Homeschool Students Launch Urgent Fundraiser for Church in Costa Rica

UPDATE: A dedicated group of homeschool students is urgently raising funds to support the construction of a new church in Abrojo Montezuma, Costa Rica. The public is invited to a crucial fundraiser taking place on Saturday, January 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Juniata Fire Hall. Attendees can enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice while contributing to this vital mission.

The students aim to raise $13,500 to cover the materials and equipment necessary for establishing a church foundation that will serve the local community. This initiative is particularly significant as Abrojo is one of the 24 indigenous territories in Costa Rica, making this project a pivotal step in community development.

Led by Melanie Engelhardt from Bladen, the group comprises 12 area homeschool students and two adults, all committed to making a difference. Engelhardt has past experience in the region, having participated in various outreach programs through Hastings First United Methodist Church. Their previous fundraising efforts have already yielded $3,300 at a pancake feed in Aurora.

A second fundraiser is planned for the weekend of February 13-15, featuring an escape room experience themed around Alice in Wonderland at Hastings Evangelical Free Church. This event will run from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Engelhardt expressed optimism, stating, “We’re hoping by the time we get done with that fundraiser, we will have enough money raised.”

The group is scheduled to depart for Costa Rica on April 20 for a 10-day mission trip. Impressively, the students are funding their own travel, ensuring that all donations directly contribute to building materials and supplies. Engelhardt is inspiringly proud of her students’ commitment to this cause: “I’m super proud and excited that they were OK to commit to this amazing, challenging fundraiser.”

The idea for this impactful mission was born from Engelhardt’s previous visits to Costa Rica, where she forged strong connections with the community in Abrojo. She expressed her deep affection for the people, noting, “I just love the Abrojo people. I can’t go to Costa Rica without going to Abrojo.”

Engelhardt is not alone in this endeavor; Obed Fernandez Ulloa, a native Costa Rican and community leader, is assisting with planning and logistics. Ulloa, who actively feeds the homeless in San Jose, is deeply committed to serving his community. His involvement brings invaluable local insight and support to the project.

As the group prepares for their journey, Engelhardt emphasizes the unique opportunity this mission provides for the students. “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,” she said.

This is a developing story, and community members are encouraged to support the fundraisers and follow the group’s journey as they make a lasting impact in Costa Rica. For more information about the upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/events/33208360642111579.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent mission!