URGENT UPDATE: A group of homeschool students in Nebraska is actively fundraising to support the construction of a new church in Abrojo Montezuma, Costa Rica. The community is invited to a pancake fundraiser scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Juniata Fire Hall, aiming to raise $13,500 for essential construction materials.
The students, led by Melanie Engelhardt, are committed to providing a strong foundation for the church, which will serve the local indigenous community. “We’re hoping by the time we get done with that fundraiser, we will have enough money raised,” Engelhardt stated, emphasizing the urgency of the mission.
Earlier this month, on January 10, the group successfully raised around $3,300 during a similar pancake event in Aurora. Their efforts to support the community of Abrojo are gaining momentum, with a third fundraising event planned for February 13-15, 2024, featuring an Alice in Wonderland-themed escape room at Hastings Evangelical Free Church.
Engelhardt, along with 12 students and two adults, will travel to Costa Rica on April 20 for a 10-day mission trip. All funds raised will go directly towards construction, as the students are financing their own travel costs. Engelhardt expressed her pride in the students’ commitment, stating, “I’m super proud and excited that they were OK to commit to this amazing, challenging fundraiser.”
The initiative stems from Engelhardt’s previous experiences in Costa Rica, where she participated in outreach projects and developed a deep connection with the local community. She recalled her first visit in March 2024, where she helped lay a cement slab for another church. Engelhardt added, “I just love the Abrojo people. I can’t go to Costa Rica without going to Abrojo.”
Assisting Engelhardt is Obed Fernandez Ulloa, a native Costa Rican dedicated to serving his community. Ulloa, who leads nightly efforts to feed the homeless in San Jose, is instrumental in organizing this mission. His ties to the Crossroads Mission Avenue will further strengthen the group’s impact in Abrojo.
As the fundraising efforts continue, Engelhardt is excited about the opportunity for these homeschool students to engage with the indigenous community, fostering friendships and cultural exchange. “I’m super excited to give these kids an opportunity to befriend indigenous people and plant that seed of service in their hearts,” she remarked.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the pancake fundraiser this Saturday and to keep an eye out for the upcoming escape room event. The urgency of this mission underscores the importance of collective efforts in supporting the creation of a church that will serve the Abrojo community for years to come.
For more information about the events, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/33208360642111579. The community’s support is crucial as these dedicated students prepare to make a meaningful impact in Costa Rica.
