On Being Willing

By Jarred Schremmer

Impact, transform, bless, inspire. I was prepared to live out those words when I first walked into the Buckner-run Vickery Wellness Center three years ago. I just didn’t realize that I would be the recipient of them.

Vickery is a community center defined by relationships and, in my mind; it is the embodiment of God’s love for His people. The children and families in this community embrace people’s willingness to volunteer their time.

I have had the opportunity to help children with their homework, play games and sports, lead Bible studies and take care of children while their parents participate in ESL classes. Nothing compares to walking through the doors of the center and having children run up to you, screaming your name.

It has been my desire to share God's love for these children in the time I spend with them and by the example I attempt to set.

I heard a pastor once say, “You don't have to be perfect, just willing.” And I couldn't be more thankful for this statement. I pray that God will plant seeds and meet needs every minute I spend with these children. I absolutely look forward to the time I spend at Vickery. In the process, I have matured as a Christian and learned about myself and about the character of God. I can only hope I have left an imprint on their lives as they have on mine.

Have you ever been on a Buckner Mission trip? Volunteered with Buckner locally? Are you a foster or adoptive parent? We want to hear your stories!

Buckner is now accepting story submissions to post online and for use in our monthly electronic newsletter, Buckner eNews Now.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY:

·  Submit your story in a Microsoft Word document to news@buckner.org. Include your name, city and state in the subject line along with the title of your submissions. Stories should be no longer than 1200 words. (ex. Your Perspective – John Doe, Houston, TX)

·  Send any photos as jpegs. We can accept anything up to 15 MB in one email. If your photos are larger than that, please send them in separate emails with the title of your submission in the subject line, followed by PHOTOS. (ex: Your Perspective – John Doe – PHOTOS)

·  If you have any questions, contact us at news@buckner.org or call 1-800-442-4800.