About

The Chinese Arch that spans H Street in downtown Washington, DC, is more than the gateway to Chinatown; it represents the relationship between two capitol cities–Washington, DC and Beijing, international sister cities. Built in 1986 as a joint innovation between these two great cities, the Friendship Arch, as it is also known, signifies an intentional connection by which economic and cultural relationships can be strengthened and enhanced.

These two important cities are now connected by the unique calling of two people, Wayne and Mimi Barnard, a couple called by God to two separate continents, countries, cultures, and cities. Mimi has accepted the position as Vice President of Professional Development and Research for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in Washington, DC. Much of her work will involve traveling, and we plan to meet in Hawaii at least once this year. You can view a description of her new work at www.cccu.org.

Wayne has been invited to Beijing, China, for a one-year appointment, teaching at the International Academy of Beijing (www.iabchina.net), and also serving as Acting Director of Harmony Outreach, a ministry to special needs orphans founded and led by John and Lisa Bentley (www.harmonyoutreach.org). Wayne has enjoyed serving on the board of this ministry, and now he’s excited to be working in a more hands-on way.

Katie will be completing her senior year as a history major at ACU.  She’s now living off campus with three friends, and she’s looking forward to applying this year to graduate schools to study museum sciences. Colin is beginning his official freshman year with 40+ hours, so he’ll be classified as a junior by the spring semester. The head start is great for him, as he’s a dual major in political science and history.

This blog will chronicle Wayne’s and Mimi’s experiences as they faithfully answer God’s call while living, working, and ministering half a world apart. Moreover, it will also affirm the strength of God’s grace in a family whose faith is firmly founded upon God’s promise.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Sisters and brothers, pray for us. I Thessalonians 5: 23-25.

We invite you to join us on our journey by reading this blog, by praying for us as a couple and for our children, Katie and Colin, and by honoring our commitment to travel this unusual path as husband and wife, father and mother, son and daughter, and brother and sister.

Katie, Wayne, Mimi, and Colin Barnard