A big red bus came to my school on Friday. A big red bus filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories. A big red bus serving a greater purpose.
The red bus parked on the lawn of the student hub at Berry College, naturally drawing a crowd. The campus buzzed with energy as people flocked to the bus to purchase new treasures. It was amazing for me to watch my classmates and friends come face to face with the cause I hold so dear to my heart. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched people go on and off the big red bus, trying on outfit after outfit and finally making their purchases final. I smiled because the Red Bus Project is about so much more than buying second hand clothes–it’s a story of redemption.
Redemption? Yes. You see, all the clothes on the big red bus are “leftovers.” They are the shirts and skirts and pants that someone didn’t want anymore. They are the things that sit in the closet unworn until someone is finally forced to clean out in order to buy the newer, trendier things. They are the outfits that are often overlooked–even forgotten.
As I think of things forgotten, I think of the treasures around the world that have also been forgotten. I think of the precious children sitting in orphanages and in foster homes who receive no special attention whatsoever. I think about the treasures I was able to hold in my arms in China, I think about the little ones I pray for in Africa, I think of the ones waiting in foster care in America. It’s so easy to go about our daily lives forgetting them, overlooking them, or pretending they don’t exist.
But then I look at the big red bus and I see students rummaging through all the forgotten clothes. And one by one, I see people walking away with something new, something uniquely theirs, something restored. I see all the forgotten outfits come to life under new ownership.
And then I think of all the former orphans I know who have been adopted. They are no longer what they used to be. They are no longer forgotten or overlooked. They have been redeemed and restored. They have a last name. They have a family and a future. And I also think of the ones who are still waiting for their forever family. It seems that these children have been forgotten. And in the world’s eyes, this may be true. But Jesus has not overlooked these precious ones. He is restoring them, He is looking upon them, and He has not forgotten them. That is redemption.
The Red Bus is a sight to behold. Its flashy and hip and exciting…but it’s way more than that. I am so thankful that I was able to witness God’s heart for the orphan colliding with my college campus. And I can only pray that this big red beacon of redemption will continue to shine God’s heart into the lives of students across the southeast and beyond! Thanks for coming to Berry, Red Bus Project!!
Want to learn more about the Red Bus Project?
Watch this video recap of their first week on tour!
