Becoming Peculiar

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:13-14

Sometimes you just never know what the Lord is up to!

Little did the two clowns traveling to Voronezh, Russia from Sunshine After Rain Ministries anticipate the birth of more clowns. The second day of our campaign, the clowns split up so each team would have a "clown station" to take pictures with the children. Dawna "Bessie" Bordelon felt slightly anxious; we were a long way from home and our comfort zones. I assured her that God had not brought us this far to see either one of us not complete the task He had set before us. Eased but still uneasy she left for the orphanage with Team A. A young man named Edward had accompanied our Russian coordinator Gannady Petrov to be his assistant. His first day was uneventful. The second day would change his life. Dawna quickly enlisted his help working with the children and translating for her. But a clown needs a "clown" translator, so she gave Edward a big bow tie, funny wig, colorful clothes and his very own inflatable guitar imported directly from the Lone Star State.

Edward had found a new calling! Each day after that Dawna watched as his confidence with the children grew. He was able to share his personal testimony with them. Being an orphan himself, the witness had an even greater impact. Here was someone like them who had discovered life and joy, and now he was sharing that joy, in the form of a clown. Their hearts were warmed, their grins broad, and their future a bit brighter.

At the end of the week Edward spoke with the American team members. He voiced his initial discouragement at the start of the week, "why was I even here". He had been facing depression and lack of purpose, common feelings for adult orphans. But then the clown was born! He shared it was the best week of his life, for he was able to talk with the children, to give them hope and a future knowing the love of his Messiah. And that was what we were all there for zealous of good works.