missionary support

Beverly and Emmanuel Barte were commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries in 2001, and posted to Cambodia in 2002. Their three young sons are with them in ministry as they share with the people of Cambodia.

Beverly coordinates Christian Education ministries, which includes assisting/facilitating with the production of educational and resource materials, training of Christian educators and teachers, and congregational development.

Emmanuel works with the community development ministries, and his responsibilities include assisting with the training of the Cambodian youth as they learn vocational skills, as well as maintaining the mission vehicles of the GBGM-UMC Mission Center. His program, ‘Faith Engine Ministry’ includes auto and motorcycle mechanics, welding, and basic driving lessons. Em, as he is fondly called, has done three short-term trainings in 2002, and each training has been faced with the challenge of where to get financial assistance to keep the trainings available.

To update the info, they are now posted to Laos doing the same thing they did in Cambodia. They began in Laos in early 2010.

The following is an email to Pastor Beth:

Dear Pastor Beth,

Sabaidee from Laos!!

I am sorry it took a while before we email you again. We would like to share with you that we are in transition period. We have just relocated here in Laos. Our term in Cambodia ended last December, 2009.

We have the same nature of assignment. For Emmanuel, my husband to be able to establish here the same program for the young people, the Faith Engine Ministry, a Vocational Training that includes Basic Mechanics, Welding Driving and Auto- air Conditioning Skills.   As for myself, it is to coordinate Christian Education programs, but more on assisting trainings to the leaders, and also to assist in the adults, women and children’s ministries.

We are on the process of learning, getting oriented with the ministries here that are already in place. Please know that we now have about 100 Methodist congregations, about 75 Pastors (about 40 have completed their Pastoral course/ training) and about 5000 members. It’s an emerging church, and there is too much challenge as Laos is a Buddhist country.   The leaders are working on the registration and documents. Hopefully, the government would recognize it soon and allow it to function officially and legally.

We would be working here under an English school and hopefully get our own school established that would offer both language and vocational skills.

This new field brings so much excitement, but also need prayers for our general welfare. Please say hello to the Watskinville UMC congregation. Thank you for your prayers and your support towards our support. We would let you know what other ways you can respond to the needs in our ministries here.

Otherwise, we are fine. Our children are adjusting well in school and our new home, and new community. Thanks God for all his blessings and supplication.

Blessings,

Beverly, Emmanuel and kids

WFUMC provides some support annually in its budget for missionary support. This picture was taken when the family visited WFUMC in July of 2009, offering a program in our Fellowship Hall.

Please keep Beverly and Em and the kids in your prayers.