“Where it all began — Beverly Burkins hosting a Kid’s Crusade in a neighborhood park in the early 1980s. From this simple act of faithfulness, God built a 40-year legacy and gave her a home to continue His work at 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave.”
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“Where it all began — Beverly Burkins hosting a Kid’s Crusade in a neighborhood park in the early 1980s. From this simple act of faithfulness, God built a 40-year legacy and gave her a home to continue His work at 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave.”
A Calling That Began with God’s Children
In the early 1980s, Joseph and Beverly Burkins began a simple yet faithful ministry in a neighborhood park near what would later become 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave — “God’s House.” With a small group of children from many different backgrounds, the Burkins hosted “Kid’s Crusades,” teaching about the life of Jesus Christ — sharing Scripture, prayer, and the love of God with all who gathered.
As winter approached, Beverly prayed for scarves and coats so the children could stay warm in the park and continue learning about Christ. What she did not expect was that God would answer her prayer in a far greater way.
“Go get the property I have prepared for you — continue in this calling.”God’s word to Joe & Beverly
Faithful to that leading, Beverly was drawn to a house at 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave — greater than the Burkins had expected, and only by the favor of God would they be able to take possession of it. Upon contacting the owner, Beverly learned there were already multiple offers on the property. Standing on faith, she boldly submitted a significantly lower offer. When the owner asked about her intentions, Beverly shared their ministry vision. Moved by their purpose, he accepted — allowing Joe and Beverly to secure the property for God’s glory. From that moment forward, Beverly faithfully declared: “This is God’s House.”
She did not say those words casually — she proved them over the next 40 years of uninterrupted ministry service to the community at this address.
A House Set Apart for Ministry
Since Joe and Beverly purchased the property, 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave has never ceased being used for Christian community service. Over the decades the home has hosted and supported:
For more than 40 years, countless churches and ministries have launched through this home, each building upon the same foundation: faith in Jesus Christ and service to the community.
The Birth of Liberty Place
In August 2021, that same calling took new form through Liberty Place Discipleship Home, continuing the original mission of serving God and community. Liberty Place was established to serve men in transition — those re-entering society after incarceration, recovering from addiction, experiencing homelessness, or seeking spiritual restoration through the love of Christ.
The Burkins family made meaningful financial sacrifices to help launch the ministry, demonstrating their unwavering belief that this home should always be used for God’s work. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for what Liberty Place has become today.
Since its founding, well more than 100 of God’s faithful have broken bread at Liberty Place — all receiving Christian discipleship, accountability, and community to lean on. The house continues to function as a center for men to come to know Jesus, grow in faith, and be restored through the love of Christ.
Joseph & Beverly Burkins — Faithful Stewards
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Beverly Burkins were faithful stewards of this property for four decades, unwavering in their conviction that the house belonged to God. Beverly’s words were not held in casual conversation — they were lived out in every decision she made about the home and every life she welcomed through its doors. The home was continually opened to many organizations for God’s purpose, to spread the love of Christ.
Joseph and Beverly’s legacy is not simply written in words, but on the hearts of lives changed, hope restored, souls won, and a home that has remained dedicated to God’s purpose for generations.
“The love of God was poured out in the very foundation of this home.”
Carrying the Mission Forward
Founded under Liberty in Christ Ministries, Liberty Place exists to disciple men transitioning from incarceration, addiction, homelessness, and personal crisis. Through Christian fellowship, accountability, structure, and biblical teaching, the home continues the same mission Joe and Beverly began decades earlier: teaching truth, restoring lives, and serving the community for the glory of God.
Preserving “The Legacy”
Following the passing of Mrs. Beverly Burkins, an urgency has come upon Liberty Place to secure this property for the glory of God and for the sake of future generations. Securing ownership of 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave is not about acquiring real estate — it is about winning souls for Christ, protecting a calling, safeguarding a legacy, and ensuring that God’s work continues uninterrupted for generations to come.
This house has always served God’s purpose. Our mission is to ensure that it always will.
“This House Belongs to God!”— Beverly Burkins
“For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.” — Hebrews 3:4 NLT
In Loving Memory
Beverly Burkins survived her husband Joe and was called home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025. She now rests from her labor, but the ministry born from her and Joe’s obedience remains alive. Her faith — the kind that trusts God fully and acts boldly — continues to speak just as loudly in her passing as it did during her life through the ongoing work at this home.
Beverly’s declaration still stands firm: “This House Belongs to God!”
Since that time, more than 100 men have received discipleship and approximately 50 have resided in the home — lives shaped by the same biblical foundation Joe and Beverly believed in decades earlier.
God’s House — A Timeline
Joe & Beverly begin ministering to children in a nearby park. Bible teaching, prayer, and community outreach form the foundation of their calling.
God leads the Burkins to purchase 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave. The property is secured specifically for Christian ministry and becomes known as “God’s House.”
The home serves continuously — children’s Bible studies, church gatherings and fellowship, homeless housing and emergency shelter, drug rehabilitation support, and discipleship programs without interruption.
Founders Edward Sowulski and Bobby McCans meet with Joe & Beverly Burkins. The vision for Liberty Place Discipleship Home is cast. After prayer and discernment, Beverly entrusts the keys of the home to the ministry founders, affirming its continued use for God’s work.
Inspection of the home with the Burkins and the founders. Beverly declares: “God’s House will be held in excellence.” Renovation plans and budget are agreed upon. Demolition and cleanout begin.
Building materials and appliances are ordered. Full renovation begins.
Renovations complete. Liberty Place Discipleship Home officially opens as a structured Christian discipleship residence for men in transition. Its first residents move in and call it home.
More than 40 men find a home at Liberty Place. Hundreds are forever touched by the testimony of the Burkins family’s obedience. The home continues to host outreach, discipleship, fellowship, and Gospel-centered ministry — the flagship location of Liberty in Christ Ministries and a beacon of hope in the community.
Mrs. Beverly Burkins is called home to be with the Lord. Her legacy — and her declaration — live on through every life changed at 2108 Bonnie Brae Ave.
The house is being sold. Help us purchase it and keep God’s work alive for the next generation.