Twelve students from MHA’s Refu-Jesus 2.0 class will head to Uganda in spring 2019 on a mission trip. This trip of a lifetime is being planned with lots of prayer as each student reaches out to their communities to raise the necessary funds to make the dream possible.
The Uganda project—including the building of water sources, providing basic needs and ministering to the local area—has consumed the students, their families and Mr. Russell Palmer, who heads the Refu-Jesus 2.0 class. Students love discussing what they will be able to accomplish once they are in Uganda—meeting the people, working hard and using their God-given talents.
Before they can get there, though, they have to raise a lot of money: $3,200 each. Flights to Africa, supplies, and travel expenses add up. It takes more than just talking about it; it takes a leap of faith.
One fundraising assignment was to write letters to business leaders and philanthropists in the hopes these might produce donations. This was a good way for students to learn about writing grants and fundraising.
One of the letters was rewarded in a big way. James, an 8th grader in the class, was afraid he would not be able to go because he only had $100 of the $1,600 needed at the halfway point. But his excitement was palpable when on Monday, Nov. 26, he received a letter from Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble saying he had given $1,000 to finance James’ trip to Uganda. This one-time gift was Mr. Riggio’s way of giving back to the people of Africa where he himself has scholarship programs in Sierra Leone.
“I have hope now I’ll get to go,” said James. That’s what faith does—it gives hope.
Agape Hammond is marketing director for Mile High Academy.
Photo: Agape Hammond
