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Nelson students making a difference

Students at Nelson Christian Community School are learning that small sacrifices can have a huge impact on their world.
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Nelson Community Christian School students at work at Pines Bible Camp last month.

Students at Nelson Christian Community School are learning that small sacrifices can have a huge impact on their world.

In the first couple weeks of school, their efforts have been felt both near and far.

Upon hearing of children in Haiti who were staying home because they didn’t have money for school, NCCS students began collecting cans to recycle and earn quick money. Within days, together with a donation from VIBE clothing, enough money was raised to send five Haitian children to school this fall.

Looking for a way to impart compassion and caring for each other, teacher and principal Chara Rigby saw an opportunity in the recent storm destruction and tragedy at Pines Bible Camp near Grand Forks. While other schools are already going there for camp experiences, NCCS students went with one goal: To help restore the camp.

Using crowbars, shovels and hammers, their primary project was to deconstruct and clear out the amphitheatre in preparation for rebuilding.

Although 10 to 12 years in age, their strength, perseverance and teamwork was impressive as they accomplished their goal over two days.

“I feel proud of what we did,” said one student.

“I feel like we made a difference.”

“I want children to open their eyes to the amazing world around them and realize that what they do or don’t do really does have an impact,” says Rigby. “And in this way, use their gifts and abilities to help others.”