I grew up in Orlando, Florida. After graduating from college I spent two years living in South Africa. When I arrived, I was welcomed by new friends. They introduced me to their country and customs. After returning from Africa, I wanted to welcome people from other cultures to my home country. It was easier than I thought - there are thousands of international students studying at my local university. Living overseas made me realize how much I love to travel, and learn from others. But, after I got married, and started a family with bills to pay, I wasn't able to travel. Only the best and brightest students are admitted to American universities. They pass an English exam before arriving. Students want to learn about Americans and their culture, and are eager to start a friendship. I am blessed to be able to serve them, and help meet their needs. I lead a team of volunteers to meet the needs of international students. |
Feedback from a volunteer family:
Aubrey's ministry to international students at the University of Central Florida is strategic and essential. He makes himself accessible to students who are brand new to our city and country, offering them friendship and assistance in vital areas such as transportation and settling into their apartments, so far away from all that is familiar. Aubrey's deep love for people from other cultures is evident in every conversation. He is passionate about sharing his vision - which flows from the Father's own heart - of American families welcoming international visitors into their hearts and homes in Jesus' Name. Aubrey combines cultural sensitivity and interest with a huge emphasis on prayer and relationship building. His goal is to reach the future world leaders, and he wants to educate Jesus followers that this task can be undertaken without flying across the world; it can simply take the form of driving across town to engage with international students.
In our own personal lives, Aubrey was an answer to our prayer for a connection into the local international student community. We connected with him mid-2020, and during this time when many doors seemed to be slamming shut, Aubrey was diligently focusing on finding the open ones! It's a privilege to be even a small part of what God is accomplishing through this ministry.
Aubrey's ministry to international students at the University of Central Florida is strategic and essential. He makes himself accessible to students who are brand new to our city and country, offering them friendship and assistance in vital areas such as transportation and settling into their apartments, so far away from all that is familiar. Aubrey's deep love for people from other cultures is evident in every conversation. He is passionate about sharing his vision - which flows from the Father's own heart - of American families welcoming international visitors into their hearts and homes in Jesus' Name. Aubrey combines cultural sensitivity and interest with a huge emphasis on prayer and relationship building. His goal is to reach the future world leaders, and he wants to educate Jesus followers that this task can be undertaken without flying across the world; it can simply take the form of driving across town to engage with international students.
In our own personal lives, Aubrey was an answer to our prayer for a connection into the local international student community. We connected with him mid-2020, and during this time when many doors seemed to be slamming shut, Aubrey was diligently focusing on finding the open ones! It's a privilege to be even a small part of what God is accomplishing through this ministry.