Before I was CEO of Buckner International, I was blessed to have served in a wide array of vocational experiences. Each experience helped build a foundation for the way I lead today. Two of these positions were pastor and chaplain. As a pastor, I learned to share the word of God by delivering sermons that hopefully inspired life impact and transformation. I was a shepherd leading a congregational flock. As a chaplain, I learned to listen and truly be present for others. I also learned to lead by serving, and provided care by showing, offering grace and mercy when needed.
The chaplaincy program we established at each of our Buckner senior living communities allows us to provide a spiritual dimension to how we serve seniors – and it doesn’t require residents living at the community to be Baptist or even Christian.
“Our faith motivates how we serve, but it doesn’t limit who we serve.”
My own journey as a chaplain began in 1988 when I served as a hospital chaplain at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Lancaster, Texas. I was a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) student for a year, as part of a Master of Divinity degree program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.
At VAMC, I attended family emergencies in the middle of the night, visited patients in their last days and hours of life, and visited with families at the point of death or following the death of a loved one. CPE was one of the most transformative and transformational experiences I have ever had in preparation for vocational ministry.
In 1989, I began my service as a chaplain candidate in the U.S. Army Reserve. I was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, served three years in Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), was promoted to 1st lieutenant, and received an Honorable Discharge at the end of this tour of duty in 1992. IRR meant I was eligible for active duty when called upon rather than being assigned to a particular unit and deployed.
As a chaplain, I served hundreds, maybe thousands of people during those four years, but there was one man who I still think of from time to time because of his impact on my own life.”
While at the VAMC, I visited a veteran who was in his last days of life. I asked him, “Is there anything I can do for you or get for you?” All he wanted was to make a phone call.
In those days, the telephone was on a long extension cord that was wheeled down the hall to reach each room. I brought the phone up to his bed, and he asked me to dial a number – the number of his son.
The old veteran knew his time was short, and he told me he wanted to call his son to say, “I love you.” He then confided to me he had never said those words to his son before.
My heart sank, and I quickly dialed the number praying his son would answer. Thankfully, he did, and I handed the phone to the veteran and left the room so they could have some privacy. When I returned, the man indicated the call was done. It was short, but he looked peaceful.
Later that night, he died.
I learned that being the hands and feet of Jesus in a moment like that requires focusing on what others need rather than what I am feeling or needing. I also promised myself that if I ever had children, I would tell them I love them as often as possible each day of my life.
For Chaplain Trent at The Stayton, love is the most foundational part of being a chaplain. Whether it’s showing the love of Jesus through words or actions, he provides a safe space for residents to share their doubts and fears but then reminds them of Jesus’ eternal love.
Listening and loving – this is how we can all be kinder people, better servants, and stronger followers of Jesus.
Albert Reyes, CEO
Buckner International
This article was a part of Buckner Today magazine. Read the full issue here.