P. O. Box 177
Kingsport, TN 37662
ph: 423-288-1794
alt: 423-292-3607 in Nicaragua 011-505- 8157-7795
barkerfi
DEDICATED TO GOD...
CALLED TO SERVE... EQUIPPED AS VOLUNTEERS...
Joe and Sandy Barker
Volunteer Founders/Directors
In 1993 Joe and Sandy along with their two young children returned to the Islands where they had begun their marriage in 1975. Using personal savings and rental income they discovered a little went a long way with people who had practically nothing and were living in deplorable conditions. Alcohol abuse, a soaring birthrate and infant mortality, domestic violence, incest, hunger, lack of adequate shelter or medical care and no educational opportunities were just a few of the challenges thrust upon them.
Realizing that 100% would go to meet the needs of the Islands families, friends in the U.S.A. got involved and the non-profit organization F.I.S.H., Inc. was created.
Once schools were established, a clinic built and functioning, a pastor trained as director of the relief work, and several members of the Islands community transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Barkers returned to the U.S. to seek medical attention for their son and educational opportunities for their daughter.
Jody and Logan
Joe and Sandy retired in 2014 and live several months of the year in Nicaragua to provide direct assistance with program goals of F.I.S.H. and continuing evangelism and discipleship.
The story of their first three years as newlyweds in Nicaragua is available in a book written by Sandy. "It Began With An Island" is the true story of love and adventure in the Islands.
The Barkers receive no monetary compensation for their work with F.I.S.H. Their travel expenses, registration fees for F.I.S.H., personal living expenses while in Nicaragua, and everything that doesn't go directly to the people they serve is paid for with personal income.
A COPY OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT MADE TO THE IRS IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Originally published in 1985 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, It Began With An Island is now only available from the Barkers.
JOE BARKER - Received his Bachelor of Architecture (With Honors) in 1974 from the University of Tennessee and his Master of Arts in Architecture (With Honors) in 1979 from the University of Florida. He retired in June, 2014 after 30 years as a licensed General Contractor in the State of Tennessee.
SANDY BARKER - Received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 1975 from the University of Tennessee. She attended Johnson Bible College before that. She is the author of It Began With An Island and a former home educator. She assisted Joe for years as the company 'office' and continues to do all the accounting for FISH.
LOGAN BARKER - Graduated from Home Education and Tri-Cities Christian School in 2005. A graduate of Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, he is employed at Food City. Logan loves to help in Nicaragua by sharing the fish he catches with needy folks!
JODY BARKER - A graduate of Home Education and Tri-Cities Christian School in 2008 and recipient of a Presidential Excellence Scholarship to college. Jody graduated Summa Cum Laude from Carson-Newman College in May, 2012. She majored in Interior Design with a Minor in Art. Jody has taught art classes in Nicaragua & helped distribute low-cost water filtration systems. Her senior honors project was designing the orphanage (SHELTER) & finishing the interiors. She works as an Interior Designer in Unicoi, TN.
Where we live in Nicaragua:
La Tiburona is 100' across. One of 365 islands in Lake Nicaragua formed and built with rocks from Mombacho volcano. That's Sandy standing on the swim dock on the right. We praise God that He has blessed our business and we are able to be self-funded. It is wonderful that every penny we give is combined with donations from others to change lives in Nicaragua. It has been such an adventure since 1975 experience God's grace, to tithe, live debt-free, and know that God is our source! Thank you for joining us as we make a difference in the Islands community!
Thank you for your prayers as we work alongside Walter, Zayda and the members of the church.
Pastoral ASSISTANCE:
Walter, Nazareth, Zayda, & Tamir Zambrana
Serving their community.
The church of the Islands is now reaching out to their community with evangelism, medical brigades, food and clothing distribution, home visits to identify needs and offer assistance.
A young family of the church...Their lives full of purpose and meaning!
NO HELP
WITHOUT US!
NO HOPE
WITHOUT JESUS!
The nation of Nicaragua does not provide welfare, aid to dependent children, food stamps, etc.
Although many people have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and no longer need assistance, the majority of inhabitants in the Islands still require on-going humanitarian relief efforts.
Children have learned to read and have wonderful reading materials provided by the generosity of others.
A nutritious meal is provided to hundreds of needy children! Praise God for providing for every need!
Copyright 2013 Families Involved Serving Humanity, Inc.. All rights reserved.
P. O. Box 177
Kingsport, TN 37662
ph: 423-288-1794
alt: 423-292-3607 in Nicaragua 011-505- 8157-7795
barkerfi