The Blessing of Buckner

"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'” Matthew 25:40

One night last week I had the distinct privilege of speaking at an appreciation dinner for Buckner Children Family Services. Held at Midland’s distinguished Petroleum Club, the audience was treated to a delightful evening including a delicious meal, personal testimony from people who have benefited from and volunteer for Buckner’s ministry and a powerful duet sung by Dave Robbins and Kristie Garnett.

I could not help but moved as I listened to one of those who gave testimony; Lisa shared how her life has changed since last year’s dinner. She felt compelled to complete foster care certification and for the past five months has been caring for a precious infant boy, Miguel. She hopes to become his forever mother through the permanency of adoption. Miguel stole everyone’s heart with his big blue eyes and bright personality.

It was a pleasure to share parts of my personal adoption journey with the good folks of Buckner. Greater still, it was good to learn how they are being the hands and feet of Jesus to children and families across Texas and specifically in the Permian Basin. As it says on their website, “Buckner Children and Family Services is a Christian ministry devoted to protecting children, promoting independence and strengthening families.” Truly they are accomplishing the mandate from James 1:27 where it states, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Buckner Hearthstone offers a variety of services including: foster care, foster to adopt, domestic and international adoption as well as CPS adoption. For a fascinating look at how Buckner began it’s ministry through the vision of Dr. Robert Cooke Buckner, a Baptist minister from Tennessee, and his first pledged dollar bill to establish its mission please click here. For those interested in pursuing Buckner's services check their 2008 calendar for more information and locations of scheduled workshops.

We should thank the Lord for Buckner because they are committed to ministering to the “least of these” in our society through the life-altering love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Through their tireless efforts and strong commitment they are seeing to it that people understand there are no strangers, no outcasts, and no orphans to the Lord.

Blessed to be a part,

Julie Stobbe

A Day Well Spent

Recently I had the great privilege of spending the better part of a day at the headquarters for the Gladney Center for Adoption in Fort Worth, Texas. With 8 regional offices across America, Gladney is one of the oldest and largest maternity homes and adoption agencies in the United States. Through the years they have created homes for more than 27,000 children and assisted more than 36,000 birth mothers.

I am not sure where or how to begin describing this beautiful campus, but let me try. I toured the maternity center which can house up to 30 birth mothers at a time in dorm style living (2 per room). During my visit 21 women were receiving assistance. Gladney is able to house women as young as 12 years old.

Their maternity home truly sets the standard for the nation in terms of housing for birth mothers. The facilities are much like a park; fresh, well manicured, beautifully decorated - just like anyone would want their home to be.

The outer appearance is not all that takes Gladney’s attention however. The women they serve are priority number one. In these safe surroundings women are able to focus on their physical, mental and spiritual state of being. They have access to a fully equipped gym and outdoor swimming pool, they have personal responsibilities in cleaning their rooms and preparing evening meals, and they are able to attend weekly Bible Study as well. The staff makes sure residents are transported to and from school each day. Everything Gladney does is meant to fully serve the birth mother’s needs in a supportive atmosphere while she creates a plan for her baby’s future.

Another component that makes Gladney unique is its visitor center. In a museum like setting, one can take time to explore the history of adoption as a whole and the history of the Gladney Center for Adoption which was started by a Methodist missionary minister named I.Z.T. Morris. This museum is state of the art and offers a one of a kind experience.

I was deeply moved to walk into their blessing chapel where babies are kissed, blessed and then placed in the loving arms of their new forever families. How this must please God’s heart; to see lives saved and families created. It took my breath away. Once again I was reminded that adoption affects generations….

The thing that strikes me most about Gladney is their commitment not only to the birth mothers and the adoptive families that they serve but their commitment to seeing adoption understood within our society. They actively promote education and provide services that illustrate the benefits of adoption.

I want to express special thanks to Scott Brown, Heidi Cox, Judy Canon, Jennifer Lanter and the great staff in Fort Worth for making my visit so memorable. For more information on the varied services Gladney provides please visit their website.

Shown in photograph are Heidi Bruegel Cox, Julie Stobbe & Judy Canon