Representatives from more than 5,300 churches came together in McAllen, Texas, for the Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering in July. This was the 138th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT).
 
The theme of the convention was drawn from Ephesians 2:19 and focused on coming together as the “household of God.” 
 
To celebrate, Westoak Woods Baptist Church of Austin, Texas, joined efforts with Buckner Missions and other volunteers, and began the construction of a home for a vulnerable family in Peñitas, Texas.
 
Through Buckner Healthy Housing, churches or groups complete a remote build, which allows construction to take place anywhere. Many churches bring together members and their surrounding community to build a home – often in the parking lot of their church. After the first phase of construction, the home is transported to the Rio Grande Valley where other volunteers participate to complete it.
 
To receive a new home through Healthy Housing, families must complete required classes and coaching through the Buckner Family Hope Center® at Peñitas. The home built during the BGCT annual meeting was for the Rios-Avalos family.
 
The family began taking classes at the Family Hope Center in 2018. Benjamin Avalos Jr. and wife Sandra Rios have three children: Benjamin (19) and twins Darlene and David (11). Access to a safe and healthy home can lead to lasting change in a family’s social and emotional well-being and support overall success for generations.