STCH joins Buckner for Russia/Latvia mission trip_30705

Posted: 3/4/05

STCH joins Buckner for Russia/Latvia mission trip

By Felicia Fuller

Buckner News Service

Buckner Orphan Care International and South Texas Children's Home will link arms and aims in Russia and Latvia July 31-Aug. 7.

Buckner maintains partnerships with the Russian and Latvian governments to help stabilize orphanage, foster and kinship care systems. Buckner Orphan Care International provides similar services in Guatemala and China. Buckner President Ken Hall will lead other mission trips April 30-May 15 to Guatemala and Oct. 13-23 to China.

This will be the second consecutive summer Hall has led a team to Latvia, a former Soviet block country on the Baltic Sea. Last year, a 25-member team from First Baptist Church of Longview traveled with Buckner to deliver food, shoes, clothing and other aid to children in several cities.

This summer, mission participants will distribute supplies, spread the gospel and build relationships with children and indigenous staff at area orphanages. From Latvia, the group will travel by train to St. Petersburg, Russia, where they will stay through Aug. 7.

In Russia, trip participants will tour established and emerging Buckner ministries. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Buckner Orphan Care International, which was formed in 1995 when Russian officials sought Buckner's counsel on ways to improve the country's orphanages. Today, BOCI partners with churches to serve children and families worldwide through humanitarian aid, mission trips, orphanage improvements and social services.

Referencing the joint trip with South Texas Children's Home, Hall said it lends greater credence to the cause when believers unite to serve others.

“Part of my role as president of Buckner is to cast a vision for our ministry. The more people who understand what we do, the easier that is to accomplish,” he explained.

South Texas Children's Home President Jerry Haag characterized the Russia and Lativa trip as “significant for South Texas Children's Home to learn how Buckner is meeting the needs of children worldwide. It's also very significant because it's our Baptist institutions joining together.”

Haag added his organization's travel objectives are threefold: “First is to meet the needs of the children we'll be visiting. Second is to gain experience and exposure to how Buckner is meeting the needs of children on an international basis. Finally, we want to make a determination of how STCH can meet the needs of children outside the South Texas area.

“Since 1952, STCH has been caring for the needs of children and families,” he continued.

“The method of that care has changed somewhat, but the mission is still the same–to meet the physical needs of those we care for while introducing them to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“How very grateful I am for how Buckner has reached out and made a profound impact on children throughout the world. It will be exciting for us to witness the impact firsthand.”