regarding his alcoholism and abuse of his family. The judge ordered him to leave the home and attend a rehab clinic. Though Oscar remembers attending rehab, he can’t recall who told him about it. What he does remember is the support he received. He was never alone. Members from a local church connected to the Hope Center came alongside Oscar and supported him on his path to sobriety. At first Oscar wasn’t sure he needed help, but the men from the


church were not discouraged. They continued to offer their support. “They told me that they were doing an effort to find new land


for my family to live,” Oscar said. “And if I wanted it and wanted to change, Buckner was going to offer the help for it. That’s when I realized I needed to accept help.”


“Oscar changed because he accepted God. He told me that God changed him, and we are nothing without him. I asked him just this morning if he sometimes wanted to have a drink, but he said, ‘I don’t want one. I’d


rather eat than drink.’” –Maria Elena Raymundo on her husband’s commitment to God


While Oscar was in rehab, men in the church encouraged him and


shared the gospel with him. He accepted Christ, got baptized and took control of his alcohol problem, choosing to be sober. Oscar came back to his family a changed man and it showed. “He changed because he accepted God,” Maria Elena said about her husband’s transformation. “He told me that God changed him, and we are nothing without him. I asked him just this morning if he sometimes wanted to have a drink, but he said, ‘I don’t want one. I’d rather eat than drink.’” With the money Trinity Baptist Church raised, they purchased


property near the Hope Center. In July, a missions team came and began construction on the new home. Instead of sticks and tin, the new house was built with sturdy cinder blocks. There are doors to the bedrooms, a sturdy roof and concrete flooring. “I feel so happy since the first night we slept here,” Maria Elena said about their new home. “And the girls are so happy as well. I tell them, ‘This is yours. Don’t be afraid somebody is going to kick you out.’ We


other. There is peace. “I used to bring only conflicts and fights before,” Oscar said. “But


now when they see me here, they know I am doing something for the house or for them. They can have tranquility and know that I am here and not running around drinking. Now, I give them safety that I am here, and they don’t have to worry. “I feel very happy to have this home. It’s not something I expected


to have in my life because of my situation and not having a job. I didn’t know what we were going to do, but I think this is a present from God. If it wasn’t for my wife and kids, I wouldn’t have this home, and if I didn’t say yes to Buckner’s help, I wouldn’t have this change in my life.” 


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are all so happy.” Their home is still tucked amongst the trees. The mountains


still provide a protective hedge. Dogs still wander throughout the property and the pig still rests in the corner, contently grunting. The atmosphere, however, has changed. Oscar joyfully goes to


work at a nearby coffee plantation to provide for his family, and he’s sober. The girls smile more. They play with their toys and help with the chores. After school, they sit outside and dutifully work on their homework. The sense of permanence soothes them, and no longer do they fear their father. At the dedication of their new home, the family gathered for a


photo. Their oldest daughter, Michele, stood close to her father and wrapped her arms tightly around his arm. They are at ease with each


Spring 2016 • BUCKNER TODAY 23


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