Buckner offers long-term missions opportunities

For the past 10 years, Buckner International has facilitated short-term mission trip opportunities—usually one week to 10 days long—for individuals and churches. Now, Buckner offers longer opportunities ranging from one month to one year.

With images of extreme poverty plastering the media each day, more and more Americans’ eyes have been opened to the needs. And many want to do something about it, Buckner officials noted.

“There is a new generation who wants to be more engaged and hands on with missions opportunities, and there are a lot of retired professionals who are looking to give back, too,” said Jane Ann Crowson, director of volunteer management and performance at Buckner International.

“We want to connect these volunteers with our ministry needs around the world to more effectively minister to children and families.”

Buckner provides volunteers logistical help, including travel arrangements and accommodations, as well as helping them develop a budget for their time of service.

“Volunteers then are responsible for raising the necessary funds to cover the budgeted cost,” Crowson explained.

Buckner also provides cross-cultural training and preparation before departure, she said.

Jordan Smith from The Village Church in Flower Mound serves in Kitale, Kenya, on a one-year assignment as a business sustainability project coordinator. During his tenure, he will help develop cost-saving techniques, like the use of bio-gas and greenhouses, and also develop micro-franchising and financing opportunities for families.

“I think when you take a step back and find yourself, like I did, falling into the trap of trusting your own abilities and following your own pursuits as opposed to trusting in the grace of God … you can’t sit around like nothing is wrong. You have to act,” he said.

“My goal is to help achieve the goals of Buckner Kenya, but I also want to put myself in a position of readiness to work for the glory of God and share the gospel where it is needed.”

Available opportunities through Buckner International for skilled workers may include clerical work, like volunteer management, or office assistance, teaching English, medical or dental work, light construction and business development.

Buckner is recruiting volunteers to serve in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Peru, Kenya, Ethiopia, Russia and in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

At this time, Buckner is accepting only individual adult volunteer applicants.

For more information, contact Crowson at [email protected].