The plight of youth orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic was forgotten in the scramble to understand, treat and prevent the disease from spreading, according to Albert Reyes, president of Buckner International. “COVID was such a new thing in the United…
Former foster youth need to know they are not abandoned
A few years ago, I noticed a small crack in the hallway of my doctor’s office. It was only five or six inches long, but my eyes drifted back to that spot each time I returned for a checkup. Then…
In Congress, we support the New Partnerships Initiative because it addresses migration at the source of the problem
In June, Texas announced a $250 million state-funded down payment to continue the construction of the southern border wall without federal support. Since the announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott, thousands of dollars have been raised in private donations from other…
Having COVID reentry anxiety? You’re not alone
In the last few weeks, I have been living a fully vaccinated, post-pandemic life. I have traveled, gone to the movies, eaten in restaurants without a mask. It feels like I am doing something just slightly rebellious but enjoyable, like…
In Busia, Kenya, a rare look at what became of a mission project 15 years later
It’s a common scenario in church mission work: A congregation goes into an area and provides a much-needed ministry, and then they leave for whatever reason and never see the results that follow. But every now and then a chain…
Baylor and Buckner remind us: We’ve not yet reckoned with our past ties to slavery
A special commission at Baylor University recently reported on its historical research about the university’s founders and their connection with slavery and the Confederacy. This follows on the heels of a discovery reported in September 2020 that R.C. Buckner, for…
Orphan care takes center stage in LGBT/religious liberty debate
Adoption and foster care are taking center stage in the latest conflict between LGBT equality and religious liberty. In the Texas legislature, State Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) is proposing an amendment to the state’s Human Resources Code to protect…
They volunteered to help, only to be helped themselves
The cool thing about volunteering to help others is that it’s usually the volunteer ends up being helped. Any nonprofit manager or pastor can tell you that. And so can Robert Buelna and Janeth Wilson. Buelna is a sophomore at…
Faith, determination propel teen immigrant past social and language barriers in U.S.
It’s amazing how something like a plastic shopping bag — and faith in the good of others — can have such a positive impact on a life. Marilin Garcia, 18, can testify to that. Shen she was in kindergarten, her mother couldn’t…