FBN Loves Madras

The Faith Based Network (FBN) was officially incorporated as a 501 (c)3 in 2013, however the vision began long before then. In 2005, in the middle of the night, Gary Buss woke up from a dream and felt God speaking to him about the community in Madras. His dream was confusing and incomplete, and so he consulted a friend who said to Gary, “God will make it clear at the right time, and it will be obvious to you what you should do.” So he waited. For six months Gary prayed and contemplated. Then he had another dream just like the first, only this one answered some of his questions. In wake of this, he felt compelled to share the vision with a few pastors in the area. This was the impetus for the Our Community Event in the Park, which launched in 2007.

In 2010, over the period of a year, faith leaders and others in the community engaged in monthly conversations. Out of this, a mission was identified that involved churches from various denominations unifying to serve the community’s needs – to be a network that is truly the hands and feet of Jesus in Jefferson County.

The question that ignited the vision and mission was this: “What are we doing to love our community?” It became apparent that this group needed to do something. What began as a dream formed into an organization that would strengthen the community and transcend denominational differences to meet the real needs of people struggling in the community.

“The primary goal isn’t to proselytize, it’s to love people. We want to be the first responders of this community,” explained Gary.

The Faith Based Network was born, and since then so much has happened! Our programs currently include the Madras Shelter and LINC. We are currently working hard to open Pearson’s Crossing, our home for women and children, and Jordan Crossing, our men’s home. FBN has changed over time to continue to meet the needs of the Jefferson County community, and we will continue asking ourselves, “What can we do to meet the needs of this community?”