Joe Barker describes compassion as “giving back, loving on folks and meeting them where they are.” It is something he has demonstrated many times over the years through his involvement with the Arkansas Baptist State Missions Team’s medical and dental clinics. 

For multiple years, the Searcy dentist has offered his skills for the clinics, traveling to where there is a need and providing dental care. He has participated in at least three Acts 1:8 One Day Mission Trip events as well as multiple medical and dental clinics throughout the state. Joe said there is a whole population of people that are underserved, and he feels a sense of fulfillment in taking care of them and loving them.

For Joe, community missions provide an opportunity to give back. And in giving back, the people he serves, as well as some of his employees, are given a chance to hear about Jesus and see His compassion in action. It is that opportunity to give back and share the Gospel that prompted Barker to participate in the clinics. 

A friend of Joe’s once told him, though he did not coin the phrase, that “sometimes the best preaching is seen not heard.” A sentiment Joe takes to heart. Joe referenced Jesus traveling through towns and villages demonstrating compassion, like in Matthew 9:35-36. 

“When Jesus went to towns, most of the time, He was meeting their needs. He was loving on them. He was meeting them right where they were,” Joe said, adding that is what they get to do through the medical and dental clinics. “It is just fulfilling.”

The clinics give churches and congregations an avenue to care for the underserved and share God’s love. Clinics are just one of the many missions opportunities throughout the state made possible by the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering. 

All the money given through the offering goes directly to Arkansas missions. It stays in the state, which is one of the reasons Joe said it is important to contribute to the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering. It goes toward helping Arkansas Baptists share the Gospel with the lost and better reach and serve those in need, meeting them wherever they are within the state. 

“It allows us to provide better care,” Joe said. “There are so many facets to Dixie Jackson. Medical and dental clinics are just a small part.”