Sam Lilley is on a mission. The 14-year-old Richmond Hill High School freshman made a commitment last summer to raise $5,000 to help build a well in a remote village in Africa.
On Saturday, he is holding a yard sale, bake sale and car wash to help him reach his goal. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Coastal Community Christian Church, 10770 Ford Ave., in Richmond Hill. The car wash will begin at 10 a.m. for donations only.
In addition, The Blood Alliance will have its mobile unit on hand for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parking lot. Blood supplies are typically low this time of year so donations are needed. Appointments may be made online at www.thebloodalliance.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Lilley will be assisted in his efforts by members of the youth group at Coastal Community Christian Church and several adults, including Mark O. Snavely, senior minster.
“Sam has taken on a very big project, but I’m confident he’s up to the task,” Snavely said. “Our congregation is behind him 100 percent. They’ve donated items for the yard sale and they will be providing homemade baked goods for the bake sale.
“Every penny Sam raises will go to Active Water for the Zambia project.”
Lilley’s challenge came last June at the Christ in Youth (CIY) conference he attended with friends from Coastal Community Christian Church, where he has worshiped for many years.
High school students from around the country attend the conference to grow in their Christian faith and learn how they can get involved in missions worldwide. At the end of the conference, students draw a “challenge card” and commit to completing the task over the next year.
CIY is partnering with Active Water, Blood: Water Mission and SHIP (Seeds of Hope International Partnerships) to raise funds to help provide clean water and sanitation projects to the Ndola region of Zambia, Africa.
Zambia is a country of about 12 million people – more than 1 million of them are living with AIDS. Water is scarce and sanitation poor in Ndola, a rural village where even local crops are contaminated by polluted water. Many children cannot attend school because they must spend hours each day gathering water from polluted sources many miles away from their homes.
Active Water plans to build a well at the school that will allow villagers to access clean water and encourage children to attend classes.
For more information call the church, 756-3455, or visit www.cccconline.net.