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In 1859, Charles Dickens famously wrote “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The words are as powerful today as the day he wrote them. And possibly as apt.

Buckner brings hope to some of the darkest places on the planet. Places plagued by drugs, crime, human trafficking and most commonly, poverty. Families struggle to get by, many times cramming as many as six people in a one-room dwelling. The stress of financial insecurity weighs heavily on every aspect of these families' lives, breaking up relationships, creating emotional strain and literally shortening lives. 

Often it’s happening in the shadows of affluence. Million dollar homes sit within a few blocks of the families Buckner serves through the Buckner Family Hope Center in Bachman Lake in Dallas. Bustling downtown Houston isn’t far from the site of the future Buckner Family Hope Center of Houston. 

On Thursday, I spent most of the day on the land that will host the Family Hope Center at Bachman Lake. As airplanes flew overhead every few minutes carrying business travellers from across the country, someone pointed out something I’d never noticed: a small white basket nailed to a tree. Area children use it to play basketball. It’s the only hoop they have; the field is the best court they can find.

The juxtaposition is jarring.

In these areas, children and families cry out for help. Do we hear them? Do we even notice them?

Many of you do and have responded. As a result, God is working through you to change lives. He is strengthening families. Relationships are being healed. Children are excelling in school. Bright futures are being formed daily through hard work.

So that one day it may be the best of times for all of us. 

We cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. -Deuteronomy 26:7-8

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