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Vision of a Better Future By Analiz González
Through lessons from Baptist Christian Ministry students from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., they learned about ‘becoming’ the people God wants them to be, much like Paul’s experience in the book of Acts. The McNeese students traveled to Beaumont as missionaries to lead the Buckner children through Bible studies, speakers and worship. “Many of the kids living in the Village come from pasts of neglect or abuse,” said Greg Eubanks, executive director for Buckner in Southeast Texas. “What a great message for our kids, to think that one’s past doesn’t have to dictate the future.”
“It took Saul a while to realize that God wanted to talk to him in a big way,” Walt said. “Maybe God wants to speak to some of you. You may be worried tonight that God can’t forgive you, but I think he’s saying, ‘I’ve got bigger plans for you.’” Danielle, a 17-year old Buckner resident, said she was encouraged by Paul’s story. “I could relate,” she said. “It helped me know that I shouldn't let other people bring me down. I’ve got to let the past go.” The children were divided into six groups for Bible study sessions. Harry, 18, said he felt happy throughout the weekend after being burdened for months with worry. “From the small groups,” Harry continued, “I learned that we have an outward appearance to people through how we act and the things we do, and we should strive to be more like Jesus.” Jourdan Edmonds, a freshman at McNeese whose parents served as Buckner houseparents, said she was touched by how receptive the children were to hearing about God and how He touched their lives.
Eubanks said the weekend experience made the McNeese students part of the Buckner family. “They certainly made an impact on the spiritual development of the children and teens at Buckner,” he said. “They are already making plans to stick with our kids and will be back soon to lead worship on campus. As they told us on their last night, it is their mission to be faithful to God’s call to love their neighbors and to serve him through worship, teaching and genuine relationships.” For more information on how you can be involved with missions, mentoring or leading worship at Buckner Children’s Village, contact DeAnna Baird at dbaird@buckner.org. |
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(BEAUMONT, Texas) — More than 40 Buckner Children’s Village residents participated in a two-day event that left them wiping scales off their eyes like Paul after his conversion.
Walt Stewart, 22, shared about Saul/ Paul before the group.
“By reaching out to share with them, we realized that their desire for Jesus is no different than ours is,” Edmonds said. “We saw genuine hunger in their hearts for a relationship with God.” 
