"A Heart of Service: Lasting Impact: Celebrating Barbara Skinner"
On Thursday, June 12th, 2025, Medical Ministry International (MMI) hosted a special retirement celebration for Barbara Skinner; multi-role servant leader, whose contributions have helped shape the very heart of MMI for many years.
Barbara’s journey with MMI began as a volunteer sorting glasses. Over the years, she faithfully stepped into roles including Participant, Board Member, Project Director, and Managing Director—first in Texas, then in Canada. She also served as Acting Executive Director during two maternity leaves before continuing her leadership as Managing Director and, most recently, as Vision Program Coordinator. Through each of these roles, Barbara has been a driving force in MMI’s vision projects and warehouse operations, always serving with humility, purpose, and grace.
Though she is retiring from her staff role, Barbara will continue volunteering—both on international projects and in the warehouse—demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the mission.
Hans Ostrem, CEO of MMI, shared remarks at the event, expressing heartfelt appreciation for Barbara’s leadership and service. He noted that her presence has been a steady and inspiring force across MMI programs, and that her unwavering commitment has been instrumental in growing and sustaining MMI’s impact over the years.
Among the evening’s most touching tributes was a reflection from Leanne Ferris, Barbara’s daughter, who shared how deeply intertwined her mother’s faith and work have been from the very beginning. Leanne recalled growing up attending MMI projects, experiencing firsthand her mother’s heart for missions and intentional leadership. She described Barbara as someone who not only taught her to love Jesus but also instilled in her the joy and responsibility of serving others from an early age.
Attendees also reflected on the qualities that have defined Barbara’s work over the years:
• A functional, living faith expressed through consistent service
• A natural problem solver who leads with grace
• A persuasive motivator who helped grow the MMI community
• A strength finder who guided others in their roles
• A humble and encouraging leader
• A fun-loving, reliable teammate and friend
• And above all, her love for Jesus
While the evening honored Barbara’s incredible legacy, it was also a moment to thank all those who make the mission of MMI possible. The dedication, time, and compassion of volunteers and team members are the backbone of everything we do—and this celebration was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of faithful service
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7 ESV
Upcoming Projects:
See our upcoming Project Team
Ecuador: August 2 - August 9
Primary Care, Health Education, Preventive Dental Care
Peru: August 3 - August 9
Forbes Augmentation Alternative Communication devices distribution
Nepal: August 30 - September 13
Pray for Medical Ministry International
Pray specifically for our upcoming Projects travelling to: Ecuador, Peru, Nepal
Pray for our medical directors as they lead our Project Teams.
Pray for the doctors, nurses, medical specialists and general helpers.
Pray for opportunities for spiritual conversations with patients and their families. Pray that the gospel would be known and they would feel the love of Christ.
Submit a Prayer Request
Can We Pray For You?
The Medical Ministry International Staff Team would love to pray for you. At our weekly staff meetings, we gather for a time of devotions and prayer. We pray over Project Teams, people in the Medical Ministry International community, for each other, and for the world around us. If you would like us to pray for you, please submit a prayer request below. Prayer requests are automatically anonymous; however, you may include your name if you wish.
In Him,
The Medical Ministry International Team
Do You Have a Story to Share?
Have you been part of a life-changing Project Team? Witnessed a powerful patient transformation? We’d love to hear your story!
Your experiences can inspire others and help us highlight the incredible impact of Medical Ministries International.
If you have a story to share, please email Nathaniel Emilien, our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at n.emilien@mmi.org.
We can’t wait to hear from you!