My name is Brian Barr. I grew up in a very small town in
North Carolina called Jamesville. I spent my time as a young child outside exploring
the fields and flooded timbers around our home. Our house was just under a mile
from our church Poplar Chapel, which was very convenient because I absolutely
loved being there not only with my friends but I also enjoyed seeing and
serving the older adults. I spent many afternoons and Saturdays at widows’
homes doing chores for them, or even better, sitting at their tables eating
cake listening to stories of the good ol days.
After I graduated from Jamesville High School, I attended
Martin Community College where I studied Electrical/Electronics Technology. My
lovely mother raised my twin brothers and myself on her on, so we did not have
a lot of money. I worked as a carpenter to put myself through college and
continued in the trade afterwards. Through the years at Poplar Chapel, the
youth program dwindled down to nothing. This saddened me! I saw that the youth
in my community were going down the wrong paths, and had no other influence
than that of the world. So I started the youth program up. On the first Sunday
afternoon I had 4 kids, and within a month I had 35 kids and 15 volunteers. In
2008, I had a gentleman approach me and tell me that him and many others see
God at work in me, and that if I felt the calling, I would have a full ride to
Mid Atlantic Christian University (Roanoke Bible College at the time). After my
schooling at MACU, I transitioned into the Preacher at Poplar Chapel, my home
church.
My summers as a youth were filled with working in tobacco
fields, and attending Camp. Roanoke Christian Service Camp had a major impact
on my life. I was always right at home when I was at camp, either as a camper or
counselor. For the past several years I have been a part of Camp Rainbow. This
is a camp for adults with special needs. This is where I meet my beautiful
wife! She had an uncle that had downs syndrome. Kate and my friendship grew
into a great love. So I moved to Gloucester, Virginia and married her! Our
first and only son was born this past Christmas Eve! God has blessed us
tremendously.
I have lived in Zimbabwe, Africa on mission, and also Fort
Thompson, SD on an Indian Reservation serving the Sioux.
Email Brian: director@lakeviewchristiancamp.org