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The first people to jump at a volunteer opportunity at Buckner International don’t hear about it through email. They don’t come across it online or even hear about it from a friend.

They hear about it firsthand.

The children and families we serve on a daily basis often are the first ones to know about needs within the community. They’re also the first ones to respond.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Southeast Texas, the very people affected by the storm also were the first people serving when the Buckner Family Hope Center at Aldine re-opened. More recently, the families we serve in the Bachman Lake area of Dallas were the first to respond when a natural gas crisis happened in the area.

The same is true on a smaller scale. When a family needs food, their neighbors often step forward. Our families are the first to volunteer for events that help people who are just as vulnerable as they are.

Their willingness to give their energy, time and resources reminds me of the Macedonian churches Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”

Like the early Christ-followers in Macedonia, the families and children Buckner serves have little financially. They suffer significant trial after significant trial.

Yet, they have an overwhelming joy. They have a generosity that goes beyond words. Christ lives in them, shining hope to people who desperately need it.

May we all have that spirit this week: First to respond and shining hope wherever we go. 

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