Elder Barbara Clayton is a joyful Christian woman who has a personal relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. She has been called to follow God. Having been healed from many diseases, and gifted by God, she stands as a living miracle. Her gift of teaching has led her through many avenues of education throughout her Christian Life. As an advocate for improving the quality of education, and under the guidance of the Lord, she has provided services to various churches and local agencies, alike, within the North Lawndale community. She believes that God called, and sent, her to teach families in this area for such a time as this; to do the work of the Lord. As a result of God blessing her with such an extensive ability to train and teach, many doors have opened allowing her to consult with human service agencies, and various audiences throughout the City of Chicago.
Elder Clayton has a desire to please the Lord. She has a heart for the sick, those that are shut-in, and the homeless. She brought with her, into the CLWC ministry, a dedication to teaching the Word of God, evangelizing the lost and unifying the Body of Christ. Throughout her ministry, it has been her goal that all people accept Jesus into their lives and that they live according to the Word of God. CLWC has taught her to live a life filled with purpose, knowing why she is on the planet, in this space, and at this time in her life.
Barbara has been a Businesswoman for many years. She started an afterschool program in the Lawndale community, opened a Safe and Sober House, created a dress-making business, owned a small store and even a beauty consultant business. Some of her hobbies include sewing, making a home and travel. Barbara has enjoyed traveling across the globe to most of the world’s continents.
Barbara notes that looking back to 1989, remembering how her journey with Co-Labourer’s With Christ (an interdenominational ministry) began under the direction of Apostle Carolyn L. Vessel, brings tears to her eyes, tears of joy and memories of WORK. CLWC is truly a labor of LOVE to her and many others. Before the formal organization was packaged, she was extremely impressed with a group of young people being led by Carolyn Vessel. This particular group of young people wanted to pray, study the WORD (all night long) through Bible Studies, meet weekly, and attend church services on Sundays. Carolyn, and the group, heard the call to form a regular monthly teaching and study of the WORD through a ministry that would become known as CLWC. As the Body came together, with the power of the Holy Spirit, thus began her journey with CLWC.
The CLWC ministry was on fire for Jesus with sparks flying throughout the City of Chicago. As she recalls, one flew toward her causing her to catch the fire of the Holy Spirit and join this dancing, preaching, laying on of hands, singing, Holy Ghost filled group of people. Carolyn welcomed her with open arms. Barbara received instructions from the Lord to help build His Kingdom here on earth. So, 1989 was the year that Barbara joined CLWC, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and began a new life. This newness brought about an understanding to go into the entire world teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that people may receive HIM into their lives.
Barbara recounts that CLWC, a Ministry of Excellence, was given instructions by one of the Mothers in the ministry to secure passports and get ready for travel to the mission field, and “travel we did.” As the journey forged ahead, they continued to support the ministries God had called them to serve, with a focus on the In Heaven’s Eyes Center in Nyahururu, Kenya East Africa.
Barbara iterates that this chapter of her journey has enabled her to live out and “walk worthy of her vocation and her calling,” remembering Ephesians 4:1-3: 1Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Barbara says, “sharing the Word on a monthly basis has helped her to stay grounded in the Word.” Learning to live for Jesus Christ, and being a member of this ministry, is like being a member of God’s living organism carved out of His Heart and put on the furnace of our heart to keep the flame lit for souls.
Upon retiring from Chicago Public Schools, as an Administrator in Educational Services, the Lord has allowed her to dedicate her remaining time, in this earth realm, to family, friends, street ministry, and volunteering in the community while communing with the Holy Spirit. God has kept His promise to Barbara, and she intends to keep her promise to serve Him all the days of her life.