brave students are on the path to becoming leaders and changemakers!

In 2015 and 2016, 33 students from Tanzania came to the USA to study at Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA. The past six years have been a tremendous journey for them as they have adjusted to a new culture, foods, language, weather, and so much more! We have watched them grow, dream, make excellent strides with their studies, gain confidence, and mature deeply in their spiritual walks with the Lord. Some of these students are in college, heading to college, or continuing their studies at Mountain Mission School. All of them have overcome enormous obstacles to be where they are today! In the face of change and challenge, they have trusted faithfully in the Lord and remain determined to meet their full potential in Christ. 

E.E. Cummings once said, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

Last year during the Covid-19 pandemic, these students faced a unique and often lonely journey. Classes moved online, meals were delivered to their dorms, and they were all 7,768 miles from their families in Tanzania. Each of these students chose to trust in God’s goodness and make the most of their experience. We want you to see the incredible leaders that these young people are becoming!

Here are two encouraging stories…

“I didn’t know what snow was”…meet Adidas!

Adidas came to the US in 2015 and was surprised by many things that most of us wouldn’t think twice about. One of the main things that shocked Adidas was the weather in America. “I came to America in the fall when the colors of the trees were changing, and that doesn’t happen in Tanzania. I loved that, and it was so beautiful. Later that year it started snowing, and I didn’t even know what snow was or where it was coming from! Everything was so white, and I started playing in it and jumping around,” he laughs.

Adidas didn’t like the food in America for the first few months, and it took him a while to get used to drinking cold water with ice, since that isn’t common in East Africa!

As he starts his junior year this fall, he reflects on his experiences of the last six years. His time at Mountain Mission School has been amazing, and he has made friends with students from various countries. This comradery has helped him feel that he is not alone. He has also enjoyed getting to take Bible classes at school where he can learn more about Jesus.

Covid-19 created a challenging year for the students at Mountain Mission School, but Adidas was thankful for how God provided and felt blessed to have been safe and healthy. “I wouldn’t complain during the year because some people lost jobs, didn’t have any food, and they were really in the worst of it. I was just blessed being in school, getting three meals a day, and being safe. God was looking after us, and it taught me to trust him and be thankful,” said Adidas.

After completing his education at Mountain Mission School, Adidas wants to continue his education at Milligan University. He has big dreams to help people who cannot help themselves, especially orphans. He would love to be a missionary who helps people and shares the freedom they can find in Christ! We know God is going to use Adidas in a powerful way! 

To the people faithfully supporting the students at Mountain Mission School from Adidas: 
“We wouldn’t be here without those who are donating, praying, and supporting us. I am so thankful. I want to say a big thank you and tell them we love them so much. I pray God keeps protecting them, and that they know this is all because of what they have done!”

Sharing the stage…meet John!

John was only 13 when he came to the USA. He is now majoring in Graphic Design at Milligan University, which is where he went after completing his education at Mountain Mission School. John was one of the first students to go on to university out of the 33 young people from Tanzania! John shared that he just wanted to do well to motivate the other students to work hard and make the most of their opportunities. He has paved an amazing path for all the students following him.

The pandemic drastically changed his first year at university. “We weren’t able to do many activities, and churches shut down. But I did get a job working in the cafeteria which allowed me to see more people and make friends! That helped the year not feel so hard,” he says.

The first things that John remembers from when he stepped off the plane six years ago are the humidity - and then the snow that came later that year. He doesn’t enjoy the snow anymore!

God has been working in significant ways in John’s life, including learning the power of “sharing the stage” with other people who have been part of his life journey so far: “I look back sometimes and feel like I shouldn’t be the one standing here. All those people who went before me, like the Chachas and my teachers - we should be sharing the stage. I didn’t get here by myself, and I feel like God is teaching me how to give back for all that I have been given,” he shares.

John is excited to pursue a career in the realm of graphic design, photography, or advertising. He is enjoying university life and many of the classes he is taking!

To the people faithfully supporting the students at Mountain Mission School from John: 
“I want to say thank you, even if sometimes it feels like you aren’t doing much or you’re not appreciated - you are! God doesn’t let any little thing go unnoticed and what matters is that you do it for God. He will reward you for all that you are doing, so keep being faithful in all that you have been given!”

Thank you for your generous support!

Your continued support for these students at Mountain Mission School and in university will change the trajectory of their lives forever. It will create a powerful ripple effect that will impact families, communities, Christian ministries, and other organizations in East Africa, the US, and beyond! 

Many of these students dream of returning to Tanzania, where their skills and abilities will create lasting change! 

Would you prayerfully consider helping us care for these remarkable students?