During their trip to Haiti earlier this month, two of our staff members got to witness local construction crews working tirelessly on phase two of the Haiti Sports Complex.⁣
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This part of the project includes a turf soccer field. In order to prevent erosion and to setup the complex for future expansion, a retaining wall over 650 feet long and 32 feet high is being constructed.⁣
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Due to a constantly changing political climate, it’s been difficult for Haitian crews to work consistently on this phase of the project. However, we are so proud of the progress that was made during our trip as we witnessed workers mixing and pouring concrete by hand in the sweltering heat!

The first person we'd like to recognize as part of the new Uplift Initiative is Tatenda Dzvokora.

Tatenda is a college student at North Dakota State University who, during his final season as a track & field athlete, collected more than 240 pairs of shoes to send to his home country of Zimbabwe.

“Seeing the smiles and what it did for them, it truly humbled me. It wasn’t something that I expected. I thought I was just doing a good thing for my school, but I realized it was bigger than that. This thing brought the whole community together.”

Tatenda faced many challenges throughout this process, including raising enough money to ship the shoes more than 9,000 miles. However, Tatenda, inspired by the Lord’s commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, found a way to get the shoes to Zimbabwe.

If you know someone like Tatenda, who is making a difference, big or small, in their community, join us by visiting the link below to nominate them for the Uplift Initiative. #AO1 #UpliftInitiative

www.ao1foundation.org/uplift

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
– 1 Peter 4:10

As we all navigate through this difficult time, we couldn’t think of a better opportunity to announce the launch of the Uplift Initiative!

The Uplift Initiative is our new, year-round program designed to inspire everyone, everywhere, everyday to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Every month, we will be sharing the stories of individuals whose actions align with our mission of “uplifting individuals and communities around the world by demonstrating God’s love for his people”. These people will be recognized through social media shoutouts, special gifts, and VIP access to AO1 events.

To be a part of the Uplift Initiative, nominate someone you know who is making a difference, big or small, in their community by visiting the link below! #AO1 #UpliftInitiative

www.ao1foundation.org/uplift