Flight Path, a biography of Dr. Frank Barker, Jr., will reach a wide variety of people: people of various generations, people involved in the military or the business world, those in Christian ministry, and parents. Those who love a good biography and people who don't really care to read will find themselves enjoying this book. Non-Christians and Christians will sing the praises of God working in and through the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Barker, Jr.

This unique biography was written by Janie Buck and Mary Lou Davis as if Dr. Barker wrote the book himself. The authors comment, "After two years of collecting information and praying, God led us to write as if Frank was writing his own story."

Two words concerning Frank Barker came to mind as I worked through the book; faithfulness and humility. Frank had faithfulness to the call that Christ laid upon his heart. He had faithfulness to the flock at Briarwood. Frank displayed faithfulness to his bride, Barbara, even after a rocky start to their marriage. He also was faithful to his children. His faithfulness to the Word of God, faithfulness in coming before the God of grace in prayer, faithfulness to obey the Lord he so loves characterizes Frank Barker.

Humility also came to mind. It is so refreshing to read of someone who simply went about doing what Christ laid upon his heart to do. He did not spend great time and energy on self-promotion or "proclaiming his own excellence with his own tongue." Someone has said, "Those who travel the high road of humility don't have to worry about the traffic." Dr. Frank Barker, Jr. travels this high road. His humility is real because his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is real as well.

These two qualities combine to show how the Lord God Almighty can do much in the life of those truly open to being used by Him for the glory of God and the good of people. He can be a great example to the rising generation of pastors and elders, leaders and teachers, professionals and parents. Without reservation, I highly recommend this book. It is inspiring and the Lord will use it as an example to keep His people on a "flight path" of faithfulness and humility, to the honor, glory and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dean Conkel
Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries

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