Covenant News

Montecito Kids Raise $3,750 for South Africa

MONTECITO, CA (July 26, 2002) - Approximately 430 elementary-through-junior high students and 150 volunteers participated in the recent Noah's Half Day Camp at Montecito Covenant Church.

The mission emphasis for the week was South Africa and the "Bridges of Hope" support of children. (For more information on "Bridges of Hope," see an earlier story in the Covenant news archives headlined "Covenant Congregation Helping Battle AIDS in South Africa," published July 14, 2002).

During the week children learned of the needs in South Africa and the poverty of the families and orphan children in that region of the world. Each day children made contributions to help support the educational needs of children in those areas. Some children gave money from their savings banks. Others sold lemonade, baked goods and crafts in school parking lots and at the Old Santa Barbara Mission.

"The excitement grew through the week as they tried to raise enough money to send 100 kids to school for a year at $26 per student," said Pastor Curt Peterson. "The goal was surpassed and on the closing night of Noah's week, we announced that $3,750 was raised and 144 children will have uniforms, books, a daily hot meal and tuition for school for one full year - because Noah's kids cared and gave!"

One of the week's highlights was a direct call broadcast over the speaker system from Dennis Wadley and the Community Covenant team serving that week in Capetown, South Africa. Wadley concluded the call by having a group of Capetown children sing "O Come Let Us Adore Him." Children in Montecito joined in the praise chorus.

Martie Peterson is the director of children's ministry at Montecito Covenant.

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