Michigan resident Will Buehler saw a news story one day about CFI’s work among persecuted Christians in China, he was instantly impressed by the organization. Will and his wife, Patty, had adopted a young girl from China, and CFI was working in the region of the country where she’d been born. CFI had also just relocated its headquarters to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, a town where Will had previously attended school.
He sent a note to CFI president Jim Jacobson, commending CFI for its work in China and other countries where Christians are severely persecuted for their faith. But Will’s involvement with CFI would not end with just a few encouraging words. Several years later, after lending a hand to various service projects ranging from painting to office work, Will became one of CFI’s newest board members.
When Will’s church, New Hope Lutheran in Hudsonville, Michigan, recently offered to conduct a week-long Vacation Bible School for the children of CFI’s Freedom House, it seemed like another perfect opportunity to serve Sault Ste. Marie’s Karen refugee community.
Eighteen children participated in New Hope’s “Hero Camp,” where they each received a “hero” cape and badge, and learned thematic lessons such as “Joseph and Forgiving,” “Mary and Obeying,” and “Paul and Serving.” The VBS sessions, which were held on the front lawn of Freedom House, were led by New Hope’s pastor, David Rufner, and Will’s wife, Patty Buehler. All throughout the week, Will was especially grateful for the warm hospitality and home cooking provided by the Karen women of Freedom House for the New Hope staff and VBS participants.
“I would like to help people become more aware of persecution in the world today,” says Will regarding his continued role as a CFI supporter and passionate advocate for the persecuted church. “People need to know that persecution is real and there are ways we can help, and that there are organizations like CFI out there in the trenches.”