Bro. Barry came to FBC, Farmington March 1st. 2001. He previously pastored at Beech Street Baptist Church in Gurdon, AR from 1998-2001 and First Southern Baptist Church of Magnet Cove, AR from 1990-1998. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1990. He completed his undergraduate work at Palm Beach Atlantic College (now University) graduating in December of 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. He graduated from Springdale High School, Springdale, AR in 1974.
Bro. Barry married Sheila Rae Dunivan, his high school sweetheart, on June 8, 1975. Sheila feels called to the ministry of supporting her husband and assisting him to be the best pastor he can be. First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, AR currently employs her as secretary to the senior pastor.
The Smiths have a son and daughter. Evan and his wife Leah live in Elkins, AR. Meredith and her husband, Justin Eisele, live in Little Rock, AR. They have a son, Graham who is 19 months and the apple of Nana and Papa's eye!
Bro. Barry's interests include auto racing of all kinds (especially NASCAR and open-wheel) and working on old cars. He also is an avid Razorbacks fan. His favorite hobby right now is being a "grandpa" and spending time with "the Grahamster"!
Bro. Barry's favorite passage of Scripture is Jeremiah 33:3:
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
"This verse is God's call to his people to approach Him in prayer and reveals His desire to communicate with us and provide us with blessings from His infinite warehouse of wisdom."
I came on staff June 2003. I am 34 years old. I have been a full time student minister for 8 years. There is nothing I would rather do than work with students. I often think how fortunate I am to work with students and their parents. I guess because I am still a kid at heart it comes so natural to me.
I have been married to Allyce for 10 years. Our 11th anniversary is December 17th. We met at Ouachita Baptist University where we both attended and graduated college. Allyce teaches music at Elmdale Elementary and Kirksey Middle School in Rogers. She loves it. Allyce also plays the keyboard for our church. She is a very important part of my ministry as well as the church's. Allyce and I have a son named Henry. He is 3 years old. He is an incredible blessing in our life. He was well worth the wait. The scariest part of having a son is, he is just like me. Now that's scary.
I grew up in Little Rock. I graduated from McClellan High School. My parents still live there. I don't really miss Little Rock that much.
On my day off you can find me in the woods or on the water. I love to hunt and fish. Really I just love being outdoors. This part of the state is amazing to live in. There are so many opportunities and beautiful things to see.
My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Brandon joined the staff in January of 2004, and went full time in July of 2004. He left his job as Business Development Director at a sports marketing firm and praises God for letting him do what he loves to do, now. He had also been singing/playing in the Contemporary Christian Band "Worthy Cause" for 10 years.
His favorite scripture is I Corinthians 10:13.
"I grew up...well...I haven't grown up yet, but I was born in Rhode Island and raised in Arkansas. I graduated from Fayetteville Christian School and attended the University of Arkansas for 2 years."
The most important thing in the world to Brandon is his family. His wife, Cassie, is his best friend. They started dating in high school and never looked back.
"She is my soulmate. She is as much a part of my ministry as I am."
They have three sons, Boston, Caden, and Riley. They also have a dog named Smokie who thinks he's one of them.
"My hobby has always been music. I love to write, and have written over 300 songs. I wrote my first song when I was seven years old. My mother has written over 500 songs. I'm trying to catch up with her, but she got a 20 year head start! I have recorded two cd's - one Contemporary Christian and the other country."
Randy joined the staff on September 11, 2006. He came to Farmington from First Baptist Church of Lamar, Missouri where he served as Associate Pastor of Students & Discipleship since 2001. Randy previously served churches in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Missouri. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Religious Education in 1998. He completed his undergraduate work at East Texas Baptist University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Careers and Youth Ministry. He graduated from Southwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1981.
Randy has been married to Tammy since 1986. They have two daughters - Ashley, a freshman at Missouri Valley College and Courtney, a sophomore in high school.
His hobbies include hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking, video production, and music. He also loves spending time with his family.
Randy’s favorite verse is John 3:30 - "He must become greater; I must become less."
Janet Strain joined the staff in April of 2003. An import, she grew up in Stillwater Oklahoma. (This makes her a Cowboy not a Sooner). She enjoys traveling with youth groups and going on mission trips, and eating out is her favorite past time.She has been married for 30 years to Allen. They have two grown children, two grandsons (Corey & Isaac) and two grandaughters (Haley & Baby).
Her favorite scripture is Galatians 2:20:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Bekah married her husband, Tim, while in college. Tim is an engineer at Superior Industries and a deacon here at First Baptist Farmington. Together they teach the College & Career Sunday School, are involved in Connection Groups, Awana and the Nursery. They have two children, Noah and Andrew.
She graduated with her Accounting degree from Arkansas Tech University and passed the CPA exam shortly thereafter. She had always hoped that she would be able to use her talents in the Lord's Ministry. He provided that opportunity in April of 2002 when she joined the staff here at First Baptist Church. Working about two days a week, Bekah is available at home when not at the church for any needs that arise.
"It is such a blessing to be able to use my talents for the Lord and what's even better is I get paid to do it. The Lord has really blessed me. I realize that my position here at the church is not only to take care ofthe financial matters but to serve the people of First Baptist Church and I love doing it. When I am not at work I am taking care of my kids (which I Love), cleaning house (which I hate to do) or doing bookkeeping from my home office (which I love). I am not sure what the future holds but I can see myself going to work almost full time when my children are in school (so I can pay someone to clean my house)."
Sabrina joined the staff in March 2008 after nearly a three year absence. She previously served as director from May 2000 through July 2005.
“God has been so good to me! To allow me the privilege of returning to a position that I love and a ministry I am passionate about is a tremendous blessing. It is an honor to serve the Lord Jesus through Kid’s Day Program.”
Although born in Douglas, Wyoming, Sabrina has lived in Northwest Arkansas all her life and graduated from West Fork High School in 1988. She is married to Wiley and they have three children, Ashton, Wil and Arynne. She and Wiley are expecting their first grandchild, Nate, in August 2008.
She has been a member of FBC Farmington since February 1998 and has been involved in several ministries in addition to Kid’s Day including Awana, Sunday School, and VBS. One of her favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Aside from spending time with family and friends some of her favorite things are planning trips to Walt Disney World (her favorite place on earth!) and making scrapbook albums. She also enjoys learning new things and watching anything on TV that deals with forensic science…especially CSI!
I have lived in Farmington since 1989. I have one son, Tyler Daniels.
Prior to living in Farmington, I lived in Green Forest. I graduated high school in 1987 and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University.
I began attending First Baptist Church of Farmington around 1996 and was baptized and became a member in 1997. I believe children are such a gift from God and I feel truly blessed to be able to help with the nursery at church.
I have worked as a legal secretary/office manager at Davis, Wright, Clark, Butt & Carithers since 1994. Outside of family time, church and work, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.
I have had many favorite Bible verses throughout the years, but one that sticks out most in my mind is Proverbs 3:5:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not own your own understanding."