In February 2024, Braden McAfee, a detail technician for Lubbock South, was preparing for the arrival of his first child. He and his partner, McKayla, were closing on their first home, and life felt full of hope and excitement.
But everything shifted when McKayla went into labor six weeks early. Their daughter, Magnolia, was born prematurely and admitted to the NICU.
Braden was suddenly overwhelmed. His joy gave way to fear, sadness, and uncertainty. How could he be at the hospital supporting McKayla and Magnolia? How could he continue working and provide for his growing family? And how would he ever get his family moved into the new house and settled in time for Magnolia to come home from the hospital? He wasn’t prepared for this.
While in the delivery room, Braden and McKayla had cried out to God for help, asking Him to make a way where there seemed to be none. Braden had only been with Betenbough Homes for a year and didn’t have enough PTO to cover this unforeseen crisis. But what they couldn’t yet see was that God was already moving through the people of Betenbough.
Braden’s leaders stepped in quickly, extending extra paternity leave so he could remain by his daughter’s side. The company then paid for movers to take care of the transition to the family’s new home, easing a huge burden.
The support didn’t stop there. Braden’s Lubbock South teammates surrounded him in prayer, organized a meal train, and joyfully took on his workload so he could be fully present for McKayla and Magnolia.
Braden recalls the effect this outpouring of love and support had on him. “It really softened my heart and opened my eyes to God’s grace and mercy. Betenbough had my back.”
“I saw where Braden was, and he needed some help,” says Justin Betancur, general manager of Betenbough Homes Lubbock South. “The culture of this company is to see people. When a need arises, we respond – because our leadership invites us to care. That’s what makes this place different.”
Looking back, Braden still remembers how seen and supported he felt. “Betenbough has shown that we’re more than just a team – we’re a family,” he recalls. “And in one of the most pivotal moments of our lives, that truth became incredibly real to us.”
Now, more than a year later, Braden continues to embody the heart of Betenbough. He shows up every day with humility, excellence, and a servant’s heart. He is now a builder for Lubbock South, and Braden continues to excel wherever he goes. “That’s just who Braden is,” Justin says. “He shows up. He serves. That’s how his heart works.”
What could have been a season of fear for Braden and his family became a testimony of God’s provision through a company that puts people first.
