Barka Christophe
Team Member, Cameroon
Barka Christophe was born to a Christian family and met Jesus early in his life. While working in an urban transport company, he received a call from the Lord to serve as a missionary. He subsequently served with SIL Cameroon, then with CABTAL (Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy) for nine years in a variety of roles, from Bible translations projects facilitator to national strategic initiative coordinator.
In 2023), he participated in a Building Healthy Leaders training, where he received exactly what he needed in his own leadership. In the process, he was burdened to pursue a new calling, serving God as a coordinator for LeaderSource in north Cameroon.
Throughout, he has been sustained by God with the words of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He and his wife Kaltime Rachel have been blessed with three children: Schekina, Emmanuel, and Tehillah.
During Barka's time at LeaderSource, he has noticed the following paradigm shifts in his life:
- Fellowship, Dependency and Union with Christ: I used to view my relationship with God as a series of tasks and obligations. I would pray, read the Bible, and attend church services, but I didn’t always feel a deep connection with God. Through LeaderSource, I have learned to cultivate a more intentional relationship with God by focusing on my fellowship with God, dependency and union with Christ. I now spend time each day listening to God, praying, and meditating on His Word. This has helped me to develop a deeper intimacy with God and a greater reliance on His strength.
- Process of Transformation: I used to think that transformation was a linear process that could be achieved through a series of steps. However, I have learned that transformation is an ongoing process that involves Four Dynamics: Spiritual, Relational, Experiential, and Instructional. While using these four dynamics, I am gradually experiencing deep transformation in the all the 5Cs.
- Purpose of Teaching: I used to think that the goal of teaching was to just impart knowledge. However, I have learned that the goal of teaching is to transform lives. Through LeaderSource, I have learned to teach in a way that is both informative and transformational. I now focus on helping people to understand the truth of God’s Word and to apply it to their lives for real transformation.
- Recruitment: I used to think that the best way to recruit leaders was to look for people with high diplomas and skills. However, I have learned that the most important qualities for a leader are his ability to think and act.
- Prayer: I used to view prayer as a duty that I had to fulfill. However, I have learned that prayer is a life that is driven by the desire to remain in true fellowship with God. Through LeaderSource, I have learned to pray in a way that is both personal and powerful. I now pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength, and I also pray for the needs of others.
- Generosity: I used to think that generosity was a legal duty that I had to fulfill. However, I have learned that generosity is a lifestyle that is characterized by giving freely and sacrificially. I have learned to be more generous with my time, my money, and my resources. I now give to others because I love them and want to help them, not because I feel obligated to do so.
- Church: I used to think that the Church was a place where leaders are the only ones to do the work of ministry. However, I have learned that the Church is a Body of believers where everyone functions.
- Leadership: I used to think that leadership was about being in charge and making decisions. However, I have learned that leadership is about serving others and following the example of Christ. I have learned to be a servant leader who is humble, compassionate, and sacrificial. I now lead others by serving them and helping them to reach their full potential.
- Theology: I used to think that theology was only abstract and purely academic but now I’ve come to understand that the purpose of God through theology is to transform lives.