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Image Credit: Heidi Nelson

Grants Pass Adventurers Host Christmas-time Fundraiser

By Heidi Nelson, January 27, 2026

“Why isn’t anyone coming?” asked the little Adventurer. It was 1:02  p.m., and he was full of Christmas spirit, eager to serve hot cocoa. He had been assured their customers would arrive any moment.

Through the window, they could see people starting to arrive — carefully dropping off bags of kitchen knives to be sharpened by a volunteering church member. Once their knives had been deposited, they made their way into the warm glow of the hot cocoa stand, where small, eager hands and bright smiles served the best cocoa in town.

For three hours, people came, bringing donations to support the Rescue Campus mission project. However, they didn’t just leave; they lingered and visited. The Christmas music, decorations and tables with chairs invited folks to catch up with family and friends. It never got crowded, yet it never felt empty, creating a friendly atmosphere of togetherness.

Through generous donations from hot cocoa sales and knife sharpening, $3,000 was raised for the project. Sent to Child Impact, the money was earmarked to build housing for a child rescue campus in the Philippines — a campus designed to protect more than 100 vulnerable children from abuse, neglect and child marriage. 

Though small, these little Adventurers got to see the difference they could make, despite their young age. 

We’re so thankful for everyone who came to support the kids and the mission.

Image

Grants Pass Adventurers raise money to build housing for children in the Philippines who need a safe place.

Credit
Heidi Nelson
Image

Parents and leaders help Adventurers make and sell hot cocoa and cookies in what becomes an impromptu Christmas gathering.

Credit
Heidi Nelson
Image

Adventurers are eager and willing to prepare and serve treats to customers.

Credit
Heidi Nelson
Image

Adventurers sell hot cocoa to raise money for their Rescue Campus mission project.

Credit
Heidi Nelson
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Featured in: March/April 2026

Author

Heidi Nelson

Whipple Creek Church member
Section
Oregon Conference
Tags
Mission and Outreach

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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