“Little” Willie Barker is known to be a friend to many, especially those who are without one and experiencing loneliness.
He’s a reflection of a source of hope, light and encouragement in other people’s lives when they find themselves struggling. He’s often on social media, on the phone late at night or just going through every-day routine errands looking outwardly for people to pray with and to show love to.
Willie is a Christian, a follower of Jesus and His teachings. The hope, light and encouragement he’s offering has been planted into his heart and life, as he simply reflects it everywhere he goes. Willie has been fully committed to the service of Jesus, and in turn to humanity, well before his official call to ordination. He’s certainly a special young man with a high calling.
Like most other people walking this earth, his life hasn’t been without many challenges and obstacles, circumstances that would cause most to say, “Well, where is God in this?”
Will was born with cerebral palsy, a condition most commonly caused by complications surrounding a baby’s birth such as brain damage, premature birth, and lack of oxygen, amongst other factors. Cerebral palsy affects the body’s movements and is known to be a life-altering condition. Yet, in Pastor Willie Barker’s case, this setback has over time proven to be a step up – a step upwards to his call to full-time service.
None of this has stopped him from both loving God and being a blessing everywhere he goes. Willie is a permanent fixture at prayer meetings, outreaches, and street evangelism. Even though he may walk a little slower than everyone else, this has also prompted his heart to be a little more gentle with people who are sick, broken, discouraged, and fighting depression. To the people who question where God is in such a condition, Willie could easily answer that God has used every situation in his life as an opportunity to understand God’s heart for people who may be walking slower through life than the majority. As a famous quote by Bill Bennot says, “How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.”
On Sunday, August 17, all of now-Pastor Will’s hidden service had been brought into the light and into the open for all to see. Pastor Andrew and Krystal Miller of Home Church in Mastic Beach held an ordination service specifically to both rightfully honor Willie and ordain him as their congregation’s community pastor.
Amongst so many kind words and testimonies of Willie’s steadfastness and presence in people’s lives spoken by members of their congregation. The most heartfelt was undoubtedly written by Willie’s mother Lauren on social media as the announcement of his ordination was made.
“So proud of you, son. You’re a true gift from God; God has been working through you since birth. You make your mother proud. You’re a miracle from birth; keep helping and bringing more thousands to Christ so proud to be your momma. Love you more than you can ever know.”
Pastor Willie’s life is a visible example that physical limitations can’t stop a person who’s determined from living a life of purpose, calling, and with great grace. He not only serves others right on his own block and community, he has been on mission trips both across the United States and to impoverished places in Central America. Pastor Willie is an example that truly all things are possible with God.
The Messenger congra-tulates and applauds you, Pastor Willie. May you have many years of fruitful service and eternal rewards afterwards.