August 04, 2017
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.