A Source of Water

     So I want to tell you about an organization that I am really really really excited about (and when I say excited that is a complete understatement). A few months ago, I was praying that God would show me where I can get involved with the passion that I have for providing safe water. I remembered a friend mentioning Water of Life and that they spread the gospel along with safe water resources- so I looked up their website. On their calendar, they were scheduled for that very day to come to my school for Global Missions Week, and I thought. 'Wow, okay I see you God,' and of course I checked them out! After speaking with Scott Stephens (the director of development), I started praying for their ministry. The very next day in one of my classes, Connor Hipps (the office administrator) shared with us about Water of Life and I can't explain to you the excitement I felt listening to his heart for their mission. THEN, a few days later I showed up at a volunteer opportunity for Set Free Alliance (which I shared about in a previous blog) and they mentioned their partnership with Water of Life.
    I want to tell you before all of this happened I was going through a time of waiting-on God's terms. I was searching and searching on my own for somewhere to get involved. Then out of no where He brought Water of Life to my knowledge and I was reminded that the time of waiting I went through was not a time of waiting for the Lord. He had a plan in the making. I am telling you, this organization is doing wonderful things and I really hope you will choose to help them out.
    To share with you a little bit about them, Water of Life partners with pastors in India, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to provide safe water as well as the gospel. The founder, Roland Bergeron, says, "We're not just a humanitarian organization.  We're an evangelical organization that just happens to do water ministry." This shows the heart that these people have for spreading the good news to communities that have not had access to it themselves.
    I can't tell you enough how much I support this organization and what they are doing for the kingdom of God. I hope you will read more about them on their website and also start praying for them!

"The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." -Revelations 22:17
Blessings,
Audrey

Bought With a Price

    You and I were created for a purpose; one that we are still trying to figure out each and every day. Because let's be honest, I am surprised everyday by the events I don't plan for but somehow change my perspective. I really shouldn't be surprised, God isn't. But I guess that is what brings me to his feet in awe and adoration because I don't have to have everything figured out.
    What hurts my heart is knowing there are so many people out there that don't see a purpose in life. Men, women, and children just like you are forced into living lives that are not their own, let alone what God wants for them. But the really great thing is that we can help save those in slavery and also prevent it as well. Today I learned about the organization Not for Sale that helps provide safety and stability, education, and jobs. By doing this, they are putting a stop to human trafficking in such a productive way that they are providing hope of a future that is successful. People need to know they are worth more than what they have been forced to do or think is their only option.
   Under the Stories tab, Andrei's story is told and I would like to share it with you. At age 34, Andrei had been living in Romania with his family and looking for a stable job in order to provide for them. He was offered a job in Greece that seemed to promise steady income and free housing so he accepted the opportunity. Once he arrived in Greece, Andrei soon found out that he, along with eight other men, had been tricked to come and work long hours for no pay. Not only that, but these men were beaten and threatened to be killed if they so much as tried to take a break. One month later, Andrei and one other man were able to escape with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They made it to the Romanian Embassy in Athens, Greece where they were taken care of and introduced to Not for Sale. They were then given access to housing, medical care, counseling, and job-placement services. Andrei was finally able to reconnect with his family and start his life back where he had left it.
    I would definitely suggest reading the stories and learning more about this organization on their website! Please pray for this organization and the lives that they are reaching through it.

"You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men." -1 Corinthians 7:23
Blessings,
Audrey

Fair Tade

     As the day of gift giving (Christmas) grows near, I want you all to be aware of Fair Trade and what they do! You can purchase coffee, chocolates, home goods, and flowers (also just about anything your gift receiver desires) made through businesses that have fair labor producing them. It is a great way to support safe working conditions and become aware of issues affecting producers! Isn't that neat? So check them out and spread the word! Happy shopping!

    The picture below is of coffee and chocolate by Equal Exchange, a super cool organization that supports this fair trade that I am so excited about!

Slavery Still Exists

      This semester in school I joined a club that opened my eyes to the issue of human trafficking and how real it is (yes, slavery exists today in greater numbers than it ever has in history). It isn't a distant problem either; it happens right in your hometown. Human trafficking around the globe is estimated to generate a profit up to $31.6 billion. Discovering statistics like this one, I started looking for the opportunity to get involved with an organization that deals with forced labor and the use of human beings for money. This is when I heard about Set Free Alliance from another student and how they were hosting a banquet and needed volunteers. As I listened to the speakers at the banquet and watched the videos, tears filled my eyes for all of the helpless children in India who are sold into rock quarries. They are sold by their parents into slavery in order to pay off debts with no way to escape. In these rock quarries, the children are mistreated day after day, with no hope for rescue. This is where Pastor Praveen comes into the picture.
     Pastor Praveen rescues these children, who are considered "untouchables" and treated as outcasts. Now, Pastor Praveen cares for over 1,300 children and Set Free Alliance helps to sponsor these efforts. 100% of the money donated goes to the children; not one penny goes to those involved that make the ministry work (not even Pastor Praveen, who refuses to any of it for himself as payment). These children need the necessities and that is only possible through sponsorship so please watch the video below (it isn't long) and pray for Pastor Praveen, the children, and others involved to make this ministry work. You can also visit their website and watch more videos like it and donate as well!

Blessings,
Audrey

"And the King will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" -Matthew 25:40-

Living Water

      Hello there! My name is Audrey and I have felt a huge burden on my heart within the past week to start this blog and share what I am learning. If you have found yourself here, then you have most likely seen me post awareness on social media somewhere for a ministry. A few organizations fighting for freedom have become a passion in my life and I want to start sharing them with you. I serve a God that is bigger than all of these heartbreaking issues that we are facing today; whether it be human trafficking, lack of clean water, and so on...
     So now I will explain what Sonrisa for Water means! Sonrisa is the spanish word for "smile" and it also resembles the english word "sunrise." The fact that it contains "son-" reminds me of Jesus, God's son. Now, smile for water? Ever since my senior year of high school I have wanted to help provide safe water to those who have no access to it themselves. I had never realized that so many aspects of peoples' lives are changed by clean water alone. The health and economy of a community can be improved drastically with safe water. Then, through my first year in college, my faith became my life. God put me through trials where I needed him more than ever and I had finally learned what it meant to make Him my first love. Not my second or third. But FIRST and foremost. I am so undeserving of my Father's love but he wants me, saves me, and fights for my attention everyday. Even on the days that I don't look for him (because, I will be honest there are days that I am silly and tell myself I will do my quiet time later...but it gets away from me). So, water on this earth is not the only kind of water I want to bring to those in need, but also living water. The gospel and Jesus Christ, above everything else, is the one thing that can truly save a person's life. Knowing our Savior won't just change our lives here on earth, but our destination for eternity. What good does safe water, food, shelter, and warm clothes do to prolong life if our eternal destination is not with God?
     With this blog, I want to raise awareness for organizations that YOU can get involved with! After you read these posts it is all up to you. I hope this blog educates you and creates in you a passion to serve others and share the good news.

Blessings,
Audrey