Support local students on their African mission trip

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Jessa Long and Leigha Hansen, both 19 years old, are preparing for a mission trip to Zimbabwe in March 2025 to volunteer with the Rose of Sharon Welfare Organization, assisting at an orphanage. Jessa, from Snowden, Saskatchewan, attended school in Choiceland and is set to begin the Radiologic Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytech. Leigha, from Bow Island, is enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Lakeland College. Currently, they are attending the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) in Camrose, where they will complete their diploma in Christian Leadership and Mission in April.

The mission trip will involve staying with a local Zimbabwean family who will provide accommodations, transportation, and meals. To cover these costs, airfare, and a donation to the orphanage, Jessa and Leigha aim to raise $8,000. Any additional funds collected will be donated to the orphanage. 

Donations can be sent via e-transfer to zimbabwemission2024@gmail.com or delivered in person or by cheque to 4837 52A Street, Camrose. Make sure to tell the front desk who and what the money’s for, so that they can pass it on to the girls.

The pair express gratitude for any support, which will enable their ministry efforts and cultural immersion during this impactful trip.

Leigha describes how it all came about, saying, “Jessa and I were talking about it one night. I went to her house for a visit during November break and we got on the topic of mission trips. Then we were like, ‘Oh, that’d be so cool if we were able to do that together!”

That led to the girls doing some research, and they settled on a mission trip to Africa. After talking to some contacts and networking in hopes of making it all happen, they finally got some good news after achieving some important connections.

“We were losing hope after connecting with a few different organisations and not really getting responses, then this all just fell into place in a matter of days, which was just incredible,” says Jessa.

The girls are very excited to experience Africa, a place neither have been to before. 

Leigha notes, “We’re also getting to do a mission trip to Ecuador, but that is with the school; the trip to Africa is separate. And while we didn’t have a particular place in Africa that we wanted, we felt that if we could just get there, it would be such an impactful experience.” 

Rose of Sharon Welfare Organization, where Jessa and Leigha will be volunteering, is a Christian organisation on a mission to empower orphans and vulnerable children to be highly employable, self-reliant and knowledge competent. 

“We will be assisting, teaching, feeding, making meals – whatever is needed,” says Jessa.

When asked what they are the most excited about, both agree that the answer is, “everything!”

“We are just so fascinated with the African culture and can’t wait to see the children, the food, and to attend church and see how they worship.”

Support their mission by sending an e-transfer to zimbabwemission2024@gmail.com or delivering a cheque to the front desk at 4837 52A Street in Camrose. To learn more about the organization where Jessa and Leigha will complete their mission, visit http://www.roswo.org.

They conclude, “May our appreciation and love for our supporters be shared in the ministry that we will provide to the children in the orphanage.”