One year ago, the youth of McLean Bible Church in McLean, Virginia, were reflecting on how they could impact the world. They learned they could build a Home of Hope in Africa that would care for both the physical and spiritual needs of 12 orphaned children who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. They decided to get involved and make a difference. 

In November 2007 they committed to raise $25,000 for one Home of Hope by New Year’s Eve . . . only eight weeks away.  

 

For almost two months the youth group raised money selling t-shirts and bracelets, as well as recruiting sponsorships from neighbors and local businesses.    

By the end of December, they had concluded their fundraiser and rang in the New Year with an all-night “New Year’s AID 2008” event, where over 1,600 passionate youth came together.   

Before the night was over, the McLean youth presented Vernon Brewer, president of World Help, with a check for $128,000.  What had started as an effort to raise enough funds for one Home of Hope ended in the funding for an entire Village of Hope!  A village is comprised of four homes, providing 48 orphaned children with food, water, clothing, medical care, and a Christian education.   

The passion of the McLean youth is inspiring.  To see what can be accomplished when people of any age grab hold of a vision and run with it never ceases to amaze me.   

Their story is a moving one. Any one of us can make a life-saving impact in the lives of hurting children—no matter our age, no matter the challenge.