New to Peñitas, Texas with few friends, Abigail Garcia didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she followed a classmate’s recommendation to go to the local Buckner Family Hope Center. But she was struggling through her sophomore year of high school and the center’s after-school program offered help.

When Abby stood in the threshold of Hope Center’s door, she stood at a crossroads in her life.

The particulars of our situations may be different, but many of us are in a crossroads like Abby’s. It’s where our past collides with what could be our future. And there in that doorway is Christ calling us to follow him. To trust him. To be obedient.

To remember Jeremiah 29:11 and act upon it: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Abby had the faith and courage to follow God’s leading to the Hope Center. She became involved in the ministry’s programming, and it changed her life. As a result of her hard work and help from the center, her grades improved. She went on to become a certified nursing assistant.

Her family saw the change and became involved in the Hope Center as well. They took classes and the family has gotten stronger. Mission teams built the family a new house.

Life for the Garcias looks completely different than the moment before Abby came to the Hope Center.

“I met wonderful youth,” she said. “I started getting more into it. I told friends, ‘I think I like it. I think God put it in my way for a reason.’”

Deeper reflection

• At what crossroads do you stand today?
• What is God putting your way for a reason?
• Where is God guiding you today?

Next steps

• Take a step in faith where you feel God leading. Let him show you what he has in store for your life.
• For some of you, God is calling you be more actively express your faith. See how you can do that through Buckner by visiting our Volunteer Central.