Joanna Frye
Religion Editor
Some MUW students are using their faith to not only change their own lives, but the lives of those who live in other parts of the world.
World Changers is one of the organizations providing these types of opportunities. World Changes is a Christian organization that aims to encourage the younger generation to be lights in their cities and in the world.
The group has many different locations around the country. There are opportunities to get involved in projects all over the United States and other countries. The age range is from the end of sixth grade through college. There are more opportunities to work with the organization after a student graduates from college.
Daniel Brown, a senior accounting major, participated with International World Changers from 1998 to 2003. He traveled to Ecuador, Bolivia and Baltimore, Md., with the organization.
"After going on my first trip, you realize that you don't need near the stuff you have already. When I went over there, I begged not to go home. It makes you have a different outlook on life, on what really matters and what doesn't," said Brown.
Brown and his wife are expecting a little girl in November. He wants her to experience the same things that he did when serving in other nations.
"There is more to life than the materialistic things," said Brown.
Leah McEwen, who is a creative writing major and senior, participated in World Changers in 2008 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. She gave a different perspective.
"When we got there, they separated our youth into a bunch of smaller groups and mixed everyone together with the other groups. I understand that they were trying to get us out of our comfort zone, but I was 12 years old. It was kind of an awkward experience, especially since I was not good friends with the other people in my youth group," said McEwen.
McEwen described that her experience was not the best. Her team was assigned to paint a house and they finished a day early on the project. The coordinator would not allow them to help with the other roofing team. She said that she felt bad that there was not more that they could do to help.
"World Changers is often compared to Habitat for Humanity but is very different. We help repair and renovate homes that the homeowners cannot afford to do," said Marcus Cochran, the associational coordinator for World Changers. "For example, repainting, roofing a house or building a wheelchair ramp. Through the actions of the students, they are able to serve others as a tool to share the gospel with the residents."
Cochran has worked with World Changers since 1999. Cochran described the organization as a way to meet the tangible needs of Christ's children and to share His spiritual blessing. Those interested in participating in World Changers are invited to visit www.lifeway.com/worldchangers.