January 08, 2019
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
