The beginning

The Jefferson County Faith Based Network (JCFBN) 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 facilitated 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 ignite the vision and mission: “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 Jefferson County Faith Based Network was born, and since then so much has happened! Our programs currently include the Secure Care Shelter Services Center and LINC. JCFBN has changed over time to continue to meet the present and pressing needs of the Jefferson County community, and will continue to do so.

Timeline

2005 Gary’s dream.

2007 The first Our Community Event was launched. This is a day of free services for the community; a day of giving back and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Again, no evangelism, just love. 

2010 Pastors, lay leaders, and other community leaders engage in facilitated conversations about poverty in the local area.

2011 LINC (Love in the Name of Christ) opened its doors as a resource center for the community. LINC serves as a hand up to the community, not a hand out. 

2013 The Jefferson County Faith Based Network (JCFBN) was officially incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. 

2018 After a harsh winter and three people dying from exposure on the streets, the city approached JCFBN to operate a winter shelter to save people’s lives. 

2020 Anthony Mitchell was hired as the organization’s first executive director.

2022 The Madras Gospel Mission 5601 (c) (3) merged with JCFBN.

2024 The Secure Care Shelter Services Center was opened as a year-round shelter and social service hub for those experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County.

2025 Our current director, Truett Shilling, was hired to replace Anthony Mitchell who retired in January of 2025.