Mercy International Welcomes 9-Year-Old Natasha Leininger Home After Attending Special Ceremony in Uganda, Africa
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 26, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Today 9-year old Natasha Leininger returns from an inspiring two-week humanitarian mission after raising $25,000 for a school in Uganda, Africa. $25,000 seemed a heady goal for a 9-year-old, but Natasha not only presented a check for $25,000 to Les Huffman of Uganda Tree of Life Ministries for a school, but she also traveled to Africa for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school her efforts made possible.
Mercy International welcomes Natasha Leininger home after attending the ceremony and seeing her vision of a school become a reality. Natasha read a book about another child who raised funds for charity by shooting baskets so she tried to shoot baskets. After shooting 1000 three throws, Natasha only made 4, so basketball was out, but she still had a vision for helping children in Africa. God made Natasha a good reader so she turned to books.
With the support of her family, her University Model™ School Summit Christian Academy, and her church, Cross Mountain Church in San Antonio, Texas, Natasha inspired other students to participate in the first annual "From One Child to Another" read-a-thon. Child friends of Natasha called their friends and family and knocked at doors for sponsors, while Natasha spoke at churches and organizations across San Antonio.
Natasha has set her sights higher for next year to $60,000 for an orphanage in Uganda with a nationwide read-a-thon. She spoke at a national school convention and over sixty schools across the country have already committed to holding a "From One Child to Another" read-a-thon next year. In addition, another 9-year old, Faith Rosas, inspired by her best friend, Natasha, will be holding a first annual "Mutt Strut on Main" in Boerne, Texas, to raise money for water wells in Uganda.
We commend Natasha for her example of someone who has not let her age limit what God can do through her life. We encourage everyone to help Natasha help orphans in Africa by holding a read-a-thon in your school, church, or city, and by getting the word out about this amazing 9-year-old's heart and efforts.
For more information about this, please contact Natasha's mom, Shantel Leininger, at
