Sometimes being an agent of redemption is putting new shoes on a child’s feet.
(Photo courtesy Buckner)

USA (MNN) — Do you ever feel like you WANT to do something that makes a difference, but you’re not sure where to start? You’re not alone.

According to Operation World, there are 550 million evangelical Christians worldwide.

If each one of them gave 10% of their income to missions, two million new missionaries would be supported, The Traveling Team reports.

It’s not just about giving to missions, though. The real call is to become an agent of redemption.

“All the skills that we’re given and that we’ve accumulated–business skills, abilities, and resources that we have–could really be employed in God’s redemptive plan for people, both in the U.S. and around the world,” says Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International.

Following Christ’s agenda

(Photo courtesy JesusAgenda.org)

In his new book, The Jesus Agenda: Becoming an Agent of Redemption, Reyes outlines why Christians need to put feet on their faith.

“There’s so much more out there that could be done through things like foster care, adoption ministry, and care for orphans, humanitarian aid,” says Reyes.

“I just think there’s so many under-utilized followers of Jesus that are taking up space in pews.”

In His very first sermon, as recorded in Luke 4:16-21, a young Jesus tells those gathered in the Nazarene synagogue that He has come to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy.

“Then He lists five actions,” Reyes observes: “To preach Good News to the poor; to give sight to the blind; liberty to the oppressed; freedom for the captive; and then, to preach the year of our Lord’s favor.”

Along with fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, Dr. Reyes says the five “action points” were accomplished in Christ’s ministry. Since that’s what Jesus did while He was on the earth, a natural conclusion would be that His followers should follow suit.

Christ Himself puts it more plainly in Matthew 28: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Becoming an Agent of Redemption

(Photo credit Buckner)

Getting involved in work of redemption is simple, but can be intimidating. In The Jesus Agenda, Dr. Reyes explains how you can become an agent of redemption.

Click here for an overview.

“It’s an easy book for Bible study groups to take and apply the principles,” says Reyes.

“It has discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and…there’s a biblical focus that runs through each chapter of the book.”

Visit JesusAgenda.org to order your copy.

As he steps down, Buckner President Albert L. Reyes will carry both roles of
president and CEO for the 133-year-old ministry.

Hall said his retirement means he will transition from "a leader to a
follower. As I step aside as the leader of Buckner, I hope to be an excellent
follower of our new leader, Albert Reyes. I am supremely confident that
Dr. Reyes is uniquely equipped to lead Buckner International for the next
generation."

Under Hall's care, Buckner gained credibility as a nongovernmental
organization and grew to provide social services and family assistance to more
than 400,000 people, all with an eye toward introducing them to the hope in
Christ.

Along with millions capital growth and improvements, Hall guided Buckner to
expand its service offerings beyond the borders of Texas and the United States
by launching the organization's international programs in 1996.

Reyes acknowledged the change Hall has brought to his post. "Dr. Hall has
provided extraordinary leadership and vision to the children, families,and
elders served by Buckner.

"Just as each leader of Buckner before him, he seized on the opportunities
provided to him and the ministry, not to just maintain what he had been given,
but to grow Buckner into what we are today," Reyes said. "I want to build
on what he leaves behind and to look for new opportunities of growth and expansion."

Reyes will manage the organization's nearly $110 million annual budget,
while overseeing the daily operations of more than 1,400 employees worldwide.
Those operations include Buckner Children and Family Services'
domestic and international ministries and Buckner Retirement Services' seven
senior living communities in Texas.

Reyes succeeds the
ministry's former president, Ken Hall, who remains with Buckner as Chief
Executive Officer.

As president of Buckner
International, Reyes will manage the organization's nearly $100-million annual
budget, while overseeing the daily operations of more than 1,300 employees
worldwide. Those operations include work through Buckner Children and Family
Services' domestic and international ministries, and Buckner Retirement
Services' seven senior living communities in Texas.

Scott McIlveene, chair of the
Buckner board of trustees, is pleased with the outcome. He notes, "Dr. Reyes brings the perfect mix of vision,
passion and intellect to the task, especially at this point in the history of
Buckner," McIlveene said. "We are uniquely poised as a ministry to move forward
like never before, thanks to the tremendous work of Buckner's previous five
presidents."

Reyes is no stranger to the
mission or the job. He has already served as president over Buckner Children
and Family Services for three years. 

Reyes explains, "The orphans,
vulnerable children, families, and elders served by Buckner depend on us to
make their lives better. That is tremendous honor, but also a serious
responsibility."

Buckner International acts as the
hands and feet of Christ by meeting needs for orphans and at-risk children
around the world.