BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Johnny and Suzanne Best were traveling with Kenneth and Gloria at the time, and Suzanne suggested to the Copelands that they talk to Barry and Sue. The position of associate minister was open at KCM, and Doug Neece, Gloria’s brother, asked if they were interested. The ministry flew them to Indianapolis, where Kenneth and Gloria were holding a meeting. “The first morning, the Lord spoke the same thing to both Sue and me. He said, 'This is where I want you to be.' “We had dinner with Kenneth and Gloria after the Saturday service, and flew home Sunday. Monday, I was offered the job,” said Barry. In July 1983, Barry, Sue and their two children, Barry Jr., 12, and Micah, 5, moved to Fort Worth and Barry went to work at KCM. The first meeting he attended as an employee was the 1983 Southwest Believers’ Convention. Over the years, Barry’s position at KCM has varied. Many times, he oversaw a department until the person God called to fill the position was hired. In addition to serving as associate minister, he has served as head of the events and prayer departments, as well as benevolence. One assignment that has remained constant is that Barry continues to do for Kenneth and Gloria Copeland a version of what John the Baptist did for Jesus. He prepares the way, traveling to various venues ahead of the Copelands and paving the way by arranging everything needed for their meetings. On average, Barry travels 100,000 miles a year. To date, he has logged more than 3 million air miles. Today, he serves as associate minister and director of ministerial relations, overseeing the department that develops personal relationships with KCM Partner ministers and pastors, as well as with those who host Brother Copeland as a speaker. Barry also serves as prison and military representative for Brother Copeland. “When I came here, I had it in my heart to give 20 years of my life to this ministry,” Barry remembers. “It’s been 35 years and I’m still here. When Sue’s mother received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, it was Kenneth Copeland who prayed with her. That event changed the lives of our family forever. We wouldn’t be who we are without this ministry. This is our place, and as Keith Moore teaches—God gives you grace for your place. It gives me great joy to know that we’ve been faithful to our call.” V * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Are You Ready for His Call? by Jeremy Pearsons 'Follow Me.' Sooner or later, this two-word invitation comes to everyone. Every person who has ever lived, and every person yet to be born will hear this call from Jesus. He doesn’t rely on a bunch of marketing. He doesn’t coerce anyone. He’s not trying to sell anything. He simply says, “I’m going to give you the greatest gift God has ever given: Opportunity. Here it is—Follow Me.” He extended that invitation more than once in Scripture. Jesus and His disciples were headed to Jerusalem when Jesus called a man He met on the road, and said to him, “‘Follow Me.’ But [the man] said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father’” (Luke 9:59, "New King James Version"). Of course, Jesus said, “I understand. Family comes first. Go ahead and do what you’ve got to do. This opportunity is open for you any time. I’ll be ready whenever you are.” No! Jesus never said that! Here’s how Jesus actually responded: “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God” (verse 60). Ouch. Another man received the same call from Jesus. Notice how he responded, “‘Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’” (verses 61-62). Ouch, again. Why Is Jesus Responding Like That? Jesus’ responses may seem harsh, but let’s take a step back and consider a passage the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 2:20, he wrote, “In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.” * * * * article continues on p. 20 * * * * BVOV : 19

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