Women Who Dare to Believe 04 | Monica Buskuhl

I'm so happy to introduce y'all this week to my friend Monica! Monica and I met while working at HKS, the architecture firm in Dallas. She was my fun single friend while a lot of us were newly married. But soon enough we were attending her wedding and throwing her baby shower! I have loved watching Monica grow into a ministry and believe God. Now her kids go to my alma mater and they travel with some of my friends from high school! How crazy is that? Today she's going to share her story of stepping out in obedience for the Lord.

Monica was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She attended the University of Texas, and graduated with a BS in Interior Design. She moved to Dallas to pursue a career in interior design at a local architecture firm where Monica and I met, but also where she met her husband, Mark. They have been married for 14 years and have two children, Kyla and Graham, ages 12 and 11. Most recently, Monica founded FACE Foundation of Texas, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing essential hygiene items to help women in local shelters who are survivors of domestic violence, homelessness and human trafficking.

Here's Monica's story of daring to believe:

If I am being honest with myself, God had been nudging me to create FACE Foundation of Texas months before its conception.

Initially, I was extremely hesitant and simply shrugged it off. Surely I misunderstood Him. Why me? I had been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years to focus on raising my children. Why now? What did I know about creating a nonprofit? I had absolutely no experience and I felt completely inadequate for such a high calling. I also had a long list of questions and reasons why I was the wrong choice for this assignment, but God remained persistent.

Finally, God graciously answered my questions and doubts in a dream. I awoke the next morning, confident and at peace. It was undeniable that this was exactly what God was calling me to do, even if I didn’t understand why or how. From that day forward, I chose to be obedient and trust God every step of the way.

On March 6, 2019, FACE Foundation of Texas was created. FACE stands for “Fellowship Advocating Compassion & Empowerment.” Our mission is to help women in need by providing them with gift bags containing essential hygiene items. These bags provide basic necessities, promote self-care, and serve as a reminder to each woman, that she is seen, loved, worthy, and “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

Not knowing exactly where to start, I prayed to God for guidance and direction. I began small by reaching out to friends and families, requesting their unused toiletries, makeup, and skincare products. Before I knew it, and to my surprise, I had received thousands of donations. I then started to reach out to potential corporate donors. I sent out countless emails, rarely ever receiving a response, but I remained committed to my calling. FACE was, and still is, a new, smaller and relatively unknown nonprofit.

Many corporations were hesitant to donate, but eventually my persistency paid off. FACE was able to acquire the support of several large corporations including Thrive Causemetics, Dr Bronner’s and American Airlines. Collectively, these corporations donated over 10,000 products! I could have never envisioned that I would receive such sizable donations from three renowned corporations.

Every single one of FACE’s accomplishments were made possible by trusting and being obedient to God’s will. He has blessed my faithfulness time and time again, allowing FACE to achieve the unimaginable.

Throughout this journey of creating and running a nonprofit, there have also been numerous obstacles. Self-doubt, falling into the comparison trap, and an unshakeable feeling of inferiority, are just a few challenges I have faced along the way. It is during these difficult times that I cling to God, His truth, and His promises.

I remind myself of the Bible verse written on every single FACE bag: “for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) This scripture reinforces that God created each one of us for a very special and unique purpose. Other times, when donations are running low or when I feel discouraged and like I am not making a difference, I find solace in Romans 8:28, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I hope whatever obstacle you find yourself up against today, or in the future, that these Bible verses bring you comfort and peace.

The phrase “God equips the called” is one I have heard repeatedly throughout my life, however I had never experienced it first hand until I started FACE. Since its creation, God has blessed FACE beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of or hoped for. He has provided everything I have needed each and every day.

To date, FACE has helped more than 6,680 women by donating over 53,400 essential hygiene products. The opportunity to help women in need has been an incredible honor and blessing. Hearing the numerous stories of how one of our bags has touched the life of a woman, and her overwhelming gratitude, warms my heart and inspires me to remain committed to our mission. I know there will be many more ups and downs as I continue on my journey with FACE, but I can rest in God’s faithfulness, knowing with him, all things are possible.

Trust me, I understand. It can be scary when God summons you into unfamiliar territory, but I encourage you to take that leap of faith! It is only when we have to rely and depend on Him for all things that His goodness, faithfulness, and power can be put on full display for all to see.

I can tell you from experience, God’s plans are far better than any you might have for your own life and they will probably be drastically different from what you had imagined. Trust in Him. He will provide and He always fulfills His promises. If God is calling you to do something, go for it! Your obedience will be rewarded and you will be blessed beyond belief.