Ken & Karen Buckner

I am so excited to be going to Africa, I can hardly stand it!

Let me start at the beginning...I asked Jesus into my heart around 12 years of age and have never turned back. I decided at a very young age I wanted what other Christians had...and that was joy. I wish I could remember when my first thoughts of going to Africa began. But none-the-less, for as long as I can remember I have wanted to go to Africa. With a little encouragement from J.J. Iagulli at Carolina Forest Community Church - and financial support from friends and family, I had that opportunity in the summer of 2007. I fell in love with Africa and its people and knew I wanted to return. I had no idea it would be so soon. In 2008 I was invited to go to Zambia with a team from Palmetto Shores. This time I took my newly wed husband, he too fell in love with Africa and the rest has been a whirlwind! We feel God is calling us to work with Global Samaritans Orphanage full time.

Shortly after we returned home from Zambia, we were told the orphanage has need for a couple to work with the orphanage and the traveling mission teams that go there in the summer months. We have been given that opportunity. Ken leaves May 16th and I will be leaving as soon as school is out. We will temporarily return to the states the end of August. We have a lot to do between now and May.  I have to remind myself daily that "God does not call the equipped but that He equips the called".

Please pray for us daily as we begin this journey and press on toward the high calling of Christ! I love each of you and hope we can keep you updated through this Blog.