The Barbiers, Pleasant Hill Houseparents: Joseph and Melissa Barbier moved from Atlanta, GA to join the Wears Valley Ranch family. They have two children, Joy (3 yrs.) and David (10 months). Prior to coming to the Ranch, Joseph was working as a graphic designer and marketing manager, while Melissa was a homemaker, both as unto the Lord. While Joseph and Melissa have participated in overseas missions, they have learned that each and every believer has a mission-field right in front of them, wherever the Lord Jesus has placed them. The Barbiers earnestly desire to live out the truth that children are a blessing from God, not a burden. “The Word of God makes it clear how important children are to God’s heart and kingdom. We feel so incredibly humbled and grateful that the Lord would allow us to be a part of this ministry.”
The Floyds, Laurel Ridge Houseparents: Jason and Stacy Floyd have been involved in some form of youth ministry for most of their 19 year marriage. Most recently, they were houseparents at a boys’ home in South Carolina. Prior to this, Jason worked for a national insurance company while Stacy volunteered at their local public school and homeschooled one of their three children: Canyon (11), Cadence (10) and Coda (9). After years of working in corporate America, Jason and Stacy decided to commit themselves to full-time vocational ministry. “The transition was so simple” Jason recalls. “All of our life experiences prepared us for this moment, and we knew immediately that God had designed us for this type of ministry.” Stacy continues, “We were the happiest we had ever been. We were serving God together, and our kids gained 6 brothers!” Ultimately, the Floyds’ desire was to work for an organization with a Christ-centered approach to residential child care. “Our search pointed us to Wears Valley Ranch. After our very first visit we knew that God had led us to our new home.”
