There are a lot of incredible stories from our adult leaders of life changing experience that have taken place at 212. The teenagers are not the only ones that are ministered to and around 212 it's not just about "serving", it's about family. This is one of those stories.....

Kirk Barnes
212 Usher

As you may recall, I served on Don's team for a little more than a year before God presented an opportunity for my family and I to move to Chicago to work in a new capacity that will potentially impact millions of lives. Through all of the transition, it dawned on me that I have never really told the great people of 212 how much my time there has meant to me.

What you may not know, is that when I first started serving at 212, I was a sales director with a major pharmaceutical company. Being in a position of influence and managing over 100 people, I soon became a little full of myself. My selfishness reared its head in my marriage, my outlook on others and even my increased focus on the material trappings that can come with making more money. In fact, at one point, I seriously felt that my marriage was in jeopardy. I also felt that all of the people that were around me on a daily basis were my true friends and really cared about me.

Well, God had a way of humbling me when I was unexpectedly laid off in September of 2007. It was a surprise to me that many of my "friends" were no longer around. But guess who was there? Jesus Christ, my wife of 12 years and my family. It took a while for me to rely on God, Faith and Family. What also coincided with this time was a downturn in the economy and major downsizing in the pharmaceutical industry, so jobs were extremely scarce if non-existed. Of course, worries about our well being set in and you can only imagine where that took us!

A key source of my inspiration was my experience serving at 212. Working with the Don, Jerry, Justin and the other ushers. Being inspired by Pastor Rolando's leadership with the youth at 212. Watching the youth as they develop in to young successful Christians passionate about God and Jesus Christ. Participating in the all night lock in. For the first time in my life, bringing several young men to Christ!!

I have no doubt that my involvement with 212 grounded me, made me more humble and willing to serve vs. wanting people to serve me. Even through the move, my wife and I are closer than ever. The position that I have now is the best job that I have ever had and we are doing well financially and able to help many people. My job is to help fight illegal counterfeiting of prescription drugs around the world, which is becoming a major global issue. It really feels like I can make a difference. All of this is not to my efforts or luck, but all by the Grace of God! In fact, my father shared with me something that he heard from his church; "Sometimes you have setbacks so that God can set you up to move you forward!"

The 212 people and experience is forever etched in my heart, and I just wanted to let you know how much everyone there meant to me!

Best wishes and God Bless You All,
Kirk Barnes