Years ago as Jamie and I were beginning our work with married couples, we visited with Reverend Frank Barker. Reverend Barker, now retired was the founding pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian church in Birminham. As Frank shared with us that afternoon, we began to see the heart of a man committed to doing God's work without regard to himself. He so unselfishly served God with all of his being during his time as Senior Pastor at Briarwood.
He spoke of one particular situation in which one of the elders in his church was preparing to leave his wife. The man was involved in an affair and had told his wife that he was leaving her. Frank arrived at the man's house as he was preparing to leave.
Intervening in the situation, Frank pleaded with him not to leave her but to come to his senses and see what would happen to him and his family if he were to leave. Finally, begging him not to destroy himself, Frank convinced the man to stay and break off the affair.
Because of Frank's willingness to stand in the gap, the man and his wife reconciled and worked out their problems. He was willing to do whatever it took to turn the situation around.
We were so touched by his simple obedience to God's word to be a watchman on the wall and to speak the truth in love. It reminds us that sometimes what is needed is for us to get in the face of one caught in sin and do what is needed to bring repentance.
Jamie and I will forever be grateful for his Christ like example and pastors heart.
