On a Sunday morning in October of 2019, the Boyd family did their typical Sunday routine and found themselves in the audience at Beltway Church. That Sunday, however, ended up being anything but typical for the family as they left the building feeling a nudge that couldn’t be dismissed or set aside. Jason and Megan Boyd, along with their two young children, Jay and Natalie, … [Read more...]
Every Child Has a Chance
Most of us have a general knowledge of the foster care system, but what most people cannot fully understand is how a child feels, and how being removed from home, family and community can be traumatizing when placed in foster care. Children need a sense of security, safety, and permanence to thrive. They also need a sense of belonging and an adult they can trust who can … [Read more...]
Changing Lives One Smile at a Time
How Texas Mission of Mercy is Providing Hope and Smiles Throughout Abilene, the Big Country and Beyond They say a smile is worth a thousand words and thanks to the Abilene community and its servant-hearted nature, more and more people across the Big Country and the state of Texas are confident and able to experience a healthier and pain free smile of their own. It all … [Read more...]
A Lasting Legacy: Ben Richey Boys Ranch Celebrates 75 Years
Ben and Jamie Richey would hardly recognize the place that’s named in their honor, the place that started in 1947 on 350 acres of land on the outskirts of Abilene. Fast-forward to 2023 and the Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program is hardly ranchland anymore and it certainly isn’t on the outskirts of Abilene. Instead, it has downsized to 80 acres and expanded its … [Read more...]
Taking Root: Family Makes Farming a Part of Fostering Journey
Drive up a steep hill on the west side of Coleman, look to the right at the very top and you’ll come to the Shira place. It’s hard to say exactly how many people live on the two acres, not to mention eight chickens, two goats, one miniature donkey, turtles, a dog, kittens–you get the picture. The family always consists of mom and dad, Chas and Katie Shira, and their … [Read more...]