Whether you know us well, or are just now being

The first of four letters introduced to us through a mutual friend, we're writing to
explaining our return to bring you into what God is continuing to do in our lives—and in France.
full-time missions. In 2005 we attended a prayer conference in Paris…Be careful what you pray for.
(And especially whom you pray with!) During the conference hosted by World Team we
spent ten days travelling around the Paris area praying with French Christians. Now
our goal is to be among the number of those for whom we prayed.
Those who were close to us took it in stride when we announced our desire to
go back into full-time ministry—this time as church planters in France, with
World Team as our sending agency.

In the mid 80s, we were part of Campus Crusade for Christ's art department. In
1989 Russell joined Moody Bible Institute’s in-house ad agency as senior
designer and staff illustrator. We now live the freelance life and continue
The act of creation is a to work in both the secular, and sacred, communities. One of our best
link to God. When we clients over the last decade has been the Nazarene Publishing House,
create, He is glorified for whom we design and illustrate children's curriculum. In addition to
whether we are aware graphic design, we taught pottery, painting and drawing to children and
of it or not. adults out of our home for ten years. Our pottery, and that of our stu-
dents, has been on display in several galleries in the Kansas City area.

Q: Are you artists or missionaries?

A: Yes.
Carol: I developed a thirst for missions in the Baptist church I grew up in
through involvement in the Girl’s Auxiliary. For five years I served as Women’s
Ministry Program Director at Olathe Bible Church. My involvement in women's
In 2005 ministries has given me the chance to mentor several of the younger women there.
we attended a Russell and I will continue to teach and mentor wherever God leads us. My spiritual
prayer conference gifts are Administration, Faith, and Hospitality.
in Paris… RUSSELl: When I was ten or eleven years old, after the evening service at church
camp, I was at the altar praying, seeking God's blessing, and was prepared to pray
Be careful what all night if that's what it took. What He gave me that night I carried away with me
you pray for. into the years ahead: 1) I would be an artist; 2) I would be a preacher; 3) I would
be a missionary; 4) I would do all this at the same time in an unconventional way. It was difficult
And especially whom to communicate my very real calling to those around me. My mother just heard the
word "pastor" and was satisfied.
you pray with! I was ordained into the ministry in 1986 by fellow elders at Bales Baptist Church
in Kansas City when we left to join Campus Crusade. Most recently, I served on the
elder board at Olathe Bible Church and taught in the Homebuilders young adult
class. My spiritual gifts are Pastor/Shepherd, Teaching and Hospitality.
Then I heard the voice Attending the 2005 Paris Prayer Conference changed us forever. We returned
home and, in October of that year, found ourselves at World Team's Reciprocal
of the Lord saying, Assessment & Candidate Evaluation (R.A.C.E.). During the ten days of R.A.C.E.,
we were carefully examined and were asked to examine World Team in return.
‘Whom shall I send? They discovered a couple of things about us that were essential to successful
And who will go for church planters—a sense of humor and the ability to deal with ambiguity.
Carol's administrative skills were noted and figured heavily in World Team's deci-
us?’ Then I said, ‘Here sion to invite us to join their ranks. In Russell's case the decision wasn't based solely
am I, send me!’” on his ability to preach and teach. "You're glue. Whenever you are in a group, it works better."
We never lost our heart for France. In October of '06 we were invited to Paris for
– Isaiah 6:8 a required field visit. During those ten days everyone came to the same conclusion:
We needed to pursue France as our ministry focus.
In the three letters to follow we'll flesh out more of what that means for us, but
the following information will help you get a handle on what will fill our days.

2008 Women in Job Description

the Word Retreat • W e will be involved in planting a church within the Paris metro
sponsored by Olathe area, which would include, preaching and teaching the Word,
Bible Church. developing relationships and sharing the Gospel within the
community, serving, discipleship and training.
•  We plan on getting involved in community arts programs. The French love
the arts. In France, you need an introduction before you can begin building
relationships. Pottery, painting and drawing give us credibility, and are our personal
tickets into this subculture. If you hear us talk about visiting one of the museums, we're
not just admiring the art…we're fishing.
•  World Team is moving its international headquarters to Paris. The professional
Summer Wedding skills we've accumulated over the years will be called upon. Russell will help World
Team with graphic design. This letter is a sample of our work.
•  O rganization and administration are indeed Carol's gifts. She will help
facilitate events such as prayer conferences, internships, seminars, etc.

More to Come
We need brothers and sisters who will remember us, walk through our ministry
with us, and pray for us. Watch your mailbox! We will be sending three more letters
within the next few weeks telling you more about our call to France.
But, you don't have to wait for those letters. Log onto www.parisbarrs.blogspot.com.
Our entire story can be found there. Better yet, we'd love to sit down over coffee or
talk with you over Skype. Give us a call! For now, we thank you for your interest and
hope to talk to you soon.
Until next time!
800-967-7109
Russell & Carol Barr
1431 Stuckert Rd.
913-393-1373 • parisbarrs@gmail.com
Warrington, PA 18976
www.parisbarrs.blogspot.com
www.worldteam.org