Missionary Enlightenment Canon Weeks was invited on a missionary trip to Asia in February 1980 with a group of other pastors. The impact of that month in Malaysia, Thailand and Burma was so powerful in his life, that when he started Barnabas Ministries seven months later he determined to provide short term missionary experiences for pastors and lay people to acquaint them with missionary work in the hope of enhancing a greater vision for missions in the local churches.
Most missionary organizations require a two or three year commitment.
The strength of Barnabas Ministries in the Philippines is attributed to the multiple ministries Canon Weeks has provided to the Church through the teams he has taken. People with no prior experience of teaching or prayer ministry find the Holy Spirit using them powerfully on the mission field. Participants are assigned in groups to mission stations where they teach their favorite Bible lesson, conduct prayer services, hold healing services, and share the love of Jesus Christ with the people. One is guaranteed to receive more than they give. Each participant pays his own way.