Although Cascade Christian Academy’s (CCA) last mission trip to Belize occurred in March 2014, the students at CCA in Wenatchee, Wash., have not forgotten the ongoing needs of the children who live in the King’s Children’s Home. Ever since the school board voted that Belize would be the school’s biennial international mission trip destination, efforts have been made to raise money for the next trip scheduled in 2016.
Besides the traditional fundraiser dinners and silent auctions, Kyle Pepple, CCA’s math teacher, began selling Italian sodas each Friday after school to raise money to go toward a specific project for the orphanage. Pepple also challenged the high school students to donate money to the “Self-Denial Box,” inviting them to choose to support the orphanage rather than treating themselves to Dutch Bros. or various forms of entertainment. Students were also encouraged to bring in loose change from their own pockets and homes. Their $1,500 goal to purchase a new clothesline system for the orphanage’s laundry workers has been reached.
This mission-minded spirit trickled down to the elementary students as well. Fifth-grader Justin Wagner held an 80s-themed party after school to raise money for the orphanage. He charged a $5 entrance fee hoping to raise $300, which would pay for two of the students to attend school for one year. But when Wagner’s mother posted the event on Facebook, donations through Facebook and word-of-mouth flooded in, making a grand total of $1,400 raised through one fifth-grader’s idea and a heart for God. Now nine or 10 students at King’s Children’s Home will be able to attend school.
During their senior presentations, several of the students mentioned the 2014 mission trip to the orphanage as a highlight and most memorable high school experience. Senior Madeline Ringering, who will be attending Walla Walla University this fall, plans to participate in the student missions program with the hope of returning to King’s Children’s Home to serve the children she’s learned to love.
Christian education is so worth it.
Julie Savino, Cascade Christian Academy chaplain
Students enjoy an after-school 80s party to raise money for the orphanage.
Justin Wager, a fifth-grader, planned an 80s-themed party after school to help raise money for an orphanage in Belize.
Madeline Ringering, CCA senior, donates money to the “Self-Denial Box.” She says her mission trip to Belize is her most memorable part of high school.
