated by Beltway Park senior pastor, David McQueen. He shared about how Camp Barkeley was used to train men in War World II and how God desires that we would be trained to do the works of the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Corporately, we prayed for the Kingdom of God to be manifested here on Earth, and for the power of God to prevail.

Be encouraged, stand for your cities! God is moving here in Abilene. To listen to the prayer over Abilene, you can visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/beltwaypark/videos/10155529466053924/

UPCOMING EVENTS

2018 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
1. Iris Relief Leaders School June 10th- August 11th
Become an Advanced Certified Disaster Response Missionary: We want to invite you to come attend our Iris Relief Leaders School. The school is this summer at Iris Abilene: Camp Barkeley. The purpose of the school is to train and equip Certified Responders to bring the hope and love of Jesus to others in times of crisis.
Iris Relief is a recognized international relief organization. This distinction allows us to send teams, as first responders, to minister in the power and love of the Holy Spirit. Come, be a part of our Iris Family.

For any questions, contact our team at abilene@irisglobal.org
For more information please visit http://irisabilene.org
To apply, please visit http://www.irisglobal.org/missions/harvest/iris-relief-leaders-school

2. Restoring the Foundations September 23rd- October 17th
It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope.

Restoring the Foundations (RTF) provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.
Camp Barkeley Training and Equipping Center is offering an extended training intensive for healing and deliverance featuring Restoring the Foundations Issue-Focused Ministry training and Thorough Format Ministry training in a four-week block of time.

For any questions, contact our team at rtf@campbarkeley.com
For more information & application please visit campbarkeley.rtftraining.org

Family Update: January 2018

Psalm 16:5-6 – ''Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.''

As we begin 2018, we first look behind and say “Thank you, Lord. You are faithful and true!” As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and greater levels of faith. He has been, and will always be good, true, and full of unconditional love. As we look at Him, we are amazed by the sovereignty and greatness of who He is and this is our focus. No matter what life brings. He is our focus.

Psalm 73:26 -- ''My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.'' In following the Lord, we all have times when our flesh revolts and our heart wants to give up. However, it is important to remember that at all times, under all circumstances, the Lord is our portion. What does that mean? It means that He is our all in all. He Himself is our sustainer, our preserver, our very life.

Psalm 119:57 – 60 - ''You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. 58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.'' Here the Lord is the psalmist’s true homestead because it is God’s law that fills the earth with all that makes life secure and joyous. God’s promises are his hope and God’s righteous laws his delight.

It warrants pointing out that the previous two psalms mention the word “heart”.

In Biblical language the heart is the center of the human spirit from which springs emotions, thought, motivations, courage and action. When the Lord is our portion, our heart yearns to be one with that portion. When the Lord is the center of our being, there is a yearning for the manifestation of that oneness to be evident in our lives. It is the quality that separates being a Christian from being a person of the world. It goes beyond religious observance. It exemplifies by His very person being manifested in our lives. This is the life we are called to live. This is the life by which we abide.

EVENTS THIS MONTH

1. Live to Love Conference- Kerrville, Texas- Several of our team met in the Hill Country to come together with our Iris Global family during this amazing event. There was an impartation of hope, joy, and numerous words of encouragement. Many were touched and impacted for the Kingdom of God! Many experienced the presence and the power of God, including physical & emotional healing.
Norm & Angel had the opportunity to share with those attending about the upcoming Iris Relief school, and were commissioned by Heidi Baker and Will Hart as the directors of Iris Relief. It was a special time due to Kerrville, Texas being the Poorman’s hometown.

2. Visit We Will Go Ministries- Jackson, Mississippi. - At the end of this month we had the honor and privilege to visit some of our friends at We Will Go Ministries, directed by David & Amy Lancaster. We had beautiful times of teaching, worship, and fellowship. We met with leaders, and walked the streets of Jackson to pray for the light of Christ to continue to shine through this amazing family.
Our team left encouraged and refreshed as we co- labored together and witnessed a group of world changers take steps of obedience, and trust God with their personal lives. We believe it is the call of every believer, to be so filled and transformed by the love and light of Christ, and from that infilling, to go out and be light and hope to those around you. “HERE AM I, LORD, SEND ME!”

3. Exalt- City Wide Prayer & Worship- On January 28th, a group of city leaders, pastors, and citizens in the Abilene area, came together to be part of a historical event. EXALT, is a two-hour event dedicated to worship and prayer, in Spirit and truth. The mayor of Abilene, Chief of Police, business leaders, a local University President, and many more came to facilitate prayer in a group close to 5oo individuals. Some of the topics prayed for included; businesses and their leaders, Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Seals, etc.) and their families, police force, families, government, media, churches, youth of today, etc. Angel Poorman, Executive Director of Iris Abilene, had the honor of being invited to facilitate prayer for the nation and people of Israel. God’s people. We are so thankful to be part of the unified church, and be members of the body of Christ.

4. Word, Spirit, Power Conference- I heard a preacher say once, (Metaphor) “There has been a divorce in the body of Christ. In any divorce, depending on the judge’s verdict, the child or children in that family must decide to live with the mother or the father of that family unit. Some choose the father- the Word of God. Some choose the mother- the Spirit of God.” The problem with this is that the Trinity are not divorced, but are ONE, in perfect unity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together.

The emphasis of this conference was to marry the two together again. To have both in perfect balance. God gave us the Word and the Spirit, to tell us about Himself, and draw us to Him. Also, to transform us and fill us with His nature, character, and glory to reveal Himself to a dying, broken world.

R.T. Kendall, Charles Carrin, and Jack Taylor, shared some of their life messages and miracles were released as Jesus walked into the sanctuary during preaching and ministry times. We are so thankful for these spiritual Fathers in the faith that have invested their lives to growing in a closer relationship with Jesus, and training and equipping the Body of Christ.

UPCOMING EVENTS
2018 TRAININGS

1. Iris Relief Leaders School June 10th - August 11th
Become an Advanced Certified Disaster Response Missionary: We want to invite you to come attend our Iris Relief Leaders School. The school is this summer at Iris Abilene: Camp Barkeley. The purpose of the school is to train and equip Certified Responders to bring the hope and love of Jesus to others in times of crisis.

Iris Relief is a recognized international relief organization. This distinction allows us to send teams, as first responders, to minister in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
Come, be a part of our Iris Family.

For any questions, contact our team at abilene@irisglobal.org
For more information please visit http://irisabilene.org

To apply, please visit http://www.irisglobal.org/missions/harvest/iris-relief-leaders-school

2. Restoring the Foundations September 23rd  October 17th
It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope.
Restoring the Foundations (RTF) provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.
Camp Barkeley Training and Equipping Center is offering an extended training intensive for healing and deliverance featuring Restoring The Foundations Issue-Focused Ministry training and Thorough Format Ministry training in a four-week block of time.
For any questions, contact our team at rtf@campbarkeley.com
For more information & application please visit campbarkeley.rtftraining.org

THE TESTIMONY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS 2017
On behalf of Iris Abilene Camp Barkeley, we thank God that you share in our vision and for partnering with us this year to see people restored, equipped and mobilized here in West Texas and around the world.
God has been continually at work at Camp Barkeley! Over the past year, we have hosted over 93 events accounting for over 1,500 people. The Lord is using our ministry team, partners and facility to see His people restored, equipped and mobilized to serve.

In 2017, our partnership with Iris Global has expanded into leadership with Iris Relief. Currently, we have established a leadership team and dispatched disaster response teams in Texas and Puerto Rico for hurricane relief and to Sierra Leone to serve after a mud slide disaster. In 2018 we will be launching our third Iris global school with the emphasis of Crisis Response and Disaster Training with Chaplaincy. We are excited for this vision and the ministry that will go forth because of this school.

This spring we had the privilege of partnering with Liberty University and Watts of Love to train students and serve individuals in Guatemala through a dental clinic. We attended the Iris Family Gathering in Mozambique this summer to hear and share about how God is working throughout all of Iris Global’s ministries.

Camp Barkeley has officially become a Healing House Network with Restoring the Foundations. This designation has allowed us to begin consistent RTF ministry at Camp Barkeley. This ministry service in conjunction with our continued RTF training schools and events is allowing for individuals to have their hearts restored, be equipped in how to serve others, and then sent to their spheres of influence to transform the world for Christ.

Our partnerships here in Abilene have continued to grow. We hosted four Encounter Worship Nights and two 10-hour worship events. Stacey Campbell shared during the United in Love event. Local pastors and leaders gathered again at Camp Berkeley for One Kingdom’s Prayer Summit. We also began a new business training event called Kingdom for Power with HerdX and Google. God has continued to bless our ministry and expand our borders.

This past year was incredible, and we thank you again for your prayers and partnership. We look forward to serving with you in the future and sharing what God does this coming year.

For His Kingdom,
Dr. Norm and Angel Poorman

DREAMS & VISION 2018
We are excited for 2018. While we look back on 2017, we are grateful to God that He would entrust us with this calling and mandate. We are believing God to do much more this year to further His Kingdom here on Earth.

We are excited to announce our 2018 Building Campaign at Camp Barkeley. We welcome you to be part of this vision that God has given. To view our Building Campaign, click link below.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/163fbb597c17c50375348fec9/images/051a576c-ed05-4152-8969-c3793c3b4f29.png

To partner financially in our Building Campaign, please visit irisabilene.org. Thank you!

Family Update November 2017

Happy November everyone! This month we have been taking time to reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of God throughout this last year. As Thanksgiving day approaches, we are recognizing that there are many things to be thankful for.

Friends. Family. Jobs. Ministry. Food on the Table. Jesus. Clean water. Education. Resources. Joy. Life.

These listed above don’t even begin to scratch the surface on all of the wonderful gifts God has given us. In fact, I am convinced that we could spend a lifetime searching for ways to truly thank God for all that He has done, and all that He has given. When I ponder these things, these scriptures come to mind;

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” – Job 12:7-10

“ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” – Psalm 96: 11-12

This month we had the honor of celebrating the graduating class of our second Restoring the Foundations training. Those that attended were trained in Issue Focused Format, and Thorough Format. We were so blessed by each person who came and we were so encouraged by the testimonies of lives changed during the school. We look forward to having our next training in 2018. We believe that each student was here for a greater purpose, and as they move forward, they will use the tools they have received to invite others into a deeper relationship with Jesus. We are excited to hear how God is using each person!

For the second time this year we had a City Wide 12 hour day of worship and prayer at the Worship Center. We had 85-100 guests attend. It has been so amazing to see worship teams, pastors, and leaders come together to pray and seek God’s wisdom for ways to release the Kingdom and preach the gospel in our city of Abilene, Texas. In the months to come, we will host multiple Encounter Nights of worship. We pray that you will be able to join us as we seek Jesus and His presence. For dates and details for Encounter Nights, you can visit encounternight.com, or irisabilene.org.



Near the end of this month we welcomed Pastor Jose Novella from Mozambique, Africa to Camp Barkeley. He shared a powerful message at New Hope Church about trusting the Father, walking in obedience, and thirsting for God’s presence. We thoroughly enjoyed times of worship, prayer, fellowship, and flag football. We are thankful for Pastor Jose and His extravagent yes to Jesus!

Thank you to all who have been praying for us. November has been such a sweet month for us here at Camp Barkeley! We have had so much fun meeting with local friends and church family. We have been so blessed that God would provide a place for His sons and daughters to put some time aside and to seek Him.

We are praying for all those affected by the natural disasters all around the world. Please stay connected with us for more Iris Relief updates.

Love and Unity, Iris Abilene: Camp Barkeley Family

A unified body, moving closer to God’s heart.
In John 17, Jesus is praying to the Father a very intimate prayer. This particular section in scripture is most commonly known as the High Priestly Prayer. Jesus begins to pray that as the God-head is one, so shall we be ONE with Him.

This month we have been diving deeper into this passage of the bible. It has always been our heart, passion, and vision at Iris Abilene to pray for, experience, and live out a greater measure of unity with the Body of Christ, and God. Often times when people hear the body of Christ, it is easy and common to think that we are conversing about the Baptist church, a Charismatic church, a Lutheran church, etc. But the Body of Christ is not a specific congregation in a church building, a specific nation, or ethnic group. The Body of Christ is the priesthood of all believers. It is those who are surrendered to the Lordship and Headship of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The Body of Christ is composed of all nations, all tribes, all tongues, worshiping Jesus and doing His works on the Earth that His Kingdom would be released on Earth as it is in Heaven.

There are many types of people, with unique gifts, releasing different expressions of God’s heart. What would it look like if all the different kinds of people, with all of the unique giftings and talents, could come together under one vision to accomplish a goal? I just think of a car factory. Someone makes the wheels, the bumper, the engine, the brakes, the frame, etc. But working toward the same purpose, they all have the opportunity to create a vehicle that has the ability to move and do what it is intended to do. All the parts of the body must come together.
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” John 17: 1-5
Thank you each for your prayers! We are excited and look forward to seeing what God is going to do in the near future.
Shalom.

EVENTS THIS MONTH
Kingdom 4 Power
God had given us a greater revelation of this truth in regards to His desire to bring unity among all different people. In response to this revelation, Kingdom 4 Power Conference was birthed. We brought in CEO’s of large corporations, local entrepreneurs, church leaders and pastors to come together for a weekend of unlocking the keys of success in their circles of influence. Google, & HerdX were two companies among many represented.

What would it look like if business leaders all around the world, trusted God to run their business, and used their success to further the kingdom of God on the Earth? We believe that at this time, God is awakening business leaders, bringing salvation, and sowing the seeds of Heaven into their business strategies, and lives.

United in Love
We also had a conference called United in Love with Stacey Campbell. Stacey brought a message about unity in the Body of Christ from John 17. She also shared about the Reformation 500 years ago. It is time for the Body of Christ to be unified in every way, no matter the background, talents, or denominations. That is the move that we are seeing, and the move we are praying for more of.

1 Kingdom Prayer Summit
God truly has ordained our steps. The day after Stacey spoke about Unity in the body, church leaders, business leaders, and city leaders from Abilene all met at Camp Barkeley for a 7 hour day of prayer and worship with 1 Kingdom. Together we casted vision, prayed, and dialogued about strategic ways to improve, and release the kingdom of Heaven in Abilene and the surrounding areas.
Please continue to follow us on social media and our website. Thank you so much for each person who has come along side to encourage and pray for us! We are expecting God to do amazing things these upcoming months and we are humbled at the thought that He WANTS to use us to help further His Kingdom.

UPCOMING EVENTS
12-hour day of worship including Encounter Night
Save the date for Saturday, November 11th for a Citywide Day of Worship! We will start the day at 10:00am and go until 7:00pm.

At 7:00pm we will welcome everyone to come back out for an Encounter Night from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Whole families are encouraged to come! We will have art supplies, snacks, games for kids, etc. We are encouraged when we meet with the body of Christ and worship Jesus together! He is worthy of everything we have! For more information you can visit our website at irisabilene.org / or encounternight.com WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Restoring the Foundations Training: October 13th- November 10th
RTF provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.

Jesus is worthy! Let's give Him the honor He is due! PLEASE JOIN US for a City wide, 9 hour day of worship on November 11th, 2017. All ages are welcome at this come & go event. 10:00am- 7:00pm.

We will have different local worship teams throughout the day coming from different churches, and organizations. Our desire is to come together in Love and Unity as the Body of Christ. At 7:00pm we will transition into an Encounter Night! For any questions please visit encounternight.com, irisabilene.org

Happy Summer from Abilene, Texas. We have had quite the summer already. We have hosted some incredible events at Camp Barkeley whether it’s worship nights, reunions, or new friends visiting with us. This month we have been filled with the Joy of Jesus, and refreshed by His unfathomable love as we enter into His presence and practically live out the Kingdom of God personally and with our community.

Events this Month
New Hope Ignite: This month the Poormans had the honor of speaking at a local church here in Abilene called 'New Hope'. They shared their testimonies and encouraged those attending to a life full of surrender to Jesus. Many came to the altar to receive prayer, and a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit. There is an awakening and a breakthrough being stirred up in the Big Country!! In the book of Revelation, John writes "the testimony of Jesus, is the Spirit of prophesy". No two people's stories are the same, but a fresh hope is released when we share about our encounters that we have had in our lives with Christ. Our stories are declaring, "DO IT AGAIN GOD!"

In a world that seems to be darkening day by day, we need to be reminded that God is still in control, and He is bringing strength and hope. Share your story today! You never know who will need to hear it.

Prayer Request
Please be praying for our Sierra Leone family. Weeks ago there was a landslide caused by heavy rain. We have been receiving continual updates from our friends on the ground in Africa saying the death toll has reached over 200. In response to the mudslides in Sierra Leone, an Iris Relief has been deployed to bring hope and share the love of Jesus. Please continue to pray for the individuals, churches, and pastors in the community of Freetown.

If you would like to give to help with relief efforts, please visit this website. There will be a donation tab. https://www.irisglobal.org/…/malawi-mozambique-flooding-2015
Please intercede for families, all first responders going in to help, as well as all people involved in the government. Pray for all medical supplies, doctors, and resources needed, to be available quickly.

Birthdays
This month we get to celebrate the life of Erik Presley. He is an incredible father, friend, and Son of God! He is a mighty man and has such a big heart of love for the people around Him, and the people in far away places. Thank you Erik for serving and giving your life to love.

Please continue to follow us on social media and our website. Thank you so much for each person who has come along side to encourage and pray for us! We are expecting God to do amazing things these upcoming months and we are humbled at the thought that He WANTS to use us to help further His Kingdom.

Upcoming Events
Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry
We are accepting applications now for our 2017-2018 school year! There will be an info meeting on August 22nd, 7:00pm at Studio 234.Class begins September 18th. COME & SEE!

12-hour day of worship including Encounter Night September 30th
Save the date for Saturday, September 30th for Camp Barkeley’s first 9-hour Citywide Day of Worship! We will start the day at 10:00am and go until 7:00pm.

At 7:00pm we will welcome everyone to come back out for an Encounter Night from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Whole families are encouraged to come! We will have art supplies, snacks, games for kids, etc. We are encouraged when we meet with the body of Christ and worship Jesus together! He is worthy of everything we have! For more information you can visit our website at irisabilene.org / or encounternight.com
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Restoring the Foundations Training: October 13th- November 10th
It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope. RTF provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love. Please join us for a 4-week training seminar at Camp Barkeley for Restoring the Foundations. For more information please visit our website at campbarkeley.com, or email us at rtf@campbarkeley.com.

Happy Summer from Abilene, Texas. We have had quite the summer already. We have hosted some incredible events at Camp Barkeley whether it’s worship nights, reunions, or new friends visiting with us. This month we have been filled with the Joy of Jesus, and refreshed by His unfathomable love as we enter into His presence and practically live out the Kingdom of God personally and with our community!

Events this month:
Iris Family Gathering: This month the Poormans had the honor of attending the Iris Family Gathering in Pemba, Mozambique. At this meeting, all the base leaders, and Iris leadership, met for a time of refreshing and encouragement! Like Colossians 3, God is knitting together the body of Christ with STRONG ties of love! One of the nights, the Mozambicans along with the leaders were praying that God would reveal Himself powerfully, and tangibly to America! We are seeing God move more and more here in this nation and we are believing for revival alongside many others praying. This gathering was sandwiched by crusades, and outreach to the villages in Mozambique. We continue to pray for that nation and for the people who call it their home!! Please continue praying with us.

WWII 12th Armory Reunion: In the 1940’s, Camp Barkeley was used to train and equip soldiers of all ages to fight for and free the Jewish people in concentration camps during the Holocaust. Camp Barkeley had almost 60,000 men train and graduate to the front lines. This is a huge part of Abilene’s history, and Iris Abilene’s history. We are so thankful for all the men and women who lay down their lives to fight for freedom! On July 22nd, we hosted the 75th Anniversary WWII Reunion for the Veterans and their families in the 12th Armory Division. It was honestly one of the most incredible events we have ever had at Camp Barkeley!!

It was amazing hearing stories, and getting to know the courageous men who trained at Camp Barkeley all those years ago! It is almost difficult to put into words how special it was. At the event, we had real tanks, rifles, pistols, armored vehicles, and a plane flyover that dropped candy out for the kiddos that came. We got to serve them lunch in the original Chow Hall (we now call Mess Hall) and pray a blessing over each of them. Twelve veterans attended. Four of those twelve, were prisoners of war that were rescued!

Encounter Night: Our heart at Iris Abilene is to Restore, Equip, and Mobilize the Body of Christ. We believe that our vision will be fulfilled when we value the presence of God, trust God, and worship Him with all our lives. HE is the pearl of great price, and He is worth far more than the human mind can fathom. Here in the last months, we have felt that God is increasing the hunger in peoples’ hearts for Him and His kingdom. In the book of Revelation, Paul expresses the need for Spiritual hunger, writing;

“You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16)

During Encounter Night, we believe that God touched the heart of each person that attended. We had powerful times of ministry where God healed physical infirmities, healed the broken hearted, and brought deliverance. The overall theme of the night was ‘God is Holy.’ We are experiencing the beginning of a great revival and are continuing to open the doors of our hearts while God is knocking. We want our hearts to burn for Jesus.

Testimonies:
Beltway Park, a local church here in Abilene, donated 30 more chairs for the worship center so we can comfortably seat our guests during events! It was much needed for the base because of the increased attendance we have had this month.

Global Samaritan Resources provided 3 port-a- coolers for Veterans Reunion, and Encounter Night so the 104-degree weather could be a bit more bearable! Hah

Birthdays: This month we celebrated the birthday of one of our team members. Happy Birthday to you Edna!! You are dearly loved. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to serving Jesus in hope that He would receive His reward!

Edna Riley has served the Christian community for over 30 years as an elder, teacher, and ministry leader. Her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit provides a personalized, spirit-led approach that infuses her work. She is a Restoring the Foundations Healing House Network minister and trainer, a Kendall Life Languages Certified Trainer, and a speaker and seminar leader. Her leadership focuses on healing and restoration, character development, effective communication, group dynamics, personal development and the principles of a Kingdom lifestyle. Edna was an educator in the public sector for over 30 years.
Her experience includes: curriculum development, teaching, counseling, and administration. She received a PhD in Educational Psychology from Oklahoma State University and a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Colorado Theological Seminary. Her research focused on cultural sensitivity and family therapy. Edna’s educational background and her extensive ministry experience give her a unique holistic approach to service that has converged in her role at Camp Barkeley.

Upcoming events:
Save the date for Saturday, September 30thfor Camp Barkeley’s first 9-hour Citywide Day of Worship! We will start the day at 10:00am and go until 7:00pm.

At 7:00pm we will welcome everyone to come back out for an Encounter Night from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Whole families are encouraged to come! We will have art supplies, snacks, games for kids, etc. We are encouraged when we meet with the body of Christ and worship Jesus together! He is worthy of everything we have! For more information you can visit our website at irisabilene.org / or encounternight.com
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Restoring the Foundations Training: October 13th- November 10th

It has been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope. RTF provides hope for healing, freedom from life’s deepest struggles, and renewed purpose for living through a personal experience with God’s transforming, empowering love.

Please join us for a 4-week training seminar at Camp Barkeley for Restoring the Foundations. The application deadline is August 15th. For more information please visit our website at campbarkeley.com, or email us at rtf@campbarkeley.com.

Please continue to follow us on social media and our website. Thank you so much for each person who has come along side to encourage and pray for us! We are expecting God to do amazing things these upcoming months and we are humbled at the thought that He WANTS to use us to help further His Kingdom.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you say the word missionary? Most people think of someone going to a faraway country, such as India. This is not a misconception, but sometimes we overlook the country, state, city, or block that we live in as a mission field. The mission, as Jesus stated in Matthew 28:19, is to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. The United States is a nation so it qualifies as a place for missionaries to be sent. You may ask, we have churches virtually on every corner so why do we need missionaries in the United States?

There are many “nations” within our country. There are the homeless, the people caught up in sex trafficking, there are refugees from other countries who do not believe in Jesus, there are atheist, there are people in the business realm… The list could go on and on. These are people who probably would not go to a church. Romans 10:14 in NLT says: “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” This why we need missionaries in the United States.

Several years ago, shortly before I came to staff for Camp Barkeley 2, the Lord spoke to me about my husband and me moving back to Abilene in order to bring preservation. My husband and I committed to God that we would move back to Abilene. Shortly after, I was asked if I would like to be a Resident Missionary with Iris Abilene. I knew God had opened a door for us to come back to Abilene. He also miraculously provided a job for my husband.

As a Resident Missionary, I work along with other existing ministries. Several days a week, I work at Love and Care Ministries. They minister to the homeless and the poor. I have had the privilege in working in the kitchen preparing and serving meals for lunch and street feeds in Abilene. I am currently working in the food pantry. I help prepare and hand out sack lunches. I have had many opportunities to share the gospel, encourage, and pray for people who have come to Love and Care as well to those who work or volunteer there.

Global Samaritan Resources is another ministry I work with several days a week. They provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief when it is needed around the world and locally. They also are involved with medical missions through shipping supplies to various places in the world. I have helped prepare a container for shipment as well as assisting with inventory in the warehouse, praying along with the staff for specific needs for Global, and assisting in a community outreach where students in an area school district decorated boxes of food shipped to Iraq.

My husband and I live in a mission house called the House of Kindness. We have hosted missionaries and families who needed a time of respite and refreshing. Our heart is to serve and love on our neighbors. God has been faithful to open doors of opportunities to bless our neighbors.

One of our favorite things to do while we are out and about in Abilene is to stop for the one and listen to their story and love on them and bless them. Hebrews 13:2 NLT says; “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” We are all called to be “missionaries” in our sphere of influence. I encourage you to pray and ask God for opportunities to share the gospel and make disciples in your part of the world!

--Tim & Jeannette Burleigh—Resident Missionaries at Iris Abilene

On July 22nd, we will have another Encounter Night! The previous months we have had an amazing turn-out and some incredible testimonies!! We look forward to having another night of worship and prayer at the Camp Barkeley Worship Center!! We hope to see you there!

In October, we will be offering a Restoring the Foundations Training School! It will be an incredible time of community, and being trained in this incredible heart healing ministry! The deadline for this training is August 15th. You can visit our website for more information at campbarkeley.com.

Greetings to all our friends! It is with gratitude and thanksgiving that we lift you up, our friends, daily before the Lord. Praying that the month of May was filled with much joy and blessings. The Lord is taking us deeper into the reality of the power and the importance of worship. Worship develops intimacy with the Lord and brings breakthrough in our lives. We have noticed when we look at the bigness of God, we can have hope for tomorrow and our faith is strengthened.

At Camp Barkeley, the month of May was filled with a variety of events. A local university, Abilene Christian University, conducted a seminar targeted towards church leaders and those in ministry. Twenty-five church leaders and missionaries were in attendance including the Iris Abilene Core team. The seminar focused on how to effectively resolve conflict.

Many friends and family visited Camp Barkeley for a time of respite and fellowship. Palm House Ministry of Abilene held its first annual retreat. At the end of the month Camp Barkeley will host a select group of worship leaders. They will spend time vision casting and praying about God’s purpose and heart for Abilene and the surrounding areas.

Several worship events occurred at Camp Barkeley. The first event, Encounter Night, was led by worship leaders and team members from various churches in Abilene. The second event was led by Brenton and Cara Dowdy from IHOP. At both events, many individuals’ hearts were touched by the beautiful presence of God. Here are just a couple of testimonies among many from these two events.

“Really enjoyed the freedom of worship and the powerful movement of the spirit. Shared tears, laughter, and A LOT of praise and thanks to GOD” -James

“I enjoyed going so much . Just the presence of the love of God and feeling of atmosphere of Daddy God I believe He was so pleased that I was there enjoying Him I felt a heavy load lifted off of me I did not know was there. Thank you for having the Encounter. I was so blessed can't wait to go again.” -Donna

“Yeah! That night was so powerful and much needed! I've missed just soaking in His presence profoundly in community! Ever since the worship night, I have not had any worries about anything. No anxieties about school, internship searching, life group, relationships, or anything. I felt woven into His tapestry of love and a deeper oneness than I have had in a long time! (Col. 2:2-3) I have felt the Spirit moving so much recently and I have so much courage and assurance. Ministry time with friends was so needed. One of my friends was in a low place and afterwards he was one of the ones praising out of most joy! Hahahahaha!” -Tyler

TSSM of Abilene held their graduation at Camp Barkeley. It was a time of celebration and honoring those who attended or led the school this year. Many of the students have ministered at events at Camp Barkeley.

The Lord has been bringing more people to visit Camp Barkeley and this has brought on the need for more buildings to accommodate people. The construction of Retreat Center 2 is in its last stages. The Iris Abilene team spent time praying over each room and writing scriptures on the walls. This is one of many building projects for Camp Barkeley. We will keep you updated with any new projects.

Please continue to pray for us as we seek God to continue the vision He has given us!

Camp Barkeley Update- March 2017

Happy Spring everyone! We have had a fun month! Thank you each for your prayers and for pressing in to what God is doing! We have thoroughly enjoyed the process that we are in and we look forward to seeing fully all that is currently unfolding.

In the beginning of the month, Norm and Angel Poorman, our faithful leaders, went to Guatemala for Dental and medical missions. The linked arms with Liberty University, and Watts of love. They hit the streets with medical interns and other doctors to bring hope, healing, and life to the residents in Guatemala! Stories of physical, and emotional healings showed the goodness and the love of God that is so tangible.




At one of our Missionary Homes, House of Kindness, we hosted a neighborhood BBQ for the community! It was a great time for families to have fun, and old friends to reconnect! Our resident missionary family that lives there, Tim & Jeannette, did such a great job planning and hosting! It was beautiful!

Some of our Camp Barkeley family going to the streets of Abilene and serving those in need with our partner ministry "Love and Care." We load up trucks with people ready to love, and hot meals. We meet some of the most incredible people on the streets of Abilene and we see Jesus in each of them!

What a beautiful night of worship and encountering the King of Kings with our Kaleo International family from Mexico. They were here in Abilene for an entire week for refreshing and rest. These represented here are on the front lines of the mission field, constantly serving and pouring out their lives for the sake of the gospel . They truly have hearts to do whatever it takes for the love of Jesus to cover the Earth! To every tribe and every tongue. We love our Kaleo Family!!

We enjoyed spending time with our Iris Family and visiting about how amazing and good God is! It is incredible to think about how God connects His family, the Body of Christ, all over the world.

-Vision and Mission of Iris Abilene:
Iris Abilene Camp Barkeley exists to restore, equip and mobilize the body of Christ through experiencing the manifest presence of God.
Iris Abilene Camp Barkeley is a global nonprofit training center dedicated to individual transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the equipping and sending of sustainable leaders, and the stewardship of personal, Kingdom, historical and environmental gifts that God has given.

-Our 4 Values-

1. Transformation & Intimacy
2. Training & Discipleship
3. Unity & Partnership
4. Stewardship & Preservation

ARE THE STORIES IN THE BIBLE REAL?

Come Join us and see for yourself... Invite a friend, a family member, someone who loves Jesus, or someone who has never heard the bible before.

We will show the Patterns of Evidence-- Exodus Story--

I spent 12 years asking the question, “Is the Bible true?” If it wasn’t then what should I put my faith in? What I found was an amazing pattern of evidence that matched many of the events recorded in the Bible. There was a real history that could be seen. For me that changed everything. I encourage you to join me in the ongoing investigation and see the Bible affirming evidence for yourself. –Timothy Mahoney (Director)

February 2017 Newsletter

February has been such a sweet month for us here at Camp Barkeley! We have had so much fun meeting with local friends and church family. We have been so blessed that God would provide a place for His sons and daughters to put some time aside and to seek Him. Along-side those staying at the land, we have also had group meetings, and have been involved in some awesome community events!

JOHN 17: 20-26
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

This year we have been reading and meditating on John 17 (above) and how God is for us, and wants to be with us. If Jesus is the very nature and expression of Father God, then God must also be God’s heart for us! Jesus in this specific part of scripture is asking God to make us one with Him as Jesus is one with the Father… “In Him we breathe and have our being.” He wants us to walk in the world, but not of the world. As we are being empowered by the Holy Spirit, the world may see Him through us and turn to Him. We are called to be His hands and feet. His tangible voice. His love demonstrated to a lost bride. What does love look like for you? How have you seen Jesus through others? What about Him captivates you?

We get the privilege of collaborating with Global Samaritan resources which is a non-profit in Abilene dedicated to helping people. They gather resources, then disperse those resources all over the world. They facilitated an event called Food and Hope this month about an hour away in Sweetwater, TX. We gathered in a church building with a couple hundred elementary school kids around the area and shared a presentation. This presentation was all about the Refugee families in Iran and how we believe God is calling us to love. Together with the kids, we drew symbols of hope, love, and joy on 1,200 boxes filled with thousands of servings of food that will be sent to the refugee camps in Iran. Sometimes the small things, speak louder than anything. For all of us involved, it was an INCREDIBLE time of serving, and being part of the grander plan of God, and heart of God.

Angel and Norm along with some friends went to Houston Texas to attend a conference called Mobilizing Medical Missions, and then one directly after in Lubbock about all the different ways that are available for helping missionaries raise funds for the mission field. We can trust God to provide all that we need to walk in what He calls us to walk in, but we at the same time, are called to take steps of faith. Both meetings were so encouraging in every way, and really empowered us to dream big and pray big!!

We hosted a community Encounter night at the Worship Center at the end of this month and we had close to 100 people attend. We had local artists, worship leaders and TSSM students giving prophetic ministry throughout the night. We have heard some incredible testimonies of people encountering Jesus in life- altering ways that have brought healing to bodies, hearts, and minds. We look forward to when we will all meet again and lift up the name of Jesus! We are praying for even more people to come next time!

We have some incredible events coming up in the next couple of months so please stay tuned for more soon!

JANUARY BLOG 2017

HAPPY 2017 EVERYONE!!! We are so thankful for all that God has done in 2016! Thank you again to all of you that have supported us and continued to believe God on our behalf so that His Kingdom would flow through us and be advanced in the world! We hosted over 50 different events this last year and thankfulness wells up inside of us when we think about all the new friendships, kingdom connections, and of course wonderful memories with our Camp Barkeley family here in Abilene.

We have started off this year with a bang! We have already had the opportunity to host around 55 people from numerous events out at the base. One of the groups we had the privilege of hosting is the leadership team from Big Country Walk to Emmaus. Vision casting, worship, prayer, and fellowship were all tangled into one incredible weekend!! One of the desires of our hearts here at Iris Abilene, is to see the Body of Christ unified as a body with the purpose of loving Jesus, loving people, and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. We have had so much joy watching this desire unfold already this year!

Our hearts are not just looking for unity in God’s vison only with the Body of Christ in the physical church building, but also outside of the four walls. We take great joy in having the honor to be part of such an amazing community in Abilene Texas! We received much encouragement this month when we joined The Supernatural School of Ministry (TSSM for short) for a teaching by Love and Care Ministries’, Mark Hewitt. He did a phenomenal job of sharing the Father’s heart for evangelism… Loving God and truly loving people. Not just looking at them, but SEEING people. Without the desire to love, evangelism becomes a religious duty, something we have to do. It all starts in our hearts!! Compassion and empathy were modeled perfectly by Jesus Himself. JOHN 17

A community that fights, laughs, prays, cries, and dreams together, THRIVES TOGETHER.

This month we joined in with two city-wide events that are truly groundbreaking to our community! On Sunday January 29th, Beltway Park Baptist church facilitated a city-wide prayer gathering. Groups of pastors and believers met on the corners of schools, businesses, Abilene city hall, the police department downtown, news stations, college campuses and many more locations to intercede and bless the influence of that location. We prayed for the Kingdom of Heaven to come in a way that has never come in our city! A move of God so grand, that there would be not one person without salvation in the Big Country. Immediately following this prayer walk, a local non-profit by the name of “1-Kingdom” held a city-wide worship night to lift high the name of Jesus! Pastors and city leaders from all different backgrounds, belief systems, and denominations came together to exalt the name of Jesus and worship Him! THAT IS TRUE UNITY! When we can lay down our own agendas and for the sake of the gospel, meet in one accord the kingdom is released. (Just as the church met in Acts 2.)

LOCAL INFLUENCE- GLOBAL IMPACT
We have not just seen God’s goodness unfold in our city, but also on a global scale! At the beginning of the month, the Poormans and a small team went to Catch the Fire Leaders Conference in Toronto, Canada. It was such a refreshing time for the team!

Prior to the conference, we linked arms with one of our ministry partners, Digital Bible Society, to help facilitate distribution of 500 digital bibles on SD cards in Kenya, Africa that were recorded in the language of Swahili. Now the locals in Kenya, can listen to the word of God, throughout the day and encounter the creator, the one who made each of them! Nothing is too big for God.

We thank you for your prayers and for staying up to date with us! We believe God is doing a new thing not just in us at Camp Barkeley, and in our community, (although He is) but also in our nation. God is stirring things up here in America, and in the World. We trust Him, for He is our sustainer and our hope! May we release hope everywhere our foot treads, and faith with the words we speak.

Psalms 119:90 “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”

Happy 2017 everyone!! We are so thankful for all that God has done in 2016! Thank you again to all of you that have supported us and continued to believe God on our behalf so that His Kingdom would flow through us and be advanced in the world! We hosted over 50 different events this last year and thankfulness wells up inside of us when we think about all of the new friendships we were able to create!

December was a full month for our team here in Abilene! We started off our month with some Christmas celebrations. Each of our team members painted on a canvas one thing that they thought about Christmas. After wards we gathered together and shared what God had put on our hearts to paint! We were in awe and wonder of the reality that God let go of His deity and put on humanity in meekness, so that we could be brought back to our first love in Him. That is what Christmas is all about after all… God using an imperfect woman, who in the sight of man, is worth nothing. God chose the worthless and made them valuable. God chose through the unlikely, to manifest His awesome glory and goodness, in hopes that we with unveiled faces will see Him in all of His glory and splendor. He came to us, for us, for Himself.

REDEMPTION. RESTORATION. LOVE.

One of the beautiful things about Jesus coming to us, is that when we say yes to His will invading our lives, and we truly surrender everything we have to Him, by His Holy Spirit we have the ability to become salt and light to this world. We believe here at Iris Abilene that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). God has called us to be a living tangible expression of His love and His heart to the world around us, through word and deed. Faith and works operating simultaneously, hand and hand. We had the opportunity to live this scripture out this month in our team, with each other, our local community, and also in the nations.

EACH OTHER: This month we had the joy of exchanging gifts amongst our team during a white elephant gift exchange. Some people got thoughtful gifts, some received gifts that would bring extreme joy and laughter!!

LOCAL COMMUNITY: Jeannette, Raelle, and Lauren went out every Friday morning and spent time in the neighborhood around one of our missionary houses. They baked muffins, put on smiles, and went door to door to visit the families surrounding House of Hope. They were so thankful for the opportunity to meet with sweet friends and pray for their holidays!!! Thanks to Global Samaritan Resources (local nonprofit dedicated to helping people help people), we received bags upon bags of candy that we also got to handout! THANK YOU!!

As many of you know we are now in partnership with the Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry here in Abilene. They are a branch of TSSM at Bethel Church in Redding California. They will often invite guest speakers and worship leaders to come pour into their students. Angel and Lauren were invited to speak and lead worship at a class this month! Many encountered God’s love as they talked about BRAVERY and COURAGE in the Holy Spirit. The summary for the evening is, vulnerability to the trinity is the greatest form of bravery and courage. We often do not know what God will do with our weak, broken, little lives. We know for certain that He is faithful and worthy of our trust. So we trust, and we open up our lives to Him for Him to establish His will, in His way.

AMERICA: Angel and Edna spent a weekend at We Will Go Ministries in Jackson Mississippi to minister to missionaries and to the leadership team. It was a sweet time of reflection, and redemption. God desires to reveal how He uniquely created us individually and how He wants to use us to bring Him Glory in our everyday lives.

NATIONS: Angel, Norm, Chris, and Dot had the life-altering opportunity to visit and meet up with our ministry partners in Mexico. John Arnott with Catch the Fire Toronto, and Dan Slade with Partners in Harvest also joined the team. Two days were spent in Mexico City, and three days in Jojulta. During their time there they hosted a pastor’s leadership conference and a Noche de Fuego ‘’Night of Fire’’. Thousands attended altogether and each person encountered the love of the Father in salvations, healings, through powerful messages, worship, prayer, and acts of love! This was our second time going and we look forward to partnering with them again to see the fame of Jesus reach each person in Mexico! We are so blessed by the way the Father loves His people and we get to be part of it! The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift and we are so thankful for His indwelling presence in each of us!

So many AMAZING things are happening here in the Big Country and in the Body of Christ!! Our prayer is that we would live for the audience of One. That when we finally see our bridegroom king face to face, that he will say “Well done, you learned to love!” We want to give Him all that we have, all that we are, and all that we aspire to be. We daily lay down our lives to Him, as He eagerly gave His life away for us for the joy set apart for Him by the Father.
Thank you for praying, supporting, and strengthening us along the journey!! WE ARE EXCITED FOR WHAT IS TO COME IN THE NEAR FUT

Psalm 145
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

I wanted to begin this newsletter with this chapter in the book of Psalms for multiple reasons. Last month we talked about releasing the heart of worship towards God, and how God is worthy of our entire life. All of our affection and devotion belongs to Him. In this specific chapter, David is singing of the abundant goodness that flows out of God’s heart. God’s loving kindness has yet to fail us! HE IS GOOD! Psalm 145 really sums up our month for us. The Lord is righteous in all of His ways and He is faithful in all that he does! He is showing us how He is unraveling all of the things we have dreamed about happening at Camp Barkeley! We are eternally grateful for His goodness on the Cross, and His goodness on His throne! His love is simply more than we can imagine!!

This month we graduated our students enrolled in the Restoring the Foundations Training Intensive that we hosted. We had been praying for months about this training and that those attending would leave excited, fervent, and expectant. God truly redeemed, restored, and equipped all who attended. The majority of the students are now seeking and inquiring about the option of moving forward to being trained in Module 3 at the Restoring the Foundations headquarters in North Carolina. Throughout the training, marriages were healed, hearts were strengthened, and dreams were established in the hearts of many. Towards the middle of the month we had the honor of spending time with Lee and Cindi Whitman for a vision casting night. The Whitmans are the Executive Directors of Restoring the Foundations and they collectively are passionate about people encountering Jesus in such a way that is life altering and transformational. They shared with us their journey and what they believe God wants to do in the days to come at RTF. We were encouraged and spurred on to dream bigger dreams alongside them as they imparted the faith that God gifted to them!!

Soon after the vision casting night, we received an email from the Chief of Police here in Abilene saying he was interested in bringing all of the city directors and leaders out to Camp Barkeley for a time of prayer and worship. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!! We are so fortunate to be underneath city authority that believes, and trusts God to bring His kingdom for the sake of our city and those in it! That same day, we had Sherrie Saltzgaber and the Freedom/ Ministry team from Beltway Park Baptist Church enjoy a dinner in which they were served and appreciated for all that they pour out. It was a beautiful time of soaking, eating, and worship. We pray many were refreshed, and the fire in their hearts were rekindled.

We are excited for what God is doing here in Abilene and in the world. Our hearts are filled with joy when we get together with the Body of Christ. We have had some amazing reports from our brothers and sisters about what God is doing in other places and we look forward to seeing God's will unfold. He is moving and He is releasing more and more every month.

Please continue to stay up to date via our Facebook page or our website. We are confident, and we are praying. We are expecting a harvest greater than what we have ever seen before.

OCTOBER Blog 2016

Greetings from beautiful Abilene TX!! We have had quite a full, fun month this September.
In the words of A.W. Tozer "If you are bored with god, perhaps you are not following GOD."
We have had so much fun watching God unfold His mysterious plan which is in Christ Jesus Himself. We have NOT been bored!

This month we have hosted many friends, and events, one of which is our Restoring the Foundations Training Intensive. Earlier this month we had the honor of graduating a handful of students in Module 1: Issue Focused ministry. They were taught the foundational truths of God's heart and they learned how to minister to other students. It was amazing to see how they had changed in a matter of two weeks. If God could change the entire world, for all eternity, in a matter of three days, then imagine what He could do with open hearts for two weeks. We are learning here that just one moment in the presence of God, could change someone forever. One word, or one touch from God, by the Holy Spirit, can make all things new. He can infuse hope, life, and purpose in exchange for a whole life of depression, devastation, and hurt. We are now in Module 2 which is training specifically for Thorough Format ministry. This training will end in mid- November, so please continue to cover in prayer all receiving ministry, those ministering, as well as the trainers.

We also hosted different churches from Abilene for retreats and vision casting!! One of those churches being our home church, Beltway Park Baptist Church. They planned a retreat for the worship and AV teams from both Beltway campuses to rest, receive, and get refreshed. They brought in some dear friends from the International house of Prayer in Kansas City to help teach and pour into the worshipers from Beltway.

There is a rhythm we feel God is teaching us. Rest, run, release. We must know when to rest. We must slow down and take time for the ONE, Jesus. Without resting in Him, we have no vision, no strength to continue forward. In Hebrews 4:9-11 it says “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience -as those who hardened their hearts." Out of resting, we are equipped with the tools and strength needed to run the race that God has mapped out for us. If God has called us to be co-laborers with Him to accomplish the will of God on the earth as it is in Heaven, then He has provided all that we need for us to accomplish that very thing. But we must go to Him and abide.

Following Beltway, we hosted One Kingdom which is a group of Big Country pastors and leaders who are coming together to advance the Kingdom of God and to see Abilene and the Big Country transformed through unified prayer, authentic relationships, and intentional mission.
Birthed out of a conviction that God has an amazing plan for His church in this region, pastors have been gathering for prayer for nearly two decades. We believe that what God has in store is bigger than any one church of denomination. Therefore, we are coming together around our common faith in Jesus Christ asking for God's commanded blessing, convinced that we can accomplish more united than we can divided. This was a city- wide event for pastors, and city leaders to come be part of a day full of prayer, worship, and intercession on behalf of our city, and those in it. We prayed for our leaders, businesses, families, churches, schools, you name it. The Holy Spirit moved in power. Unity was created and passion was stirred for the great commission each person that attended. Total attendance was approximately 60-70 people total. It was a powerful day and we were/ are so thankful for the opportunity to have our facilities used for that purpose.

We are excited for what God is doing here in Abilene and in the world. We have had some amazing reports from our brothers and sisters about what God is doing in other places and we look forward to seeing God's will unfold. He is moving and He is releasing more and more every month.

Please continue to stay up to date via our Facebook page or our website. We are confident, and we are praying. We are expecting a harvest greater than what we have ever seen before.

We had fun this month at Camp Barkeley!!! In our last blog. We wrote about Kingdom connections and how God uses the body of Christ. We are all just thread being woven together to create a beautiful tapestry. That tapestry being the will of God. His sovereignty in the will and destiny He has planned for us, far outweighs our ability to plan and push for things to happen. Like a potter making a clay pot, we are in the hands of the Almighty, yielding, allowing Him to shape and mold us how He desires. We are, if I may say, ‘Along for the ride’.
 
We have enjoyed seeing how God is moving here in Abilene! We are going deeper into relationship with Jesus, as well as receiving a greater revelation of His immense love for us as we yield, submit, and surrender to Him. This newsletter is more than us sharing with you about cool things that are happening here. It is about taking time to reflect, and communicate the goodness of God in hope that you would be spurred on to greater depths of intimacy and relationship with Him.
 
This month we had the honor of hosting three retreats at Camp Barkeley. The first one was with Gracepoint Church. Gracepoint is an incredible church filled with sold out lovers of God, and mothers and fathers in the faith. It was really sweet to see how God orchestrated this because Norm and Angel Poorman, our trustworthy leaders, had forged an incredible relationship with those at this church and have sat under their leadership in years past. During the retreat, they got to connect, and share testimonies about what all God has been up too!!! It was really encouraging and life-giving for those that were able to participate!
 
The second retreat we hosted was Beltway Park 6th Grade Basic Training retreat. With students and leaders combined there was about 50 participating in this retreat. The vision of this weekend was ‘’Basic Training”. The leadership went over the fundamentals of identity, the power of the cross, and How Jesus can advance His Kingdom in and through our laid down lives. Many were spurred on and equipped with life altering truths, and encounters with the Holy spirit. We are excited for what God is doing in this generation and we eagerly wait expectantly to see what will become of those that whole heartedly folly the Holy Spirit and learn to abide in Him through the spirit of adoption.   
                                                                                                                                                   
The third retreat we hosted was with Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry or TSSM for short. TSSM has now come under the covering of IRIS Abilene and a partnership has been formed for greater unity and transformation throughout the city and the nations. We are thankful for the family that God has given us in TSSM and we look forward to all of the amazing moments we will get to share with them.
 
Well that’s all for now! We have many exciting events coming and we will be sharing them as they unfold. Stay tuned!! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. We will be sharing more on there throughout the week!
 

Starting in October we will be partnering with Restoring the Foundations and launching our first eight-week training intensive.  During these eight weeks, students will be trained in Issue- focused Format, which is a format that deals with one specific issue, in a three hour time period. We will also be training students in Thorough Format ministry, which is a fifteen hour ministry that deals with issues throughout the span of life up to present time. Through this training, students will have the opportunity to learn, and to receive. They will receive fresh eyes, new insights, and most importantly, they will connect with God in such a way that will bring healing to lifes’s struggles and hope for a renewed future. Please consider joining us in prayer as we approach this training!!
 
We are thankful for all that God is doing here and all that He will do in the days to come! Visit our website for updates on pictures, newsletters, events, and more!! If you would like to come visit us, please go to our website, campbarkeley.com, or, Irisabilene.org to book your reservation now!! We would love to connect with you!
 
Love and Unity,

Iris Abilene: Camp Barkeley Family

August Newsletter 2016

God is doing BIG things in the BIG COUNTRY. He has been showing us collectively as a team the scripture Isaiah 6. “In the year that King Ussiah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.”

His holiness, His presence, is the very thing we seek after. It is want we want. We desire to live our lives in such a way that welcomes the presence of God and His holiness. As we are in preparation for the next couple of months, our hearts are focused and intentional about keeping the Main thing, the Main thing; His glorious, holy, tangible presence. We desire to be a dwelling, a resting place for God Himself. The writer of 2 Corinthians chapter five explains it in a different way, “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling… He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the spirit as a guarantee.”

God has prepared us! Because of Jesus, we are now clothed in His righteousness, in His holiness. We have become a tabernacle. We are a temple for the presence of God to rest in, and upon. From a place of abiding in Him, we can walk in our identity as sons and daughters in Christ and we can truly live out, and fulfill the great commission! Loving God, and loving our neighbors as we love our self. But what does it truly look like to love our self?

Starting in October we will be partnering with Restoring the Foundations and launching our first eight-week training intensive. During these eight weeks, students will be trained in Issue- focused Format, which is a format that deals with one specific issue, in a three hour time period. We will also be training students in Thorough Format ministry, which is a fifteen hour ministry that deals with issues throughout the span of life up to present time. Through this training, students will have the opportunity to learn, and to receive. They will receive fresh eyes, new insights, and most importantly, they will connect with God in such a way that will bring healing to lifes’s struggles and hope for a renewed future. Please consider joining us in prayer as we approach this training!!

We hosted some fun retreats this past month and had the opportunity to connect with some sweet friends and family!! We are thankful for all that God is doing here and all that He will do in the days to come! Visit our website for updates on pictures, newsletters, events, and more!! If you would like to come visit us, please go to our website, campbarkeley.com, or, Irisabilene.org to book your reservation now!! We would love to connect with you!

Love and Unity,

Iris Abilene: Camp Barkeley Family

July 2016- Strong Connections

Colossians 2:2-3 “I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

This month has been so much about us connecting with God, and Him connecting us with the Body of Christ through strong ties of love. We receive great joy as we join in with our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. Different members of our team got the opportunity to go on some incredible trips this month where we have witnessed the goodness of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of God through acts of love. Here are a couple of stories that sum up the month for us here at IRIS Abilene: Camp Barkeley.
Our long-term team member Edna had the honor of traveling around the states for some time to help train other believers in a ministry called Restoring the Foundations. She taught seminars with other RTF trainers and helped equip a group of believers to go out under the covering of their local church and RTF, to release freedom and truth into the lives of people around them. It was a trip filled with joy, friendship, and deeper revelation of the Father’s unconditional, unfailing love. Definitely something we look forward to being a part of more often in the future!!

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Angel and her dear friend from Canada, Nancy S., had the amazing opportunity to go to Pemba, Mozambique and South Africa for two weeks. They partnered with Nancy Economou with Watts of Love, and Iris Global to reach the lost and needy in remote villages. Angel, Nancy S. and Nancy E. got to travel to different villages with some of the Harvest School students. While on outreach, Watts of Love solar lights were given out to mamas, and leaders of the villages. Each light brought hope, and life to each person that received it. If you have not heard of Watts of Love, please visit their website wattsoflove.org and see how Jesus is changing the world, one Watt at a time. Angel, Nancy S., and Nancy E. got to truly experience the incredible, fierce love of the Father, in so many tangible ways and it has changed their lives forever! We are thankful for the ways we get to partner with God all around the world as we live out the greatest commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of you soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.” We are excited for what this next year has in store for us as we lean in, yield, and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

This month Lauren also got to travel and connect with a church in Martin, Tennessee. She had the honor of getting to visit with some dear friends of hers and lead worship at their church. While she was there, God came in His rich love and hearts were captivated as people got to experience the healing hand of God in their physical bodies as well as in their hearts!! We are excited about all that God has deposited in this church through His presence as they are a brand new church with big dreams and visions. We are expecting the wells of revival to be released in that community.

These are just some testimonies, but really everyone in our team has had such an incredible month!!
We also had an upgrade at Camp Barkeley this month when our friends from Canada, Nancy S. and her family, used their month long vacation to serve and take care of tree trimming, mowing, and landscaping. We are learning more about the goodness of God and about His love that He wants to lavish upon those who cry out to Him!!

We have some amazing months coming up ahead of us and are expecting God to reveal His heart and plans for us in a greater measure. Thank you for all of those that serve and love well!!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON OUR BLOG FOR AUGUST!!

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God is on the move in some miraculous ways! He is all about wanting to transform us through His love and show us the way that leads to life. This last month was quite exhilarating as we watched and stood in awe of the kindness of God, not only in our lives, but in the lives of those around us! We have seen that as we step out, God meets us... As we walk in courage, He brings His power and provision.

At one of our missionary houses, House of Hope, which is located In the nucleus of the city, we are starting to notice the rich love that God is wanting to pour out on His people. Two of our team members have dedicated their Friday mornings to walking the neighborhood, interceding, worshipping and asking God for creative ways to love the people that live there. After all, the Great Commission starts with the neighbors, right? This is their story...

"We have met some incredible people by the leading of the Holy Spirit. One day after we had visited some of our neighbors, we felt to go to a red brick building just down the street that seemed to be abandoned. We were praying and dreaming of the possibilities that we could use the building for later on in the future. As we pull up, we have an unexpected prayer request. We prayed that God would let us inside the building. As we were praying, a man, in a motorized wheel chair opens the door... It was as if it was God Himself saying, "I hear you." So we approach this man and ask Him his name and just get to know him a little.. He received us into his home and we got the opportunity to hear his story. Turns out, he has been in this wheel chair for quite some time due to falling off of a roof while he was at a job site years ago. He just got out of the hospital the day before due to a urinary infection... We shared the good news of Jesus and asked Him if we could pray.

He needed hope, he needed a renewed purpose for life.

After his caretaker had arrived (who so happened to be a spirit filled believer in Jesus), we prayed and released healing into his body. He experienced the love of his Heavenly Father and although his body has not been healed yet, the need to be loved was fulfilled. We were able to encourage him by sharing what God says about him and how important he is. We have since continued to visit him and have noticed more joy in his life.. We look forward to seeing how God is going to use him to advance the Kingdom!

That same day we went and visited another woman down the street that lives with her sister. Esther, and Mary. We were also welcomed into her home and just heard her story. We had received some words of knowledge to encourage her with and it just so happens that on this day in particular, she was "feeling heavy, and not like her normal self." As we prayed for her, the Holy Spirit filled her home and she felt the touch of God... We prayed for her back, her eyes, and other parts of her body for full restoration and healing. She is a good friend and is always invited us into home to spend quality time with her.

This month we also linked arms with some locals and first responders at a city- wide event called Stop The Violence... It was a Saturday morning dedicated to bringing awareness to those in the city about the violence, and hate that has increased. We were charged to go out and love one another as Christ has loved us.

This month we had some encouraging strategic meetings, that filled us with hope for what God wants to do in the months, and years to come.

As many of you know we are in partnership with Global Samaritan Resources here in Abilene. It is a non-profit that is dedicated to Helping people, help people. They receive and provide resources to those in need.. They have generously given us some resources that will benefit us short term and long term.

• 420 bottles of water

• 208 bags of chocolate covered almonds

• 85 bottles of apple juice

• 27 bottles of cranberry juice

• Book for our Iris base

We will be able to use these items as we minister those on the streets and bless our neighbors.. We are thankful for the generosity and the seeds of kindness sown through Global Samaritan. We know that God will continue to give to them in abundantly greater ways than ever before.

Like most moves of God, there is a dream, a promise that He gives to help give us direction, after all, "He is the light to our path." God is not done with IRIS Abilene: Camp Barkeley and we are moving forward. We look forward to what God will do in 2016 as we trust Him and run the race with perseverance, "Pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God, which is Christ Jesus Himself."

May 2016
This month started out with the National Day of Prayer on May 5th. Hosted in the Love & Care Ministries prayer room, local pastors, worship leaders, and many others, joined together to pray for specific topics for America. We believe that God is not done with America yet!!! We interceded for government leadership, the American Church, revival, business owners, finances and many more things. We have been asking God to intervene and have His way in our great nation, that we would be a nation shining bright on a hill for the world to see. The light inside of us, being Jesus Christ himself, shining out of us through love and honor!!

We have noticed that as we step out, and simply love the people around us, we will see transformed lives!! We have seen this more and more here in Abilene!! This last month we had the honor of hosting a dear family that attended our first school (CB1), where God breathed more passion and desire to go back into the nations to reveal the Kingdom of God through their laid- down lives!! This family has their own non-profit and is constantly pouring out their lives to the people in Thailand!! We love them as family and were so filled with joy as we communed and celebrated their lives, and had pure, simple fun!!

This last month, we have had some incredible testimonies as we serve with Love & Care Ministries and Global Samaritan Resources!! A member of our team, Jeannette, has developed such an incredible relationship with some of the locals who live on the streets. She says "I love to serve them food, but I think it means more to them when I just go to their tables, sit, and visit with them... They have stories, and they just want someone to listen." We are learning about different ways that we can love people!! That's really the goal right?? To love as Jesus loves?
We have also had physical healings, emotional healings, and great conversations with people about how God loves them!!

We had the honor of hosting Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry (TSSM) and their graduation for this last school year. It was encouraging, fun, and refreshing to hear stories about how God restores, and strenghtens the ones he loves. It was a beautiful night full of worship, food and fun!!

Half way through the month of May, Angel and Norm had the beautiful oportunity to go and celebrate Stacey and Wesley Campbell's 30 year ministry anniversary in Kelowna, Canada. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of Stacey and Wesley and for how they have trusted God and have done community well!!! We are incredibly blessed by their hearts to breathe passion and life into others!!

We enjoyed some time getting to visit and catch up with our dear friends from Mozambique, Jimmy and Linda Read!! We are thankful for all God is doing through them to advance the Kingdom of God and manifest His goodness!!

That same weekend We had the joy of hosting a beautiful wedding for one of our dear friends and family in the Lord. It was filled with miracles, signs, wonders and the beauty of the Lord. We have had an incredible season of abundant rain in the area and on this particular day we were supposed to be hailed on and rain was forecasted to pour down... Instead, God gave us a bubble of protection around our mountain, a double rainbow, and beautiful clouds. Meanwhile, a mile down the road, there was water standing on the road, streams through trees, and quarter size hail. We were not touched. He made sure that the day was absolutely everything the bride and groom desired!! We were all in awe of his goodness not only in covenant, but how he covers the covenant with his love. It pointed all those who were present to the way that God desires the Bride of Christ which is the Church!!

Like most moves of God, there is a dream, a promise that He gives to help give us direction, after all, "He is the light to our path." God is not done with IRIS Abilene: Camp Barkeley and we are moving forward. We look forward to what God will do in 2016 as we trust Him and run the race with perseverance, "Pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God, which is Christ Jesus Himself."

It feels like spring has come early. Winter weather is mild and the budding of new seasons is being felt both in the natural and spiritual sense. January has come and gone, and if you are like us, you are probably wondering how that happened! We do praise the Lord though for a good start to the year. Relationships are growing stronger both locally and abroad, and we rejoice in all the Lord is doing. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1 ESV).

Expectation and excitement build as our relationship with Kaleo International deepens. This past month our leaders, Angel and Norm Poorman, had the privilege of visiting our affiliate ministry in Mexico. They joined with the Kaleo International team and Dan and Gwen Slade, International Coordinators for the Partners In Harvest Network, as guest speakers at the Catch The Fire International Leaders School of Ministry (ILSOM). It was a truly inspiring time as the windows of heaven were opened over the conference that held over 250 local pastors from the surrounding areas. Momentum during each meeting grew and culminated with a great outpouring during two open evening fire meetings. Healings, deliverances, salvations, and manifestations of His Spirit were flowing freely for all to partake. Angel and Norm have come back with renewed vision and passion for the year ahead.

January has been a busy month for us out at Camp Barkeley. We have welcomed many different church and ministry groups for retreats, times of refreshment and vision casting. It is a joy to see the land and facilities being used for Kingdom purposes and to link arms with our brothers and sisters in Christ to build connection and bless our local community. It is incredible to see how skillfully the Lord weaves us together!

The start of our Residential Missionary Initiative has begun! We have officially welcomed our first missionary who will be taking part in this program, and we are already preparing for our next missionary to join us later this month. This program is designed to provide a supportive environment for further missionary training, while growing practical skills in serving our local community physically and spiritually. Missionaries who come through this program will help with events hosted at Camp Barkeley, serve some of our local ministries here in Abilene, and minister directly to people in our local neighborhoods. In summary, they will be an extension of the Lords hands and feet, ushering in His presence and loving the ones the Lord brings across our paths.

Please pray with us as we prepare for our upcoming schools, that we will walk with diligence in stewarding all that the Lord has planned for this year. Our hearts desire is to be fully submitted to the Holy Spirit, and to walk out our lives as Jesus did, fully surrendered to the Father’s will. We pray this will be your desire too. So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise (John 5:19 ESV).

Two days! That’s all the time that is left until Norm and I fly to Mexico for Catch the Fire and Kaleo International’s International Leaders School. This School of Fire will be a time of training, worship and healing for pastors serving the surrounding communities of Jojulta. During this five-day conference we will have the opportunity to learn from other leaders and to share ourselves. In addition to speaking, we will be teaching through the Kendall Life Language Profile with some of the staff member. The KLLP provides an incredible opportunity for leaders to better understand their communication styles and improve their relationships with their families, friends and those they serve.

We are overjoyed God is bringing our dreams into reality. He is converging the streams of several amazing ministries to bring His good news and healing to the nations.

This trip will be an amazing opportunity, but it will also be a glimpse into the future. This summer during our third Iris Global School, CB3, we will be taking students to Mexico for four weeks to partner with Kaleo International. We are overjoyed God has established this partnership between us and ask for your prayers during this time. Pray God sends us the right students for this school, that they would be filled up with His Spirit to be mobilized to the nations.

We know the Lord is working and cannot wait to see how He unfolds this new year.

Blessings,
Angel & Norm Poorman