Q & A WITH A SIM LEADER

Q & A WITH CLIVE BARKER: SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up in the West Country of England and enjoyed rural life with plenty of space. I trained as a mechanical engineer and worked in that industry for a few years but that meant moving to the industrial Midlands. While there I came to a personal faith in Christ and met my wife, Cath. It seemed to those who shared the gospel with me that I came to faith very quickly but, as I look back, I realise that God had been drawing me to himself over many years.

Tell us a little about your family.

We have three boys, all of whom were born in Pakistan. For the first eight years we served in a small, dusty town which proved to be a good introduction to culture and language. Our oldest is married and all three now live in Northern Ireland – something none of us planned but which has worked out well for them. The last time we asked, all three considered Pakistan home. Cath and I realise their upbringing and experience of life is quite different from ours and they are most definitely ‘third culture kids’. All three attended Murree Christian School, where they made friendships which seem to endure despite changing circumstances and being spread across the globe.

How did God lead you to SIM?

We had both sensed a call to serve in Pakistan and most of what we heard came through ICF, which later merged with SIM. Before we were married, I had the opportunity to visit Pakistan but by the time we applied ICF had merged with SIM. So, in a sense, we entered through the back door!

What do you hope to achieve in your role with SIM?

To be of some use in the Kingdom of God, in whatever way he chooses, especially in South Asia. I would like to see South Asian churches reach maturity in Christ and to take up more fully their responsibility for world mission starting with their own back yards. As part of this, I would also like to see sustainable SIM leadership in South Asia in preparation for the years ahead. I am conscious of the fact that we are ‘unprofitable servants’ and that one generation quickly gives way to the next.

What inspires you when life gets difficult?

God’s promises and purposes never fail. He is the everlasting God ‘who has held the dust of the earth in a basket’ and ‘weighed the mountains on the scales.’ What do you do when you’re not working? I retreat to my workshop, get my hands greasy and make things, mostly out of metal. I find it is a great place for me to unwind.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

It is difficult to be limited to just one verse! At this time, I would opt for ‘If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?’ Rom 8:31

What piece of technology could you do never do without?

There is no contest: a metal turning lathe and associated workshop equipment!

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for my role as Regional Director for South Asia, that I may serve the Country Directors well, despite my limitations. Pray also for Cath and I as we care for two ageing parents in the UK and what this means for our future roles serving on the Pakistan field.