May 6, 2002
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| DWIGHT WIGGINS, a member of Galloway Baptist Church in Mesquite, holds Kenynan orphan Dominic Odhimabo during story time at the camp sponsored by Buckner Orphan Care International. Scott Collins/Buckner |
Orphans' camp offers respite
from life's troubles
___By Scott Collins
___Buckner News Service
___NAIROBI, Kenya--A team of Texas Baptist volunteers sponsored by Buckner Orphan Care International provided a week of Bible study, games and hope for more than 40 Kenyan orphan children in April.
___The Buckner team hosted a weeklong camp for children who
live at the Baptist Children's Center in Nairobi. Buckner sponsors the center along with the Kenya Baptist Convention, International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
___"For these children, camp is a time to get away from the difficulties of their lives and just be a kid," said Mike Douris, vice president for Buckner Orphan Care International. "Our goal is to give the kids the opportunity to interact with volunteers from America while learning more about the message of the gospel."
___Camps are held during the children's three school breaks each year. Activities include Vacation Bible School curriculum, crafts, games, Scripture memorization, Bible study and Bible story time.
___"Camp is a way to be the arms and feet of Jesus to these children who just seem hopeless in so many ways," said Ashley Barber, missions coordinator for Buckner Orphan Care. "But you still see the innocence of the child, and it's just been the most
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| STORYTELLER Bob Hefner, a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, tells Kenyan orphans the story of Zaccheus during the camp hoted by Buckner Orphan Care International. |
incredible blessing you can imagine. You always get more than you give."
___David, a 16-year-old orphan living at the Baptist center, said his favorite parts of the Buckner camp were the "games, the crafts and also the devotions we have. It means a lot to have these people come from America because they have taught us many great things which, if God is willing, we will tell others when we grow up."
___Alison Ball, a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas and a trip volunteer, said the camp gave her the opportunity to work with kids who are impoverished. "That's my heart's desire to work with them and to give them hope and encouragement through Jesus Christ," she said.
___The Kenya camp is the first in a series of similar camps Buckner Orphan Care International will offer this spring and summer. Other camps involving Texas mission teams are planned for orphans in Russia and Romania.
___Along with providing a respite from the orphanages for the children, the camps provide a missions outlet for Texas Baptists, according to Buckner officials. Jeff Byrd, missions pastor at Park Cities Baptist Church, said trips like the one to Kenya give church members direct contact with people in need.
___"We believe the church exists by missions just as a fire exists by burning," Byrd said. "It's important for people to be able to put their ministry to work. We believe God has gifted each one to be a minister in our church, and some are called to do missions.
___"What keeps our people coming back is the heart that Park Cities Baptist Church has for children," Byrd said. "The 60-year connection our church has with Buckner is important. Children are at the heart of both organizations, and ministering to children in the name of Jesus is such a part of the fabric of Park Cities Baptist Church.
___"We hope to see people come into God's kingdom--to see these children learn about a personal relationship with Jesus."
___Bob and Laura Hefner, also Park Cities members, served on the Buckner team. They went to give of themselves but discovered they were recipients of God's grace as well.
___"This was a gift given to us," he explained. "We came here thinking we might serve, but as is always the case, we have been served far more than we could have ever given."
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Buckner takes Texans to aid of Kenya's orphans