The Kingdom Builders adult Bible study class from First Baptist Richardson needed to bond and rally around a worthy mission project that would inspire a servant spirit and allow ministry beyond our class.

We decided on a project after Buckner Border Ministries identified that the Villanueva family of San Carlos, Texas was in need of some support.

The family of five had been living in a house made out of a travel trailer, scrap wood and mostly dirt floors for seven years.

Our Bible study class decided to jump out of the pew and into walls, rafters and paint buckets. We began raising money and collecting materials in August 2009. Our goal was to build the Villanueva family a new home in one week. After raising $16,000 to build and furnish the home, we began our mission on March 9, 2010.

Buckner Border Ministry leaders Jorge Zapata, Ricardo Brambila and J.R. Vega supported our class logistics and helped provide building supplies, furniture and other appliances. Over the course of nine days, 31 workers helped with the home building project. Even Jorge Villanueva, the father, worked tirelessly with us.

Once the home was complete on March 16, we had a dedication ceremony with the mission workers, the Buckner leaders and the Villanueva family. Once the Villanueva family saw their new home, they were overjoyed. Maria Villanueva said she could not describe all that she was feeling while her husband told us they were grateful to God and their new friends.

It was a true blessing to be part of a team of workers doing great things. Seeing the happiness of the Villanuevases, and how much they thanked God was humbling. It reminds us to be thankful for the homes, families and supplies we already have and to keep those who don’t have as much in our hearts and prayers.

Neal Knighton is a gift officer for Buckner International and a member of First Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas.

Prayers for the Week:
- God, thank you for our fellow church members who serve by our side and encourage us in our ministry projects.
- God, thank you for opportunities to give and for the knowledge that giving is a blessing.

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