Brittani Young
Staff writer
Being helpful and serving others is often on people’s minds. Ashley Clark, a senior communication major, put her thoughts into action and devoted one week out of her summer to help people in Haiti.
July 3-10, Clark took a trip to Haiti on a mission trip with the help of Coreluv International. “It was an unforgettable experience that changed my life,” said Clark.
Haiti is small country between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Basin.
“I was timid at first because I had only been to areas in Mexico and the U.S. for missions, but I knew God wanted me exposed to this kind of area for a reason or else everything would not have aligned as smoothly and easily.”
There were 21 people there to serve. Eleven had been there all summer, five were the founders and Clark traveled with a group of five.
Clark paid for the trip with her income tax return. “But my tax money came in a month and a half late. Just another reason I knew I was supposed to experience this,” said Clark.
She stayed in a house with the whole group. This is the house the founders stayed in year-round.
This organization was founded by Mike and Mandy Reiszner. According to coreluv.org, there was a tug at Mike Reiszner’s heart to help orphans.
During the week Clark visited Haiti, she helped drill wells for families who had to walk at least three miles for water, and she helped out in the orphanage. Clark said they “played with students and shared Christ’s love with them.”
While she was there, a medical staff from Louisiana hosted a free health clinic for the Haitian community. The doctors and nurses attended to the health needs of the community. “There was a dentist, OBGYN, a surgeon and nurses there,” said Clark.
Clark encourages students to get involved with missions. “It is an experience that was life-changing, and I hope that others take time to invest or pursue either physically or financially,” said Clark.
“I am privileged daily to live the kind of lifestyle I do in America, but I knew God was calling me to experience so much more with him so I began to surrender my lifestyle to his plan for me,”
After she returned from the trip, she was inspired and had a new passion for missions. Clark said, “After returning from the trip, I began to look for more opportunities to serve in other countries.”
To get involved in missions, people can contact the Baptist Collegiate Ministries on campus or go through a local church.
The BCM has services that begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights.
“Also, the Bible Center and Wesley Center both offer services available to students as well to get active in,” said Clark. “If anyone has the opportunity to serve in missions or even in your local town, I encourage them to go.”
Clark wants to apply for dental assisting school next fall. After finishing school, she wants to work overseas. “I am planning to serve in China this December, following graduation,” said Clark.
“We are called to serve others. Although we have our own issues in the States, these people are so appreciative and grateful of the simple act of running water,” said Clark.
News, September 6, 2012