URGENT UPDATE: A dedicated group of homeschool students is mobilizing the community to raise funds for a crucial church construction project in Abrojo Montezuma, Costa Rica. The fundraising efforts kick off this Saturday, January 20, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire hall in Juniata, where attendees can enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice while contributing to this noble cause.
The students aim to raise $13,500 to purchase essential materials and equipment needed to create a solid foundation for the church, which will serve the local indigenous community. Leading this initiative is Melanie Engelhardt, who, along with a team of 12 students and two adults, will travel to Abrojo on April 20, 2025, for a 10-day mission trip.
Following a successful pancake fundraiser in Aurora that raised nearly $3,300, the group is ramping up efforts with an upcoming themed escape room event at Hastings Evangelical Free Church. This event is scheduled for February 13-15, 2025, and is expected to attract more support and awareness for the church project.
Engelhardt expressed her pride in the students, stating,
“I’m super proud and excited that they were OK to commit to this amazing, challenging fundraiser.”
The students are using their own funds for the trip, ensuring that all raised money will directly support the construction materials.
The impetus for this mission emerged from Engelhardt’s previous outreach experiences in Costa Rica. Her strong connection to the Abrojo community, fostered during previous visits for church projects and community service, has inspired her to lead this group.
Assisting Engelhardt is Obed Fernandez Ulloa, a native Costa Rican dedicated to community service. Ulloa, who works as a mobile auto mechanic and leads initiatives to feed the homeless in San Jose, brings invaluable local insight to the project. Engelhardt noted,
“I’m super excited to give these kids an opportunity to befriend indigenous people, people of a different culture, and plant that seed of service in their hearts.”
This initiative not only aims to build a physical structure but also seeks to foster cultural exchange and understanding between the students and the indigenous community in Abrojo. As the fundraising efforts unfold, both Engelhardt and the students are hopeful they will achieve their goal by the time of their departure.
The community is encouraged to attend the pancake fundraiser this Saturday and support the upcoming escape room event. For more information about the events and to stay updated on the group’s progress, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/33208360642111579.
Act now to support these young leaders as they embark on this meaningful journey to make a lasting impact in Abrojo Montezuma, Costa Rica.
