Auburn University – Apr 13, 2012
A new perspective on orphans
During high school, I never really considered what it was like to be an orphan, or even the thought of being adopted and joining a new family. When you relate it to Christ, that's exactly how it is though. Christ has adopted us into his family, and what a marvelous blessing that is. Before, we were all orphans. Christ sent his son to die on the cross in order to pay for our adoption to be His children. What a beautiful picture of how we should care for actual orphans today.
After graduating from high school, my senior class traveled to China. Returning to the United States and starting college at Auburn, I never felt content just going through the routine of a college student. I felt like there should be something I should be doing rather than living the typical college life. So in December, I traveled to Haiti and spent a week in an orphanage. Loving orphans is an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to return to Haiti this June to love on the Lord's precious children there. Even children who don't know there birth parents, should still know a Father that loves them and always will.
A friend and his family from my hometown recently adopted from China, he informed me about an awesome ministry traveling on a double decker red bus with a thrift store inside. I was stoked!! College students love thrift stores, and can help support by donating their own clothes. In college, its hard to donate money to an organization but donating old clothes in so easy!
Today, at Auburn University, the Red Bus Project has impacted the students at Auburn, and we hope that we can impact the lives of orphans and their future families. The people of Red Bus Project have been a joy to be around, and their passion for orphans is contagious. It's been a awesome to be surrounded by people with the same compassion for orphans, and also encouraging to know that there is something we can do to help show hope to orphans around the world.
Brooke Jones
Sophomore at Auburn University
The Red Bus Project has been an absolutely incredible experience! Before this event, I had never really taken the time to understand or empathize with orphans and their situation. However, after this event, not only is my mind completely blown, but it is also more aware and concerned about ministering and supporting orphans. I cannot describe the joy and just absolute happiness that I felt when sharing information about the Red Bus Project and its meaning! I can honestly say that the Holy Spirit was flowing through me and the other volunteers around the event stations. I mean, the willingness for others to volunteer and give up their time to help with the Show Hope event was indescribably awesome!
God has the best timing and plans :) The Red Bus Project came to Auburn at the perfect time! We were able to advertise the event and draw people's attention to the giant double decker bus on the concourse (kinda hard to miss), but most importantly, we were able to help promote and provide people with a better understanding of this ministry. In doing so, people were able to witness the work of Christ through us and in us- something that can be so rare and hard to see in others.
Praise be to God for the great works He has done!! And to Him be all the glory and honor!!
Shelby Edwards
Auburn
