There is no Distinction, Laura Barkman

I was born in a Mennonite Christian family. My parents were devout Christian parents and therefore made sure I would know the Bible, go to church, and attend Sunday school from a young age. They also provided me with good Christian literature such as autobiographies and biographies of faithful Christians and missionaries. When I was 10, I decided within my heart that I wanted to be a missionary. The only question left unanswered was “How?” The Christian group I grew up in did not do any gospel work outside the community. Thus, I would have to change to a different group.

Because of this realization, I was more than ready to go to a different Christian group with my parents when they grew dissatisfied with their Christian experience. What we found was more than I ever had expected. When we walked into a weekend conference of several local churches, I was shocked at the variety of people such as black, brown, white, red, and yellow all from different cultures speaking different languages such as English, German, Spanish, and Chinese. What amazed me most was that there were no separate sections for each. There was no difference between the races. I was immediately attracted and was open to hear what the speakers would say. Instead of speaking about how we should act, behave and dress, the brothers who were sharing the message showed us a picture of who Christ is. I forgot about being a missionary. I just wanted to give myself to Christ and to what He was producing for His own satisfaction - His Body. That night, after the meeting, I received the Lord into my heart. I was happy and satisfied.

I soon realized that my Christian life was reaching out to people to share God's life with them. Since I loved the Lord it was easy for me to love people and touch people. I would go with other Christian brothers and sisters to minister the Lord to all kinds of people. My favorite verse became Romans 10:12-13, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all and rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I also realized that I didn't have to become a missionary. When I received the Lord, I spontaneously became a person who could share God's life with the people around me.

Splendid church life! His green garden!

He has brought us, praise the Lord,

To experience the Christ who's growing here!

He is full of rich enjoyment to His saints in one accord;

He is new and fresh, available and dear.

I'm so happy in this lovely place,

In the garden growing in His grace!

There is no finer pleasure than to eat this living tree

And to get the living water into me.

Christ, the Word, brings Life

After I received the Lord, I went through a “honeymoon” period with Him. I loved the Lord, and my Christian brothers and sisters with all my heart. Each morning I awoke and started my day by calling on His name to contact and enjoy Him. At that point I felt like nothing and no one could take me off of the clouds. Reading a few verses a day and going to meetings three times a week was sufficient for me at that time.

After six months, I began to realize that something was lacking. As I was faced with difficult situations, there seemed to be no way to go on with the Lord. I realized that I needed a deeper, richer spiritual life supply. I became hungry and thirsty for more. Where could I find more? My appetite drove me to read more of the Bible. I also started to read the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. Although my outward situation became worse, as I read the Word and books opening up the revelation in the Word, I felt like I had found an oasis for my inward being. I found peace again and His life within my spirit was strengthened. I had found an even deeper and finer joy by feeding on the living words of Christ.

During the last ten years, the Bible and the written ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee concerning the Bible have richly supplied my spirit. I have the confidence in the Lord that by this rich supply I can go through whatever may come my way.