extending a helping hand

    I've been here in Bolivia for six months now as a house parent of 17 girls aged 9 to 14 as well as a two-year-old boy at Familia Feliz. It has been challenging, but even more rewarding! My original plan was to volunteer at Familia Feliz from June 2024 through December 2024. But since being here, I have decided to stay 4 more months, until April 2025. I love these kids so much, and there is a hug need here! I am exstatic to be able to spend evenmore time with these kids!

    Extending my sevice has an additional cost. Some of the costs include my stipend, flight change, and extending my visa and insurance. As a result, I am raising an additional $1000 for Southern's Student Missions program. 

    However, I am not the only student who is answering the call to serve during this time. Approcimately 70 other Southern students are also serving as student missionaries. As a group, we are helping to raise funds to support the Student Missions program so that we can share the love and word of God with others. Will you help me reach my goal? Whatever you are able to give is greatly appreciated by our 2024-2025 Student Missions class and the poepl we will serve. I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting our missionary service. Please use of of the options below to give:

 - Give online at Give Missions. Please include my name (Emilie Updegrave) as the student who requested the gift

 - Visit my Crowdfunding page and donate electronically

 - Donate over the phone by calling the Advancement Office at (423) 236 2772.

    All donations to Southern Adventist University's Student Missions fund are tac-deductible and non-refundable. A receipt will be issued. This is a very big undertaking, but we believe that the same God who called us to serve Him will provide for us every step of the way. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support!