ORU volunteers have fun while making an impact
for Christ
By Lindy Spore

Somewhere near East 13th Street still stands an old theatre house. Surrounded by businesses and warehouses, it seems a bit out of place. Perhaps so-though at first glance you might think of something you would see in a 1920's movie. There is a special aura it exudes.

Surprisingly, it is not vacated, but rather a prospering non-profit organization. Its goal? To feed the hungry with salvation in every box.

"In every box?" you ask. Yes, it is here in this stylish old building, where actors and actresses once took to the stage for entertainment, that people come to donate their time to pack boxes full of food and gospel-preaching tracts.

Its audience is the humanity of mankind, who need the love and hope of Jesus Christ. Thus, the outreach is appropriately named "Christ for Humanity."

I chatted with Ann Clas, freshman and leader of CFH, for some info on this great ORU outreach.

"The great thing about this outreach is that we cannot get the job done unless we pull together. This makes it fun because once we get started, the room bustles with activity as the team forms an assembly line to fill the boxes," Clas said.

I agreed with her, recalling the excitement that filled the air while a group of thrilled ORU students packed box after box with items such as cereal, rice, cans of beans, dried milk and more!

Each person is on an energized high to produce as many boxes as possible, filled, taped and ready for shipment. Recently there were more than 15 ORU volunteers; our goal was to get 200 boxes ready in about an hour and a half. And we did!

I then inquired about the goal of this outreach. Clas said, "The goal is to be a part of serving those in need and ultimately [saving the lost] in doing that. The people we reach are hungry physically and we do [serve] behind the scenes. But our ministry is to fill them physically and spiritually. As a result of being filled physically, our prayer is that their hunger will be moved into their spirit as they realize their need for Christ."

Clas went on to describe the monthly reports of how many are saved. "This proves that the miracle of salvation comes through the [presence] of the Holy Spirit and is birthed from simple acts of love. I know that [those in need] will never see me, but I'm still able to have a hand in reaching these people for Christ."

Christ for Humanity serves not only the local area or the United States. In fact, CHF distributes food, medical supplies and clothing to healthcare workers, missionaries and other ministries stationed in nearly 40 countries around the world.

The CFH in Tulsa provides thousands of pounds of food to people living within the city. Clothing and other items are given out at no cost as well.

As junior Lindsey Miller said, the experience "gives [me] the ability to have a tangible output for my Christian walk...and it gives me a good sense of community with the people of Tulsa and other ORU students."

I nod. Then I think of packing boxes full of food in a movie house, for those in need. Yeah, it's better than watching a movie!

If you would like to become a part of this amazing ministry, come Tuesdays and see how much fun serving can really be! The team meets outside of security at 6:30 p.m. twice a month...call Ann @ x2026.

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