ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
Serving a Community Devastated by Natural Disaster
On April 1 and May 6, 2024, Barnsdall, Oklahoma, was blasted by two devastating tornados. About 70 homes were destroyed in the town of just 1,000 people, and another 100 were significantly damaged. Barnsdall sits about 30 miles northwest of downtown Tulsa.
On the frontlines of rebuilding broken homes and lives are Jason and Brenda Byers, lead pastors of Barnsdall Assembly of God. Jason also serves as Barnsdall Emergency Manager, working as the mayor’s right-hand man to put plans in place to move the small town forward.
Jason, 47, and Brenda, 50, believe that God called them to pastor all of Barnsdall, not just the church. Jason is called “Pastor” by many in the community. The couple’s three children, Braden, 17, Bryce, 15, and Jalyn, 13, courageously serve alongside their parents.
The family’s commitment to Barnsdall runs deep. Originally from Los Angeles, Jason felt specifically called to small town ministry, and, upon their initial arrival in Barnsdall, the family even lived inside the small church for over two years until a parsonage could be arranged.
“We are taking things a day at a time right now,” Jason and Brenda say. “We pray daily that the Holy Spirit guides and directs us. We pray He speaks through us.”
They are thankful that their own home was spared the ravages of the recent storms.
TIRED, BUT FULL OF HOPE
In the face of Barnsdall’s catastrophic tornado damage, many state and federal guidelines must be followed to rebuild safely.
“Many people don't understand that and are getting frustrated,” says Brenda. “We totally understand though as they do not have homes. They want their lives back. Please pray for peace, patience and understanding for our residents. Please pray for wisdom for our leadership. They are tired but full of hope!”
Convoy of Hope, and other churches and friends have aided Barnsdall recovery. With Jason in leadership meetings, Brenda spends days organizing donations and helping families in need of assistance.
THE MOST PRECIOUS CLOSET
About one year prior to the tornado, Barnsdall AG, a congregation of approximately 80 to 100 people, also created the Care Closet — a special storage space that remains always stocked with diapers, wipes, cribs, swings, clothes, food, and more.
"We have several families in our church that foster,” says Brenda. “Often when a child arrives, they have nothing but a small sack of clothes. Sometimes a trash bag, sometimes nothing. Also, many families have little to no notice that they will receive a baby, no time to prepare. We needed to help.”
Church member Julie Johnson was one such person. As a single mom she has fostered 40 kids over the last 10 years and has adopted five.
“Seeing these kids coming in and out of her home really opened our eyes to foster care,” Brenda says.
And so, the Care Closet was born, and to this day is filled with many supplies as well as backpacks or luggage children and families can put their things in.
Jason says, “We're fortunate to have a wonderful church family that believes and invests in the vision of foster care support. The Care Closet has been a dream of Brenda's for years, and it is fun to see it bear fruit! Our hope is to provide a bright light for kids coming out of dark places, and we will in Jesus' name!"
Wade and Kristen Corder have three children and brought their (now adopted) son Emerson home from the hospital when he was just a couple days old.
"Being able to utilize the foster care closet has been such a blessing,” Kristen says. “It is an invaluable resource and has eased many worries that come with taking in new foster children. It is such an amazing feeling to know that I can get quick help with the physical necessities but I also appreciate the prayers that are offered. My family and I are deeply grateful for this wonderful resource.”
Jason and Brenda conclude, “Not everyone can take in a child, but we can all pray. We can all help keep a closet supplied. We can all do something. People have always thanked us for coming to Barnsdall and tell us we are doing a great job. All we did was say yes to the call. God is doing it all. He is just using us. You will never regret saying yes to Him.”
They know that with Christ no one, nowhere, and no effort is small. With His help, Barnsdall — and each of its most vulnerable residents — can be redeemed.
Lead Image: Julie Johnson family
Lower Image: Jason and Brenda Byers family
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