A Long History of Christian Care...
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians
3:17
A group of Free Methodist Deaconess Ladies uplifted the name of Jesus by serving others in deed. To believe that every life has equal value even in women that society only shunned, to love and minister to unwed mothers-to-be when the culture of the early 1900's demanded isolation, was the personal calling of these special ladies. For so many women,
The Home of Redeeming Love stood like a beacon on the prairie of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
“We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children."
1 Thessalonians 2:7
The Home of Redeeming Love nurtured those who came to the doorstep. Babies were born, and families were formed. Land was purchased in Oklahoma City, and The Home relocated. A nursing school was added in 1923, the same year 123 babies were born. A medical facility was established and christened
Deaconess Hospital. The hospital expanded throughout the years serving much of Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. In 2005, the hospital board elected to sell the hospital and establish the
Butterfield Memorial Foundation named for long-time hospital administrator,
Rev. Butterfield and his wife Gladys, superintendent of The Home.
“For we live by Faith, not by Sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7
How will the history of the Deaconess Ladies' be preserved? Who will lead the Foundation? How will the mission be carried out? The Free Methodist Church roots would serve as the catalyst for the answer to these questions. A foundation board member contacted his son, a Free Methodist Pastor in Santa Barbara, CA. Together, they approached Evan Collins about embarking upon a journey to shape the Butterfield Foundation to further Christian healthcare efforts. A successful investments manager who had never been to Oklahoma was soon woven into God's plan. Evan and his wife, Juanita, active in the
The Free Methodist Church of North America, found themselves energized at the possibilities of being part of something that had the potential to make an enormous impact for the Kingdom.
That was over 6 years ago. Today, the Foundation has granted over $6 million to Christian 501(c)3 non-profits. Most recently, the board has chosen to focus the foundation's granting pursuits to primarily Central Oklahoma Christian Primary Care Centers of Excellence with the hope of positively impacting medically vulnerable populations. The Home of Redeeming Love lives on through two ministries,
Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services and
Open Arms Clinic.
“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings."
Psalm 63:7
The need is great. We believe the opportunities and possibilities that God offers us to serve others are far greater. The Foundation will strive to greet the challenges before us with grace and commitment as the Deaconess Ladies did.