New Beginnings visits Barnes Island

Back row: Richard Pasko, Mo Tyrell, Perry Fesagaiga, Brett Moore, Chris Rondon, Duane Byington, Jeff Davis, Middle Row: Jenita Cox, Trudy Byington, Pastor Renee Roughton, Larry Roughton, Dorie Courtney, Thomas Courtney Front Row: Larry Westmoreland,

New Beginnings Wesleyan Church of Raymond, Washington held a five-day mission trip to Barnes Island, which is part of the San Juan Islands in Whatcom County, Washington. The Island is the only privately held island in the San Juan's and is being used as a facility for Christian camps. So far there has only been tent camping, but New Beginnings took on the task of building cabins with bunk beds for inside housing. New Beginnings Wesleyan Church ordered some materials to be transferred to the Island before we arrived to facilitate us getting to work as soon as we arrived. The only way to get anything to the Island is by boat. There are no ferries that arrive at Barnes Island. The biggest obstacle was getting all of the bedding, suitcases and food for fifteen people to the island by boat. We had three boats available for this task but still had multiple trips to accomplish the arrival and eventual departure.

Our Mission Team of fifteen men, women and teenagers was able to accomplish building two cabins and building 3 bunk beds (2 beds per bunk) in one of them in the five days we were there. Our oldest member was 75 years old and our youngest was two 13-year olds. Barnes Island now has other options than tent camping.
The hard-core fishermen were able to go fishing early mornings and late evenings and some fish were caught. On a daily basis seals were sunning themselves on the nearby rocks just off the island. The weather was wonderful with sunny days. We worked hard, had achy bodies and a wonderful time of accomplishment and fellowship.