Divine Calling
Testifying About Jesus and His Transforming Power
Called to Witness
God has called us to be His Witness and testify about Jesus, not just in the past, but even today. The biblical definition of a witness is someone who has personal knowledge of an event and shares it with others. As Christians, we are called to be Witness of the truth and love of Jesus, proclaiming Him to the world.
Let us envision a scenario where God prompts Barbara to testify about Jesus throughout her life's journey. Often, when the Holy Spirit would whisper these words to her, Barbara would find herself in situations where there was no one around her. But that did not deter her, for she knew that God's prompting was to be followed, no matter the circumstances. One day, while Barbara was on her way to work, a colleague asked her about her faith. In that moment, she felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. She shared her personal encounter with Jesus and how He transformed her life. She also shared the love and salvation that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. That conversation resulted in her colleague accepting Jesus as their savior.
This is an example of how God uses us as His Witness to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus himself says in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my Witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Barbara's calling to testify about Jesus became a defining moment in her life, and she realized that this is the purpose God had for her. And just like how God gave Abram a new name, Abraham, as a symbol of his new identity and purpose (Genesis 17:5), God gave Barbara, a new name for his ministry - "Testify Jesus Today" a testament to her new identity and purpose in Christ.
So let us remember, as followers of Christ, we are called to be God's Witness and testify about Jesus wherever we go, for He has chosen us to spread His love and truth to the world. Let us also take comfort in the promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance and power to fulfill this calling.
The Story Behind Testify Jesus Today
From the tender age of five, when most children were playing with toys, God began weaving an extraordinary purpose into Barbara's life. Through circumstances no child should ever face, Jesus made His presence known, whispering words of comfort and courage: "Do not be afraid, I am with you. Testify Jesus Today."
This divine command would become more than just words – it would become her life's mission.
The Lord's faithfulness manifested through remarkable encounters across every season of life. Like threads in a divine tapestry, each experience strengthened her calling. These are just a glimpse of countless divine appointments:
- As a lost 12-year-old in the Montana mountains, finding divine guidance
- Through a prophetic messenger in an Idaho jail
- During moments of ministry while incarcerated and birthing Justis Project & Streets 7 inreach ministry in the Yakima County Jail
- Teaching and sharing hope within jail walls
- Even while handcuffed, reaching strangers on the street with God's message
- Through a divine appointment with a prophet at her door
- In a chance encounter with a customer in a Reno gift shop
- Through the loving embrace of mentor and sister in Christ, Donna McClean-De Montoya, who opened her home and provided Barbara with "the best Princess room ever"
- In the spiritual guidance and friendship of Chaplain Phyllis Anderson, who became a spiritual mother figure
- Like many who have faced profound trauma, Barbara went through periods of anger and distance from God. Yet, His faithfulness never wavered. The Lord's vision for this ministry was confirmed through multiple divine appointments, including these powerful moments among many others:
- A prophetic vision from Miss Debra, who would become a trusted mentor
- A divine encounter with a pastor who spoke her calling into existence
- A remarkable moment when strangers on a bus stopped to prophesy over her
- A powerful confirmation at Joyce Meyer's conference in St. Louis
Through years of wilderness training in Yakima, Washington, God was preparing Barbara for something greater. The seasons of extreme loneliness and rejection were actually divine appointments, teaching her that the Lord desired to be her ONE. As He reminded her, some are called to be set apart for His purpose and glory.
Today, Barbara stands as a testament to God's redemptive power, supported by her husband Mark, whose faith and encouragement have been instrumental in bringing this ministry to life. Together, they have 6 children and 8 grandchildren, and like many families, some relationships are still in a season of healing and restoration. Mark's support of the ministry and his willingness to share his own testimony of God's faithfulness helps create an environment where testimonies can flourish and lives can be transformed through Christ.
The ministry has blossomed into a vibrant platform where lives are being transformed through the power of testimony. Through the dedicated partnership of Kelly McFarland, a Sister Partner in Christ, whose willing heart and anointed leadership as a Lead Testimonial Presenter continues to strengthen the ministry. At Peach Tree Retirement Center, individuals share powerful stories of healing through heartfelt testimonies, prayer and faith, while others testify about finding peace and purpose through their encounters with Jesus during difficult seasons and overcoming their fear of public speaking. And these are merely fragments of the countless ways God has revealed His presence throughout Barbara's journey.
In 2024, what began as whispers to a five-year-old girl blossomed into a full-fledged ministry, capturing 28 powerful testimonies in just four months. Today, Testify Jesus Today offers:
- Monthly themed testimonial gatherings
- Open Mic sessions at Peach Tree Retirement Center
- Five relevant topics for sharing
- Alternating in-person and online events via YouTube and podcast
- A supportive community where every story matters
- Blogs on spiritual growth, prayer, and Christian living
- Your story matters. Your testimony has power. Join us as we continue to Testify Jesus Today
Faith in Action
Where spiritual growth takes center stage, we dedicate ourselves to sharing God’s love and truth, empowering believers to fulfill their calling.
Sharing God's Work in Our Lives
Barbara has laid this calling down at the feet of Jesus for many years, and a few brothers and sisters in Christ have prophesied over her that God will bring to life. Testify Jesus Today and just recently gave Ziegler, which means Witness in German, a new name, "Testify Jesus Today," a platform created for sisters and brothers, has the opportunity to develop, grow, and be encouraged to share about the things that God is doing in their life in the past and the current times. A safe platform as a Testify Jesus Today
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