With Global Emphasis Week in full swing at Liberty University, I set out to make contact with an individual or two representing the numerous booths that line the back hall of Demoss, the main academic building on Liberty's campus. After outlining some key questions and praying to make contact with "just the right person," I meandered my way down the hallway - and found her. Below are some of the things she shared with me, and while the wording is far from verbatim, the heart is still fully intact.
Name: Ashley
Organization: Orbie for Orphans
1) Tell me a little bit about your organization. What is the purpose/function of Orbie for Orphans?
Ashley shared that Orbie for Orphans is an Animated Discipleship Curriculum aimed at shedding the light of God's love on orphans around the world. Each of the twelve lessons covers a significant concept targeted specifically to the unique needs of orphans - concepts such as self-worth, value, etc.
2) Why is the ministry of Orbie for Orphans important?
The concept of Vacation Bible School as it is known in the United States is an excellent one for children supported by families and semi-structured communities, but in the orphanages of foreign countries one week of targeted Bible teaching is hardly sufficient. Orbie for Orphans addresses a huge demand on the part of nearly 50 countries for some sort of truth-centered discipleship for the children in their orphanages.
3) What is your role in the ministry?
Ashley laughed and went on to explain that her role with Orbie for Orphans is somewhat abstract. As a volunteer, she isn't considered a staff member of the organization. However, she considers herself a "freelance missionary," having traveled widely, cultivating a unique international perspective that makes her invaluable to the research Orbie needs to conduct in order to most effectively reach the nations.
4) How long have you been with Orbie?
Orbie is a young organization and will turn three years old this May. Ashley has been a part of the ministry since the beginning.
5) What did you study in college?
Ashley's answer could not have been more appropriate: she majored in International Studies at Baylor University.
6) How did your degree equip you for your present career?
The International Studies degree program focused on a broad range of cultures and topics, enabling her to be a truly versatile missionary. Because she is well-versed in the cultures of the world, she is familiar with cultural taboos and customs, making it easier for her to gain the trust of the people she encounters.
7) What led you to become involved with Orbie?
Ashley met the founders of Orbie, Carl and Jill Toth, three years prior to the initial development of Orbie for Orphans. Through a discussion that centered around a shared passion for the plight of orphans around the world, Ashley and the Toths joined forces to reach the orphans they love so deeply.
8) What do you love most about your role with Orbie?
Her passionate answer to this question was inspiring. She said that she loved reaching the poor and destitute, "getting the Gospel out the least of these." Such a massive global undertaking was also something she noted as being fuel to her flame for this ministry.
9) What one truth would you communicate to the Christians you talk to?
She thought for a moment. Finally, and with a decisive tone in her voice: "If you want to change the world, get in God's presence." Short, sweet, and simple - and incredibly profound.
10) How can people get involved with Orbie?
Mission trips, internships, fundraising - the list is plentiful and diverse enough to allow anyone with a passion for sharing to gospel to do so through Orbie. She directed me to Orbie's website, OrbieforOrphans.org, and also noted that the organization has a Facebook and Twitter account as well.
Ashley was a pleasure to interact with, and the joy she exuded was contagious. I thanked her for her time, and then asked how I could specifically pray for her and Orbie. She shared a couple of prayer requests.
First, for the ministry of Orbie for Orphans. This ministry is ready to get the material out and into the orphanages of the nearly 50 countries that have requested it - but the financial and people needs are still great.
Second, for herself. Ashley is a faith-based missionary due to her "freelance" status, so her income is dependent even more so on the Lord's provision. She has also been blessed with many open doors of ministry and often finds herself in need of discerning just exactly *which* door she should walk through next.
Please keep Ashley and Orbie for Orphans in your prayers. Also, be sure to visit the website with a heart willing to serve, asking the Lord how *you* can make a difference in the lives of orphans around the world.
Name: Ashley
Organization: Orbie for Orphans
1) Tell me a little bit about your organization. What is the purpose/function of Orbie for Orphans?
Ashley shared that Orbie for Orphans is an Animated Discipleship Curriculum aimed at shedding the light of God's love on orphans around the world. Each of the twelve lessons covers a significant concept targeted specifically to the unique needs of orphans - concepts such as self-worth, value, etc.
2) Why is the ministry of Orbie for Orphans important?
The concept of Vacation Bible School as it is known in the United States is an excellent one for children supported by families and semi-structured communities, but in the orphanages of foreign countries one week of targeted Bible teaching is hardly sufficient. Orbie for Orphans addresses a huge demand on the part of nearly 50 countries for some sort of truth-centered discipleship for the children in their orphanages.
3) What is your role in the ministry?
Ashley laughed and went on to explain that her role with Orbie for Orphans is somewhat abstract. As a volunteer, she isn't considered a staff member of the organization. However, she considers herself a "freelance missionary," having traveled widely, cultivating a unique international perspective that makes her invaluable to the research Orbie needs to conduct in order to most effectively reach the nations.
4) How long have you been with Orbie?
Orbie is a young organization and will turn three years old this May. Ashley has been a part of the ministry since the beginning.
5) What did you study in college?
Ashley's answer could not have been more appropriate: she majored in International Studies at Baylor University.
6) How did your degree equip you for your present career?
The International Studies degree program focused on a broad range of cultures and topics, enabling her to be a truly versatile missionary. Because she is well-versed in the cultures of the world, she is familiar with cultural taboos and customs, making it easier for her to gain the trust of the people she encounters.
7) What led you to become involved with Orbie?
Ashley met the founders of Orbie, Carl and Jill Toth, three years prior to the initial development of Orbie for Orphans. Through a discussion that centered around a shared passion for the plight of orphans around the world, Ashley and the Toths joined forces to reach the orphans they love so deeply.
8) What do you love most about your role with Orbie?
Her passionate answer to this question was inspiring. She said that she loved reaching the poor and destitute, "getting the Gospel out the least of these." Such a massive global undertaking was also something she noted as being fuel to her flame for this ministry.
9) What one truth would you communicate to the Christians you talk to?
She thought for a moment. Finally, and with a decisive tone in her voice: "If you want to change the world, get in God's presence." Short, sweet, and simple - and incredibly profound.
10) How can people get involved with Orbie?
Mission trips, internships, fundraising - the list is plentiful and diverse enough to allow anyone with a passion for sharing to gospel to do so through Orbie. She directed me to Orbie's website, OrbieforOrphans.org, and also noted that the organization has a Facebook and Twitter account as well.
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Ashley was a pleasure to interact with, and the joy she exuded was contagious. I thanked her for her time, and then asked how I could specifically pray for her and Orbie. She shared a couple of prayer requests.
First, for the ministry of Orbie for Orphans. This ministry is ready to get the material out and into the orphanages of the nearly 50 countries that have requested it - but the financial and people needs are still great.
Second, for herself. Ashley is a faith-based missionary due to her "freelance" status, so her income is dependent even more so on the Lord's provision. She has also been blessed with many open doors of ministry and often finds herself in need of discerning just exactly *which* door she should walk through next.
Please keep Ashley and Orbie for Orphans in your prayers. Also, be sure to visit the website with a heart willing to serve, asking the Lord how *you* can make a difference in the lives of orphans around the world.
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