Ambassadors help spread MCH story

"Methodist Children's Home is a powerful story; all we have to do is find an audience for that story," says Bobby Gilliam, Methodist Children's Home president.

Nearly two years ago, the "Ambassadors" began to tell the Home's story in a unique way as residents share of the work God is doing through the ministry at Methodist Children's Home.

Each year, 11 students from the main campus and Boys Ranch are selected to represent the Home through this special group. The Ambassadors are chosen based on their achievements within the campus or Ranch programs, the impact the ministry has had on their lives and their ability and desire to speak in front of an audience.

"The young people show great courage each time they stand up to share their story," said Cindy Vanover, vice president of development. "They are experts on what life is like at the Home."

The theme verse for the Ambassadors is 2 Corinthians 5:17. Each time the Ambassadors speak, they testify that they are "new creations" because of God's love they have encountered while at the Home.

"I ask the Ambassadors to simply tell what God has done in their lives since they have been at the Home," said Trey Oakley, coordinator of the Ambassadors program. "In a word, their testimonies are amazing. I love the fact that our kids are motivated to say 'thank you' and want to proudly proclaim that God is at work in their lives."

As they visit churches, the Ambassadors provide members a personal look at how their prayers and gifts are changing lives.

"Each time the Ambassadors visit a church, it affirms what the children are told each day: that they are not only loved and cared for by the staff at the Home but also by the congregations throughout Texas and New Mexico," Oakley said.

Josh Shroyer, a college freshman who serves as an Ambassador, appreciates the encouragement of church members.

"When I lived at the Home, I always heard our chaplain, Mr. Travis (Franklin), tell us how many people love and support us," he said. "When I speak at a church, I see it for myself."

In addition to sharing about the Home's ministry, the Ambassadors program provides residents opportunities to enjoy new experiences, such as travel, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and seeing sights that many of them might have never seen were it not for the Home.

Since the program was created, the Ambassadors have spoken in 58 churches and in 20 districts from the seven annual conferences in Texas and New Mexico. The Ambassadors have spoken at district events, worship services and Sunday School classes and United Methodist Men's and Women's meetings.

"Each event provides our young people with unique challenges and experiences," Oakley said. "Most importantly, they receive the hugs and words of encouragement from countless church members."

This article appeared in the December 2003 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas