Marie Auton
About Marie
Growing up, I viewed God as a big, scary, distant being, who was going to make me follow rules and act a certain way in order to be accepted and loved by Him. When coming to college, I knew that I wanted to investigate my faith and continue to learn more about God, but little did I know God had big plans for my life in college. I was introduced to a girl who was involved in Campus Outreach and we began to hang out. She asked me the big questions about life, God, and shared with me that God isn't a scary or distant God, but He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His son Jesus. At a winter conference a few years ago held by Campus Outreach, one of the speakers gave a talk about the sin in our lives and how we desperately need a savior. That was the first time in my life where I saw the sin in my own heart and asked Jesus to save me from my sin and be both the Lord and Savior of my life.
Why does she want to go to the Orlando Project?
When deciding to attend the Orlando Project again this summer, I thought a lot about my first summer at an Orlando Project and how it changed the course of my walk with God. I was able to learn how to study God's word and apply it to my life. I learned how to share my faith in an effective way, and also grew in community with other college students who were also pursing and growing in their relationships with Jesus. I wanted to go back this summer and serve to allow other students to have the opportunity to experience an Orlando Project and grow in their walk with Jesus. I believe that God is going to move in big ways both in my life and the lives of other students attending the Orlando Project this summer!
What is she hoping to learn this summer?
I feel that God is going to teach and grow me in several ways this summer. I hope to learn more about how to serve others and lead in a way that is glorifying to God. I also hope to learn more about Christ by being in constant community and hearing how God is working in the lives of others.
What is she most excited about for this summer?
As I think about this summer, there are so many things that I am excited about. I am excited to spend a summer with 200 plus other college students who are also looking to deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ. I am excited to be challenged and shaped into having a more Christ-like character. Ultimately, I'm looking forward to helping and serving other people around so they can have the same experience that I did at an Orlando Project.