International (MNN) — Buckner International and the Center
for Informed Faith (CIF) recently announced a strategic alliance in the cause of
promoting the church's ministry to needy children.
The CIF will collaborate with Buckner on "vision missions
trips," putting together curriculum to equip churches for orphan ministry and
developing training materials for short-term missions volunteers.
"The Center for Informed Faith and
Dr. Denison's unique ability to communicate gives Buckner the opportunity to
enhance our training and orientation, not only for volunteers, but for our
staff," said Albert Reyes, President of Buckner Children and Family Services.
"Utilizing Dr. Denison's skills as
a writer and teacher helps Buckner be even more effective in communicating the
biblical mandate Christians have to minister to children… We are also excited
that the Center for Informed Faith is going to provide training materials for
nearly 4,000 short-term missions volunteers who serve through Buckner."
The mission of the CIF
is to resource the global Christian movement as a catalyst for spiritual
awakening. CIF president Jim Denison
also serves as theologian-in-residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Denison explained that "working with Buckner
enables us to fulfill our mission of promoting cultural engagement, spiritual
renewal and practical discipleship." He will host a Buckner missions trip to Ethiopia in the
fall of this year. Details about the
trip will soon be available.
The two ministries have agreed that neither will receive
financial benefit from the alliance. Instead,
they will focus on meeting the needs of children and their families.
"This kind of alliance is a
wonderful model for how Christian organizations can collaborate to advance not
only their separate missions, but more importantly, the cause of Christ's
Kingdom," Reyes said.
This year, Buckner celebrates 130 years of ministry. It has a thriving ministry in Texas as well as offices
in ten other states and nine other countries.
Buckner International is a global Christian ministry that seeks justice
for "the least of these" by providing care and resources for orphans and
at-risk children in the United
States and more than 50 countries around the
world.
Supporting Buckner's ministry is the "perfect mix" for the
CIF, Denison
said. "Helping Buckner improve the lives
of children is about as practical as it gets for Christians."
